Ensuring vehicle and road safety is a continuous effort, demanding collaboration between various stakeholders. A significant stride in this direction has been achieved through the Vehicle Recall Search Service (VRSS), a joint initiative between the automotive industry and CARFAX. This groundbreaking partnership has now processed over 1 billion vehicle checks for unfixed safety recalls, marking a major milestone in protecting car owners and shoppers.
Since its launch in March 2018, the VRSS has gained increasing traction among state governments and businesses. This innovative and free Car Recall Search Tool empowers users to efficiently identify open recalls across numerous vehicles simultaneously. By utilizing this service, organizations can proactively inform consumers about outstanding recalls requiring attention, allowing them to get necessary repairs done at no cost.
Dick Raines, CEO of CARFAX, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “This great milestone underscores our growing partnership with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation toward our shared goal of increasing public safety. For more than two decades, CARFAX has never wavered in our commitment to alerting people about open recalls. Combined with the additional recall resources we provide to consumers and CARFAX Advantage dealers, our data indicates more recalled cars are getting fixed.”
John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the industry’s commitment to vehicle safety. “The industry strongly supports efforts to increase recall completion rates. That’s why we were pleased to join CARFAX in working together to advance recall awareness,” Bozzella said. “As automakers, we understand the importance of recall notification. And we encourage all eligible entities to use our free batch VIN database. The VRSS is a key component in the extensive efforts individual automakers already make to help inform the public of open recalls.”
The VRSS car recall search tool is available to approved commercial and government entities, including state departments of motor vehicles (DMVs), auto insurers, ride-sharing companies, rental car agencies, automotive dealerships, vehicle fleets, and finance companies. These organizations can leverage the tool to enhance safety protocols and ensure vehicles under their purview are recall-free. More detailed information about the program is readily accessible here.
Dr. Steven Cliff, acting administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), underscored the life-saving potential of addressing vehicle recalls. “Repairing a recalled vehicle could save someone’s life,” Dr. Cliff stated. “But you have to know about a recall before you can fix it. This tool allows fleet vehicle owners and other entities to make safety a priority.”
Currently, five states, encompassing nearly 70 million drivers, are registered users of the VRSS car recall search tool, actively utilizing it to directly notify consumers about open recalls affecting their vehicles. Texas, the most recent state to join, launched its program just last month, joining California and New York in checking for open recalls during routine vehicle inspections. Ohio and Maryland incorporate the service into their vehicle registration processes. To date, these proactive states have identified a staggering 11.1 million open recalls, demonstrating the tool’s significant impact on consumer safety. Overall, over 39% of vehicles on U.S. roads have been checked using the CARFAX VRSS, showcasing its widespread adoption and effectiveness.
State officials who have integrated the VRSS car recall search tool into their operations attest to its value in serving their communities and enhancing road safety.
Chrissy Nizer, Administrator of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration, emphasized Maryland’s commitment to safety, stating, “As we strive for zero fatalities on our roadways in Maryland, resolving vehicle safety recalls remains a priority. Here in Maryland, we are proud to be doing our part to notify drivers of open recalls on their vehicles as part of the vehicle registration process.”
Charlie Norman, Registrar for the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), highlighted the innovative public-private partnership facilitated by the VRSS. “The safety of Ohioans is our top priority,” Norman said. “The BMV’s public-private partnership with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Carfax is an innovative way to proactively alert motorists to potential vehicle safety issues, which will ultimately keep Ohio’s roadways safer.”
The CARFAX VRSS car recall search tool complements ongoing initiatives by automakers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure public awareness of open safety recalls. To discover more about this invaluable recall search tool and to apply for access, please visit www.vehiclerecallsearchservice.org. By utilizing this free resource, businesses and government agencies can make significant strides in improving vehicle safety and protecting drivers across the nation.
