2016-01291: Update Means of Providing Notification; Improving Efficacy of Recalls

Summary

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to amend, by regulation, the means of notification required under the Safety Act, to be in a manner other than, or in addition to, first-class mail. Furthermore, Section 24104 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) expounds on the need to update the means of notification by requiring the Agency to include notification by electronic means in addition to first class mail notification, within 270 days of its enactment. MAP-21 also authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to improve the efficacy of recalls by requiring manufacturers to send additional notifications of defects or noncompliance if a second notification by the manufacturer does not result in an adequate number of motor vehicles or replacement equipment being returned for remedy. NHTSA seeks public comment on the means, in addition to first class mail, of providing notification to owners, purchasers, and dealers, by a manufacturer of a motor vehicle or replacement equipment, that the vehicle or equipment contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety or does not comply with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard. As a result of this ANPRM, the Agency anticipates receiving information that will aid the Agency in developing a rule implementing the notification requirements under MAP-21 and the FAST Act. The Agency anticipates that comments and information received will aid in updating the Agency's regulations.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 1 part of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 49 CFR 577 Defect and Noncompliance Notification