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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a press release about a consent order with car-sharing network Zipcar. According to the NHTSA, a recent investigation found that Zipcar allowed customers to rent vehicles with open recalls. This is in direct violation with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Consumers should be able to safely rent vehicles without worrying if they have unrepaired open recalls.  

Zip Car Facing $300,000 Civil Penalty  

Under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act of 2015, also known as the FAST Act, there is a prohibition on renting unrepaired recalled vehicles. This is the NHTSA’s first enforcement action against a rental car company for recalls. In addition to the consent order, there is a $300,000 civil penalty. Zipcar has to pay half of that penalty up front. The other half is deferred and may become payable under the consent order’s specific circumstances.  

Details of The Zipcar Consent Order  

At this time, the initial term of the consent order is for one year, but it may be extended at the NHTSA’s discretion. As part of the consent order, Zipcar is required to submit an audit report of all Zipcar vehicles with an open recall at any time within 150 calendar days after the effective date of the consent order. Additionally, there will be mandatory updates to Zipcar’s employee training materials about NHTSA compliance obligations. Finally, Zipcars’s written compliance procedures must be reviewed by outside counsel and submitted to the NHTSA for review.  

Getting Recalled Vehicles Repaired Swiftly  

If a recall has been issued on a vehicle, it means there is a dangerous problem that needs to be fixed. If your personal vehicle is under recall, it’s important to get it repaired and follow the manufacturer’s instructions prior to repair. Depending on the type of issue, there could be a “do not drive” order or a “park outside” warning. Rental car companies need to make sure all cars that are being rented to consumers are up-to-date with recall repairs too.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a recalled vehicle in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.