Rental Car Companies Agree to Fix Recalled Cars

USA Today is reporting that legislation that prohibits companies from renting recalled vehicles won’t be fought by the major rental car agencies. Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) are co-sponsors of the proposed law.

The bill gives rental car companies 24 hours to pull recalled vehicles from their fleet, and 48 hours if the recall affects more than 5,000 vehicles. If the recall notice lists steps that can be taken to ensure drivers’ safety until the parts are ready, the companies are allowed to keep the vehicles on the road until the repair can be performed. Under the legislation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would be given the authority to investigate and police the rental car companies.

Previously, the only major rental car company to voluntarily fix recalls was Hertz. Major holdouts included Avis, Budget, Dollar Thrifty and Enterprise; the latter also owns the Alamo and National brands.

Related
Rental car companies won’t rent recalled vehicles (USA Today)
Law Aims to End Recalled Rentals
Ignoring Vehicle Recalls is Dangerous