WASHINGTON, D.C. -

In a move cheered by OEM organizations, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced its plans to require automakers and motorcycle manufacturers to provide consumers with a free online tool that will enable them to search recall information by vehicle identification number starting next year.

“Safety is our highest priority, and an informed consumer is one of our strongest allies in that effort,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. “Owners and potential buyers alike will soon be able to identify whether a safety recall for their specific vehicle is incomplete, using our free online search at SaferCar.gov.”

In an ongoing effort to better provide consumers with specific vehicle safety information, NHTSA issued a final rule that will require all major automakers and motorcycle manufacturers to provide consumers with online access to recall information on vehicles searchable by VIN.

Officials said on Wednesday that this information must be updated at least weekly.

The agency explained consumers will be able to instantly determine whether action is required to address an uncompleted safety recall that affects their personal vehicle, as identified by their unique VIN.

While several automakers already offer this feature, NHTSA indicated those OEMs that do not will have until one year from Wednesday’s announcement to comply with the final rule.

This new search feature will also be available on www.safercar.gov. Currently, consumers are limited to general searches by vehicle make and model year on the NHTSA website.

With the new VIN search feature, consumers will be able to tell whether a specific vehicle is subject to a recall and whether the vehicle has received the remedy.

"Every day NHTSA is working for the American consumer to ensure that automakers and motorcycle manufacturers address safety defects and non-compliances, and that they also recall affected vehicles in a timely manner," said NHTSA administrator David Strickland.

"By making individual VIN searches readily available, we’re providing another service to car, light truck and motorcycle owners and potential owners — the peace of mind knowing that the vehicle they own, or that they are thinking of buying, is safe," Strickland went on to say.

Strickland also mentioned Wednesday’s announcement builds on NHTSA’s current efforts to provide consumers with information to help them make informed decisions, including the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) 5-Star Ratings System, and the new SaferCar mobile app, which can provide on-the-spot information on crash protection features, advanced safety features and recalls on new vehicles and many older models.

This final rule requires large volume car, light truck and motorcycle manufacturers to provide search capability for uncompleted safety recalls on their websites.

In addition, the rule will require manufacturers to inform NHTSA about exactly what type of propulsion system and crash avoidance technologies vehicles have.

Officials said this new information will assist NHTSA’s efforts to spot defect trends related to those systems and technologies.

Manufacturers also will be required to provide vehicle owners with direct notice of recalls within 60 days of notifying NHTSA that a recall is occurring.

OEM Organization Reaction to NHTSA Announcement

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said it supported NHTSA’s final rule on providing safety recall information on automaker websites.

“We all want speedy repair of recalled vehicles, and the goal here is to increase recall completion rates through greater consumer awareness,” the alliance said. “Providing safety recall information on the websites of automakers is both effective and saves duplication of efforts by government and manufacturers.”

Alliance members include BMW Group, Chrysler Group, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz USA, Mitsubishi, Porsche Cars North America, Toyota, Volkswagen Group of America and Volvo Cars of North America.

“Automakers can provide a one-stop digital storeroom for consumer information that the government cannot provide,” the alliance said.

“Automakers are already providing safety recall information on their own websites. Consumers go to automaker websites when they were looking to buy their car, so it makes sense to provide safety recall information on those same websites,” the organization added.

“Not only are consumers familiar with the websites of auto companies, but these websites also provide additional information on vehicles and customer service campaigns that would not be available on a separate government website, which was an option that the government chose not to adopt. However, NHTSA will link to the websites of automakers to help expand consumer awareness,” alliance officials went on to say.

Mike Cammisa, the director of safety for Association of Global Automakers, gave a similar assessment of NHTSA’s final rule.

“The Association of Global Automakers is pleased with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s announcement that lets manufacturers continue to provide consumers information related to all open recalls for both safety and emissions for a specific VIN, as well as any available customer satisfaction campaigns on their websites,” Cammisa said.

“We are happy with NHTSA’s decision not to create an additional database,” he continued. “Letting manufacturers continue to host recall information on their own websites will avoid potential confusion for consumers looking to find recall information quickly and efficiently.”

Along with Toyota, association members include Aston Martin, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Maserati, McLean, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru and Suzuki.

“Global Automakers’ members currently make vehicle recall information available to consumers through many channels, including manufacturer websites, toll-free numbers, dealers and through arrangements with third-party providers of vehicle history information,” Cammisa said.

“Through these channels, consumers can determine whether a specific vehicle has been involved in a recall action and whether or not that vehicle has had the recall repair completed,” he went on to say.

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