The federal government has implemented new regulations aiming to help Canadian drivers stay up-to-date on safety recalls for their vehicles.
Automakers are now required to offer a free web-based service that permits searches for vehicle-specific recall information using a vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), new rules published by Transport Canada say.
“The objective of the regulations is to make safety recall information available faster and more accessible,” the ministry said on Dec. 16, which was first covered by Blacklock’s Reporter. “The regulations are expected to be particularly useful to people who have changed address, or purchased a vehicle or vehicle equipment second-hand, and where a company does not have the current owner’s personal contact information.”
Auto manufacturer websites will also be required to supply the same basic information for each safety recall, according to the rules. This includes providing the make, model, and model year of the affected vehicle, a description of the defect and potential safety risks, precautions to minimize those risks, and when the corrective measures are expected to be available.
The information must also include contact details for questions concerning a safety recall, the method for reporting a suspected safety issue, and the process for notifying the company about a change in ownership.
That information will need to remain on the companies’ websites for at least 15 years for vehicles and 10 years for vehicle equipment, aligning with the average lifespan of vehicles and parts in Canada, the government said.
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Previously, the Motor Vehicle Safety Act only required automakers and part manufacturers to mail recall notices to new buyers. The revamped regulations means all drivers will be able to access recall information, even if the warranty has expired on their vehicle or they bought it second-hand.
The rules will apply to automotive companies, and tire and auto part manufacturers.
Recalls On the Rise
The new rules come at a time when vehicle safety recalls are on the rise.
The number of safety recalls has grown considerably over the past two decades, rising from 248 in 2002, to 710 in 2023, according to Transport Canada figures. A total of 111 separate companies issued safety recalls in 2023 impacting more than four million vehicles and vehicle equipment.
Current government estimates suggest that more than one in five vehicles on Canada’s roads today have an unresolved safety recall.
“Based on a total of 33.3 million registered vehicles in 2019, if one in five vehicles did not have the issue resolved, then approximately 6.6 million unsafe vehicles are operating on Canadian roads, endangering not only the occupants but also other road users,” Transport Canada said. “Unresolved safety issues affecting vehicles and vehicle equipment can lead to property damage, injury or even death.”
The new regulations are expected to incur costs totalling $4.94 million over a 10-year period from 2024 to 2033, Transport Canada said.
Expenses will be incurred by vehicle and vehicle equipment manufacturers and importers for website development, while Transport Canada will bear the costs related to conducting audits.
The government said the change will benefit automotive manufacturers in the long run, noting that having fewer vehicles operating with outstanding safety issues is likely to “reduce potential liability and reputational harm to companies.”
“Despite the fact that the regulations will result in a monetized cost, [Transport Canada] anticipates that the qualitative benefits to safety will outweigh the monetized costs,” the notice added. “Having fewer vehicles with outstanding safety recalls on the road would mean a lower number of injuries, severe injuries, and fatalities for Canadians.”
