A Bill to Authorize Elements of the Department of Transportation, and for Other Purposes

On July 9, 2015 Sen. Thune (R-SD) introduced S.1732, a comprehensive surface transportation reauthorization bill which includes key safety reforms in response to recent vehicle recalls. Title IV of the bill includes provisions to increase recall completion rates, improve consumer awareness, and require NHTSA to fix ODI deficiencies. S.1732 also reauthorizes NHTSA including approving a total of almost $840 million over six years for vehicle safety efforts.

The following are key point from Title IV of S. 1732:

New Requirements on Industry Recall Completion Rates to Fix Defective Vehicles

1. Requires franchise dealers to inform the consumer of any open recalls every time a vehicle is brought in for service

2. Requires rental car companies to remedy a recall or provide the consumer with notice of an open recall before they rent the vehicle

3. Increses time for tire manufacturers to provide remedies free of charge to consumers for defective tires in order to increase the number of consumers who receive the fix

Improves Consumer Awareness of Vehicle Safety Information

Creates a 2-year state pilot grant to inform consumers of open vehicle recalls at the time of motor vehicle registration

1. Improves the usability, organization, availability, and readability of safercar.gov

2. Improves guidance for consumers on how to provide safety information to NHTSA

3. Requires information on crash avoidance technology, intended to help prevent

Increases Oversight over NHTSA to Ensure Accountability

1. Requires the Department of Transportation Inspector General and NHTSA to provide updates on NHTSA’s progress to address the deficiencies identified by the Inspector General’s audit of the defect identification and investigation process

2. Directs further audits of NHTSA’s vehicle recall process

S.1732 is the Republican competitor to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, S.1743 introduced by Sen. Nelson (D-FL) to reform NHTSA and provide greater vehicle safety.

The bill was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 

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