ABA Family Legal Guide

Automobiles

Consumer Protections

Recalls

What happens if the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) orders a recall?

Once the recall campaign begins, the NHTSA assigns a campaign number and file. During the campaign's first six quarters (year and a half), the manufacturer must report its completion rate based on the number of vehicles actually repaired. The NHTSA may verify these figures.

The manufacturer may challenge the recall in court, but if its case fails, it faces a huge fine.