Response to Request for Comment on Reporting of Information and Documents about Potential Defects
The Center for Auto Safety is the nation’s premier independent, member driven, non-profit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to improving vehicle safety, quality, and fuel economy on behalf of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
November 29, 2021
Contact: Jason Levine, [email protected] or (202) 328-7700
Re: Agency Information Collection Activities; Notice and Request for Comment; Reporting of Information and Documents About Potential Defects, Docket No. NHTSA-2021-0101.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on NHTSA’s reinstatement with modification of a previously approved collection of information regarding the reporting of information and documents about potential safety defects.1 The Center for Auto Safety (CAS), founded in 1970, is an independent, member supported, non-profit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to improving vehicle safety, quality, and fuel economy. In 2020, we celebrated 50 years of advocacy for automotive safety and consumer protection.
The collection of information under consideration has been in force since NHTSA’s implementation of the TREAD Act two decades ago and consists of three critical information sources supporting the decisions of the agency’s defect and compliance enforcement staff as they evaluate potential vehicle safety issues. The TREAD Act’s provisions were implemented in 49 CFR Part 579, Reporting of Information and Communications about Potential Defects. These provisions were enacted in response to one of the largest and deadliest defect incidents in vehicle safety history and were intended to provide NHTSA with the ability to respond more quickly to prevent crashes due to defective or noncompliant vehicles and vehicle equipment. Additionally, the information collected serves as a valuable public resource for consumers researching vehicle issues.