Is Your Vehicle The Subject Of a Defect Investigation?

Feb 17, 2021 | Car Problems Car Complaints, Consumer Protection

NHTSA Active Vehicle Defect Investigations 

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is making consumers aware that monthly reports of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) recalls and active vehicle defect investigations can be viewed by clicking “NHTSA Monthly Reports: Recalls and Investigations.”

Investigations are grouped according to type of investigation (i.e., Preliminary Evaluation, Engineering Analysis, Recall Query, and Defect/Recall Petition) and identify the products under investigation, the alleged problem, and the investigation status.

For details on specific investigations, consumers can enter the investigation’s “Action#” in the NHTSA SAFETY ISSUE ID box, after selecting the “search by NHTSA ID” link on the NHTSA “Safety Issues & Recalls” page (click here.)

Types of NHTSA Defect Investigations

The types of defect investigations are defined by the NHTSA as follows:

PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (“PE”)

Initial phase of a NHTSA investigation, a PE is prompted after a review of consumer complaints and/or manufacturer service bulletins suggest a safety defect may exist. The results of a PE determine whether the investigation will be upgraded to an Engineering Analysis or closed. Most PEs are resolved within four months.

ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (“EA”)

Second and final phase of a NHTSA investigation, an EA is undertaken if data from a PE indicate further examination of a potential safety defect is warranted. The results of an EA determine whether a safety recall should be initiated or the investigation should be closed. Most EAs are resolved within one year.

RECALL QUERY (“RQ”)

NHTSA monitors recalls to ensure that the scope, completion rate, and remedy are adequate. If recall adequacy comes into question, an RQ is opened to determine if the scope of the recall should be expanded or an adjustment in existing remedies is required.

DEFECT OR RECALL PETITION (“DP” OR “RP”)

NHTSA may be petitioned to investigate an alleged safety defect or whether a manufacturer has successfully carried out the requirements of a recall. If the petition is granted, NHTSA opens an appropriate investigation. If the petition is denied, the reasons for denial are published in the Federal Register.

VEHICLE OWNERS AND LESSEES AFFECTED BY AUTOMOTIVE DEFECTS OR SAFETY RECALLS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT KEHOE LAW FIRM, P.C., [email protected], FOR A FREE, NO-OBLIGATION EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL LEGAL CLAIMS.  

Source: NHTSA.gov

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Has Your Vehicle Been Involved In A Safety Recall?

Feb 15, 2021 | Car Problems Car Complaints, Consumer Protection

Consumers Have The Ability To Check To See If Their Vehicle Is Involved In A Safety Recall 

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is making consumers aware that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) provides a Vehicle Identification Number Search Tool (“VIN Search Tool”) which allows vehicle owners to determine if a specific vehicle needs to be repaired as part of a safety recall. 

Vehicle Identification Number (“VIN”) & The VIN Search Tool

Vehicle owners can look at the lower left side of their car’s windshield for the unique, 17-character VIN. The VIN is also located on a car’s registration card, and it may also be printed on a vehicle insurance card.

The VIN Search Tool Will Show

• An unrepaired vehicle affected by a vehicle safety recall in the past 15 calendar years;
• Vehicle safety recalls from major light auto automakers, motorcycle manufacturers, and some medium/heavy truck manufacturers.

The VIN Search Tool Will Not Show

• A vehicle with a repaired safety recall. If a vehicle has no unrepaired recalls, the message: “0 Unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN” will appear;
• Manufacturer customer service or other nonsafety recall campaign;
• International vehicles;
• There may be a delay with very recently announced safety recalls for which not all VINs have been identified. VINs are added continuously and should be checked regularly;
• Safety recalls that are more than 15 years old (except where a manufacturer offers more coverage);
• Safety recalls conducted by small vehicle manufacturers, including some ultra-luxury brands and specialty applications.

How To Check A Vehicle’s VIN For Safety Issues & Recalls

To check a vehicle affected by a safety recall, please click VIN Search Tool and enter the vehicle’s 17-character VIN.

Additional Information About Motor Vehicle Safety Defects And Recalls

Please click “What Every Vehicle Owner Should Know,” for more information about motor vehicle safety defects and recalls, including information about how and why recall campaigns are initiated, as well as one’s rights and responsibilities when a vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment is recalled.

Do You Think You Have Experienced An Automotive/Vehicle Defect? Is Your Vehicle The Subject Of A Defect Investigation?

If you have been affected by a vehicle problem, please contact Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. by completing the form on the right, or by sending an e-mail to [email protected], to help you determine whether your vehicle is the subject of a defect investigation or to request a free, no-obligation evaluation of potential legal claims.

Source: NHTSA.gov

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.