From the Office of Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT):
For Immediate Release
Subhan Cheema (Blumenthal) 202-224-0335
Giselle Barry (Markey) 202-224-2742
June 26, 2019
BLUMENTHAL & MARKEY INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CAR SHOPPERS FROM BUYING, LEASING, OR LOANING UNSAFE USED CARS
The Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act would close a safety loophole that poses large risk to American drivers & families
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) introduced the Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act to ensure used vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls are repaired before being sold, leased, or loaned to consumers. The bill requires used car dealers to repair any outstanding safety recalls in used automobiles prior to selling, leasing, or loaning them to consumers. Current federal law does not prohibit car dealers from selling cars with outstanding recalls despite the incredible risk posed to the safety of everyone on the road. State laws exist that prohibit the selling of unsafe vehicles, but these laws are not being adequately enforced. The legislation addresses this unacceptable gap in consumer protection that confuses car buyers who believe they are buying a product with safety assurances, and threatens the lives of everyone on our nation’s roads.
Blumenthal announced his intent to introduce the Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act at yesterday’s U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety hearing. Full video of Blumenthal’s comments highlighting the importance of the bill is available here.
“Consumers shouldn’t be sold or leased used cars with unrepaired safety issues. This bill will ensure auto-dealers repair dangerous and defective used cars before letting their customers drive them off the lot and onto our roads,” Blumenthal said. “This is a no-brainer measure to protect American consumers and our roads from unsafe cars.”
“All cars – whether they are brand new or used – need to be safe before they leave the lot,” said Markey. “I am pleased to work with Senator Blumenthal on this important legislation that will make sure unrepaired cars subject to an outstanding recall are not on our roads. Closing this loophole is a critical step toward improving safety for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
The bill is supported by Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, the Center for Auto Safety, Consumer Federation of America, and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.
“Passage of this important auto safety legislation will close a gaping safety loophole in federal law. Meanwhile, consumers victimized by dealers who play ‘recalled car roulette’ should fight back, using existing state consumer protection laws against such dangerous practices,” said Rosemary Shahan, President of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety.
“Vehicles with unrepaired recalls are unsafe for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and everyone on the road. Whether the vehicle was purchased new or used the danger is the same from non-deploying or exploding airbags, ignition switch failures causing a loss of motive power, or preventable vehicle fires. We are glad the Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act will address this unnecessary loophole millions of unsafe used cars fall through every year,” Jason Levine, Executive Director, Center for Auto Safety.
“The sale, lease or loan of used cars with known safety defects is a dangerous practice that potentially puts millions of drivers at risk. Recent high-profile recalls, as well as past efforts to cover up safety defects, have led to tragic loss of life and needless injuries. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ed Markey (D-MA) are to be commended for introducing a commonsense measure that will keep vehicles with unrepaired recalls off the roads. We urge Congress to pass the Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act to close this loophole. Second-hand cars should not mean second-rate safety,” said Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.
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