While car manufacturers are required to fix problems on recalled vehicles, car rental agencies aren’t. So, if you’re planning on renting a car for the holidays, you’ll want to pay attention to how you can ensure the car is safe.
“Even if used car dealers or franchised dealers know of a recall, there is no requirement that they tell prospective buyers or make the repairs before a sale,” said the Government Accountability Office study released Wednesday to news reports. “Nor does the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which oversees auto safety, have the power to order dealers to make the repairs or to warn buyers”
As a North Charleston car accident attorney, I urge consumers to ask the rental company agent to check the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) for any outstanding recalls. Checking for a recall is quick and easy and will allow you the choice of picking to drive a vehicle that hasn’t been recalled.
Asking about potential recalls is the safest way car renters can protect themselves from faulty vehicles until a federal law is passed.
“U.S. safety officials launched an investigation to determine how quickly rental car companies repair vehicles that have been recalled for safety issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has sent letters to GM, Chrysler and Ford for details on the recall repair status of nearly three million cars that are commonly rented,” according to news reports.
As as a North Charleston car accident attorney, I think it’s important to try to fix all recalled vehicles before putting them on the road. There have been nearly 20 million auto recalls this year alone, according to ABC News, and nearly one in three cars on the roads have recalled parts or problems
