NHTSA Alters VIN-Based Recall Tool Mandate,But Still Plans on Hosting Own Database

Auto manufacturers will be allowed to host their own online tools for searching safety recalls by vehicle identification number, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Aug. 14, announcing a final rule that substantially differs from the agency’s 2012 proposal.

NHTSA initially proposed the creation of its own database accessible through its safercars.gov website.

Affected manufacturers would have had to electronically submit to NHTSA the vehicle identification number (VIN) of each vehicle that potentially contained a defect or noncompliance issue affected by a safety recall campaign.

Car makers also would have had to electronically submit to NHTSA the recall remedy ...