Rental Car Safety Recalls

When you’re traveling for business or are on a family vacation and you rent a car, what vehicle do you choose and why? Do you rent based on size, price, fuel economy, or comfort? What about vehicle safety?

Did you know that rental car companies are allowed to rent and even sell cars that are involved in a safety recall and are defective? While this may seem inexcusable, these rental car companies have not broken any laws because current statutes and regulations do not require rental car companies to fix recalled vehicles. New federal legislation however hopes to ensure the safety of millions of people who rent cars.

A new bill introduced by Senator Charles E. Schumer, called the Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2011, would make it so car rental companies could not rent recalled vehicles that have not been fixed and would prohibit the sale of rental cars with uncorrected defects.

The bill also requires two studies – One study would address reports that rental companies have ordered new vehicles without side air bags or other safety features. The second study would determine whether rental car companies were selling cars that they knew were about to be recalled.

“Most consumers would never expect that the rental car they are driving is defective or was subject to a recall,” said attorney Scott Murray. “This bill will help prevent tragic automobile accidents and make our roadways safer.”

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a rental car as a results of rental car not properly maintaining their cars and trucks, and would like to know more about your legal rights, please contact us here.