Originally published in the June 2016 edition of Tech Trends (e-newsletter and as an article within NTEA News), this article is also available to you below as an employee of an NTEA member company.
In the last year, record numbers of vehicle recalls have been reported. It’s important to remember recalls are not just for passenger cars or their OEMs — they can affect upfitters and equipment manufacturers as well.
As final-stage manufacturers and alterers, upfitters have many of the same responsibilities and obligations as chassis manufacturers when it comes to recalls. NTEA receives questions from upfitters informed by equipment suppliers that they purchased recalled components. These upfitters want to know how they are required to help.
How to assist during a recall
- As a final-stage manufacturer or alterer who has installed a piece of recalled equipment, you have an obligation to help inform the vehicle owner.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers a Safety Recall Compendium that covers all duties and obligations of notifying NHTSA, dealers and distributors, owners, and purchasers.
- NTEA provides access to Recalls of Interest , a monthly summary from NHTSA which may be helpful to fleets.
Additional resource available from NTEA
The Association hosted a webinar for members titled, “Are equipment recalls your responsibility?” Access the recording and presentation .
Are you faced with technical or engineering challenges?
Contact the Technical and Engineering Hotline at 800-441-6832 for individual attention on varied topics such as Federal Excise Tax, truck certification and labeling, vehicle compliance and truck spec’ing. The Hotline is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (EST). Members can contact the Association as frequently as needed.