July 8, 2013—According to a report in The Detroit News, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is getting close to finalizing a database that will allow the nation’s 240 million car and truck owners to determine if their vehicles have been recalled or previously fixed.
A highway-funding bill signed into law last July requires the new online database to be completed by Oct. 1.
The new search tool at safercar.gov will allow vehicle owners to search by vehicle identification number (VIN) compared to the previous make and model search.
The Detroit News reports mixed feelings about the requirement of automakers to submit VIN numbers of recalled vehicles to the government.
Honda Motor Co., Toyota and Ford Motor Co. have all spoken out against the plan, saying it will be too costly and that existing systems are adequate.
