NHTSA brainstorms recall tech: Fix cars before owners forget
Published Date: 9/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is hosting a public meeting on November 5, 2026, to explore new tech and ideas for making vehicle safety recalls work better. Car makers, safety experts, and the public will discuss how to reach car owners faster and get repairs done quicker. If you want to join, register by October 29, and you can share your thoughts until December 5, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Large Number of Recalls and Affected Vehicles
In 2025, NHTSA administered nearly 900 vehicle safety recalls affecting more than 29.2 million vehicles in the U.S. NHTSA notes challenges reaching owners of used vehicles, incomplete or outdated owner contact information, and disparities in recall completion among different vehicle populations.
Growth in OTA, Mobile Repair, and Digital Outreach
Manufacturers are increasingly using digital communications, connected-vehicle technologies, mobile repair, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates—approaches NHTSA says can reduce the time and burden for owners to obtain recall remedies.
In-Person NHTSA Public Meeting — Register by Oct 29
NHTSA is holding an in-person public meeting on November 5, 2026 at DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC. Anyone who wants to attend must register by October 29, 2026, and the public docket will accept comments until December 5, 2026.
NHTSA Seeking Input to Improve Recall Performance
NHTSA intends to use stakeholder input from the November 5, 2026 meeting and public comments (open until December 5, 2026) to inform upcoming agency activities aimed at increasing recall completion rates, improving communication of safety risks, reducing burdens on affected vehicle owners, and identifying effective recall practices.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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