The Canadian Minister of Transport has amended the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Recall Information) regulations to enhance vehicle safety. The new rules took effect beginning Jan. 1.
Transport Canada estimated that one in five vehicles used in Canada have unresolved recall issues. Although companies are required to notify owners of recalls and how to correct them, owners may not always receive notifications. Address changes or expired warranties could prevent owners from receiving notifications.
Under the amended regulations, companies will be required to provide recall information online, enabling owners to access information more easily.
The regulations require companies issuing a safety recall to publish safety recall-related information on their websites in a timely manner. The regulations standardize the information required, provide a timeline by which companies must make such information available and facilitate Canadians’ ability to find recall information.
Transport Canada said the ability to find recall information is especially relevant in cases where company safety recall notifications are not received by the current vehicle or vehicle equipment owner due to missing, erroneous or incomplete owner’s contact information.
The Minister of Transport will designate select companies to include an online vehicle identification number (VIN) search tool. Consumers will be able to enter their vehicle VIN to determine whether recall notices are outstanding.
Transport Canada expects costs to total $4.94 million between 2024-2033. Costs will apply to OE manufacturers and OE suppliers and importers for website development. The regulations are also expected to reduce written re-notification costs.
For more information on the amended legislation, click here.
