cwerdna
Well-known member
So, this relates to a claim, which seems to be an urban legend about automakers being required "by law" to have parts on hand for 10 years (e.g. at https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?p=296555#p296555). MNL is most certainly not the only place I've heard it. And, I've heard other claims as to the length (e.g. 7 years). I've never been able to find any proof of such a law.
But, at https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?p=609826#p609826, I posted about a 10 year obligation for free recall remedies (there's more to it there). The document is gone but a copy can be found at https://web.archive.org/web/20220117160650/https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallprocess.cfm.
Today, while digging for something else, I found https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/14218-mvsdefectsandrecalls_041619-v2-tag.pdf. It seems the 10 years has been changed or upped, maybe. From page 13:
But, at https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?p=609826#p609826, I posted about a 10 year obligation for free recall remedies (there's more to it there). The document is gone but a copy can be found at https://web.archive.org/web/20220117160650/https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallprocess.cfm.
Today, while digging for something else, I found https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/14218-mvsdefectsandrecalls_041619-v2-tag.pdf. It seems the 10 years has been changed or upped, maybe. From page 13:
Are There Any Limitations to My Right to Have My Vehicle
Remedied at No Charge?
Yes. There is a limitation based on the age of the vehicle. In order to
be eligible for a free remedy, the vehicle cannot be more than 15 years
old on the date the defect or noncompliance is determined. Under the
law, the age of the vehicle is calculated from the date of sale to the
first purchaser. For example, if a defect is found in 2003 and a recall
ordered, manufacturers are required to make the correction available at no
charge only for vehicles purchased new in 1994 through 2003. However,
consumers should realize that even though manufacturers are not obligated
to remedy safety defects in older cars, a safety problem might still exist. If
you receive notification of a defect on a vehicle older than 15 years, take
the responsibility to have your car repaired at your own expense – and
eliminate unnecessary safety risks.