Safety recall problems for UK cars!
on April 28th, 2011 at 10:53 pmThe UK’s car safety recall system needs a complete overhaul, says Which? Car as it compares the effectiveness of the US and UK watchdogs. The British system, administered by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), allows carmakers to determine when recalls are necessary – whereas in the US the National Highway Traffic System Administration (NHTSA) uses its power to force manufacturers into action if it believes a car has a safety problem. In 2010, the NHTSA instigated 118 recalls, VOSA zero. At least, Which? Car believes VOSA didn’t force any recalls as the government body declined to tell the consumer champion. Further investigation found a Freedom of Information response on its website: “VOSA has not been required to use its powers to force a manufacturer into conducting a recall.”* In the past three years, NHTSA investigations have resulted in 492 actions, involving more than 20 million vehicles. And Which? Car has found evidence of cars being recalled in the US, but not the UK. For example, in 2005 Volvo USA recalled V70 models made between 1999 and 2002 to fix a throttle fault that caused a sudden massive reduction in power steering, braking assistance and engine power, while Volvo UK did not. More
