About Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversees safety recalls of  motor vehicles as well as tires, child safety seats, and other items of motor vehicle equipment.  When one of these products experiences a safety-related defect or is not compliant with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), NHTSA is charged with ensuring public safety. Although almost all recalls are undertaken voluntarily by manufacturers, they may be strongly encouraged by NHTSA as part of an ongoing safety defect investigation, or advocated for by individuals or consumer groups who can petition NHTSA to open an investigation into a particular defect. Rarely, NHTSA will order an automaker or other supplier to conduct a recall. For a weekly update of the newest recalls, follow our #RecallRoundup via Twitter or Facebook.  To check a vehicle for recalls, investigations, complaints and other issues visit the Center’s Vehicle Safety Check.

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Key Issues

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Current Recalls & Investigations

 

Investigations

• SmartCar Fortwo Coupe (2008-09), Fortwo Cabrio (2008-09): NHTSA investigated complaints of non-crash engine fires. Investigation determined that defective insulation could result in fire, and the investigation was closed on August 21 with a recall. Affected population: 42,992; Complaints: 27 (EA 17-003)

 

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Ongoing Problems

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Major & Historic Recalls

Some recalls and investigations stand out from the rest. For example, the Ford Pinto will always be remembered for its exploding gas tanks long after everything else is forgotten about the car. Find out more about these recalls here.

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