NHTSA to Truckers: Your Wheel Nuts Are Fine, No Probe Needed
Published Date: 8/17/2026
Notice
Summary
NHTSA said no to a request to investigate wheel fasteners on big trucks because the problem didn’t seem serious enough. Truck drivers and manufacturers can keep rolling without changes or extra costs for now. The agency carefully checked the facts and decided this issue doesn’t need a safety fix at this time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
No Investigation for Truck Wheel Fasteners
NHTSA denied defect petition DP26002 about wheel fasteners on heavy vehicles, closing the review opened March 4, 2026, and published August 17, 2026. The petition concerned 10-285.75 mm bolt circle wheels (10 Hole 22.5" Hub Pilot Wheels). Truck drivers and manufacturers can continue operating without new agency-ordered changes or added costs for now.
Denial Leaves Door Open for Future Action
NHTSA said its denial does not prevent the Agency from taking future action if it receives additional information showing a safety-related defect. The Office of Defects Investigation reviewed VOQ, EWR, and six months of MCMIS data and found insufficient evidence, but may revisit the issue later.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11072, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 214; Side Impact Protection; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 305a; Electric-Powered Vehicles: Electric Powertrain Integrity; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 307; Fuel System Integrity of Hydrogen Vehicles
Starting July 6, 2026, car makers must follow updated safety rules that clean up old, outdated side-impact protection standards and fix related rules for electric and hydrogen vehicles. These changes make the rules clearer without adding new costs or big changes for manufacturers. If anyone wants to challenge the updates, they have until July 20, 2026, to speak up.
2026-08144, Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-05024, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 102 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles
NHTSA wants to update a safety rule to help self-driving cars that don’t have steering wheels or gear shifts. They’re proposing to remove the need for a gear position display in these automated vehicles, cutting costs without hurting safety. If you have thoughts, speak up by April 15, 2026!
2026-05023, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 103 and FMVSS No. 104 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles; Incorporation by Reference
NHTSA is updating rules for windshield defrosting, defogging, wiping, and washing to better fit self-driving cars that don’t have steering wheels or pedals. These cars won’t have to follow old rules meant for human drivers, cutting costs and unnecessary requirements without hurting safety. The changes kick in about six months after the final rule, and manufacturers can still add these features if they want.
2025-22674, Public Hearing for Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards: The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicle Rule III for Model Years 2022 to 2031 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks
The government is holding a virtual public hearing on January 7, 2026, about new fuel economy rules for cars and light trucks from 2022 to 2031. These rules aim to keep vehicles safer and more affordable while improving fuel efficiency. If you care about how much gas your car uses or how much you pay at the pump, this is your chance to speak up before the rules are finalized.
2026-16735, New Car Assessment Program (NCAP); Removal of Dynamic Rollover Resistance Test and Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Testing; Updates to NCAP's 10-Year Roadmap
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to stop two old car safety tests—the rollover resistance and side air bag out-of-position tests—because they've done their job. They’re also updating their 10-year plan to focus on newer, more important safety tech that can save more lives. Car makers, safety fans, and the public can share their thoughts by October 16, 2026, as these changes aim to keep safety info fresh without extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16747, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; New Collection: Title-Requests for DOJ Certification Letters for T Visa Holders
The Criminal Division, Department of Justice (DOJ), will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Next: 2026-16751, Agency Information Collection Activities; Oil and Gas Drilling Operations
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) proposes to renew an information collection.