A recall is an action by the Company to remedy a safety or emissions related concern related to a vehicle defect or regulatory requirement. It may require that you return your vehicle to the dealer for service. If your vehicle is not affected, it may be because it was built at a different time or using a different part than the affected vehicles.
The recall system for motor vehicles in the U.S. was first introduced in 1966 to solve potential safety problems. These problems are defined as defects that could cause loss of vehicle control such as steering, braking, fire, or repeated stalling. The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act give the NHTSA the authority to require manufacturers to recall vehicles with safety-related defects.
Recalls may be either voluntary or mandatory. The government gives manufacturers the opportunity to announce recalls voluntarily. If the manufacturers do not agree with the government’s recall decision, they can resolve the disputes in the courts.
There are many steps before a final decision to recall vehicles is made. Manufacturers may begin their initial recall process once they find some safety-related defects; even if there have been no complaint reports from their customers. This decision can be made based on their own investigative activities, given that they regularly monitor the quality of the vehicles.
Whether a safety recall is conducted by the vehicle manufacturer, or is ordered by the NHTSA, the manufacturer must file a public report describing:
- The safety-related defect or noncompliance with a federal motor vehicle safety standard;
- The involved vehicle/equipment population;
- The major events that resulted in the recall determination;
- A description of the remedy; and
- A schedule for the recall
Nissan Motor Co. is recalling 40,582 of its 2007 Altima cars, the automaker’s best-selling U.S. vehicle, because the air filter can catch fire if a hot object is drawn into it.
The filter will be replaced because it can ignite if something hot such as cigarette ash enters through the vehicle’s fresh-air intake valve, Nissan said. An air deflector also will be installed to prevent a buildup of debris at the filter.
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 3.6 million passenger cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans to address concerns about a cruise control switch that has led to previous recalls based on reports of fires. The company is doing this in order to respond to customer concerns about the safety of the switch.
The filter will be replaced because it can ignite if something hot such as cigarette ash enters through the vehicle’s fresh-air intake valve, Nissan said. An air deflector also will be installed to prevent a buildup of debris at the filter.
Recalls and other remedies are usually conducted voluntarily by the manufacturer, although EPA has the authority to order a manufacturer to recall and fix non complying vehicles. Most recalls are initiated voluntarily by manufacturers once a potential noncompliance is discovered. These voluntary actions could be influenced indirectly by the potential for EPA action. Some voluntary recalls are directly influenced via EPA in discussions with manufacturers.
Please contact our licensed attorneys for more suggestions if you have entitled under vehicle recall by calling our toll-free telephone number 1-800-US-LEMON (1-800-875-3666), emailing us at queries@consumerlawcenter.com