Dem senators want used car dealers to fix recalled autos

A pair of Democratic senators is filing legislation that would require used car dealerships to fix recalled autos before they can resell them. 

The measure, from Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), follows widespread recalls among several auto companies last year infuriated lawmakers. 

The senators said their measure would close a loophole that exists between new and used car purchases and protect U.S. drivers. 

{mosads}“The Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act would ensure that purchasers of used cars do not have to worry that they could be buying a car with a known safety defect,” Blumenthal said in a statement. 

“There are now more than 46 million cars and trucks on our nation’s roads with unrepaired safety recalls; last year alone, five million used cars subject to safety recalls were sold to new owners without the necessary repairs,” he continued. “This critical legislation will protect consumers and help reduce the number of unsafe cars on the road.”

Markey agreed, saying “used car sales should not need a safety ‘Buyer Beware’ sign. 

“It is not acceptable for a dealer to collect all of the money and assume none of the risk,” Markey said. “Whether a car is brand new or used, we need to make sure that all cars are safe before they leave the lot. We need to do that when the recall is announced, when a car is sold, and when drivers go to register their cars. I thank Senator Blumenthal for his continued partnership on this legislation and efforts to keepour roads and drivers safe.”

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) said the used car recall legislation may be premature because most auto recalls are minor in nature. 

“America’s franchised auto dealers believe that legislative and regulatory proposals to address open recalls should not unnecessarily raise costs for consumers or unfairly punish small businesses,” the group said in a statement that was provided to The Hill. “The overwhelming majority of recalls involve issues that do not warrant the drastic step of grounding. We look forward to reviewing government estimates of how much these proposals would cost consumers and information on their commensurate safety benefit so Congress can make an informed decision on this important public policy matter.”

-This story was updated with new information on March 28 at 1:15 a.m.