Legislation would close used car dealer loophole that poses large safety-risk to drivers, passengers
(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced legislation to ensure used vehicles containing recalled, unsafe parts are repaired before being sold or leased. Dealers are currently allowed to sell or lease cars with outstanding recalls despite the incredible risk posed to the safety of everyone on roadways.
The Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act requires used car dealers to repair any outstanding safety recalls in used automobiles prior to selling or leasing. While manufacturers and new car dealers are prohibited from selling vehicles containing recalled parts, there is no current law prohibiting used car dealers from selling or leasing vehicles containing dangerous parts. The Act addresses the 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 country’s roadways.
“The Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act would ensure that purchasers of used cars do not have to worry that they could be buying a car with a known safety defect,” said Senator Blumenthal. “There are now more than 46 million cars and trucks on our nation’s roads with unrepaired safety recalls; last year alone, five million used cars subject to safety recalls were sold to new owners without the necessary repairs.This critical legislation will protect consumers and help reduce the number of unsafe cars on the road.”
“Used car sales should not need a safety 'Buyer Beware' sign,” said Senator Markey. “It is not acceptable for a dealer to collect all of the money and assume none of the risk. Whether a car is brand new or used, we need to make sure that all cars are safe before they leave the lot. We need to do that when the recall is announced, when a car is sold, and when drivers go to register their cars. I thank Senator Blumenthal for his continued partnership on this legislation and efforts to keep our roads and drivers safe.”
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