With a record number of recalls this year, the automobile industry has been under tight scrutiny. But even with increased efforts to address problems, known safety recalls continue to evade the United States market. According to a New York Times review of over 500 international recalls, there have been dozens of instances within the last ten years which have prompted recalls or other safety related actions in foreign countries, that have not been treated the same in the United States.
- The Times found at least 33 safety actions in foreign countries that never fully led to American recalls. The defects involved critical parts such as airbags, brakes, steering, and electrical systems.
- They found at least nine additional foreign actions by automakers that did result in recalls in the United States, but well after the five day period during which they were required by law to report it.
- In some instances, a less urgent alert known as a technical service bulletins (TSB) was sent to dealers instead of ordering a recall. (TSB’s are rarely sent to vehicle owners and should not be used to correct serious safety problems.)
- In other cases, the companies said that recalls were unnecessary because of different weather or road conditions or because the occurrence was relatively lower in the United States.
According to the Transportation Recall Enhancement Accountability and Documentation Act (Tread Act) of 2000, automakers are required to notify regulators about recalls and safety-related actions in other countries that involve vehicles with similar counterparts in the United States. When asked about foreign recall practices, automakers say they disclose their decisions to the NHTSA.
The NHTSA say they are constantly evaluating a large amounts of data to assess whether a recall is justified domestically. When asked about The New York Times’s findings, the safety agency emphasized the different recall laws and practices around the world and said the sample was relatively small, adding that they would re-evaluate the cases and take action if required.
