{"id":353220,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/car-emissions-recalls.html"},"modified":"2023-12-28T10:31:37","modified_gmt":"2023-12-28T15:31:37","slug":"car-emissions-recalls","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/car-emissions-recalls.html","title":{"rendered":"Vehicle Emissions Recalls"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Vehicle Emissions Recalls<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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In addition to safety recalls, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can issue vehicle recalls when cars fail to meet federal emissions standards. These recalls aim to reduce air pollution and protect public health, and manufacturers are required to fix the issue at no cost to the owner.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Typically, auto manufacturers issue vehicle recalls due to safety concerns that may lead to injury. But the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency<\/a> (EPA) may issue a recall for reasons other than safety problems. For example, the agency recalls vehicles that don’t meet federal emission standards.<\/p>\n

This article explains vehicle emissions recalls and what to do if you receive a recall notice for an emissions issue. You’ll also learn about how the emissions recall process works, how to check for a recall, and more.<\/p>\n

The law requires the vehicle manufacturer to correct the safety defect free of charge. If a manufacturer or dealership is not cooperating with an emissions recall, a product liability attorney<\/a> can help protect your rights and secure a remedy for your vehicle.<\/p>\n

How Do Vehicle Emissions Impact the Environment?<\/h2>\n

Emissions are the chemical by-products that combustion engine vehicles release into the air. Engines create the gases and release them through the car’s exhaust system.<\/p>\n

These chemical by-products contain volatile compounds that create smog and pollute the air<\/a>. Each year, over 149 million Americans experience unhealthy levels of air pollution. At best, air pollution decreases our overall quality of life, and at worst, it can cause serious health problems.<\/p>\n

For this reason, the federal government requires vehicles to meet strict emission standards<\/a> to help keep the air clean and preserve the environment.<\/p>\n

California Air Resources Board and Strict Tailpipe Emissions Standards<\/h2>\n

Some states are stringent when it comes to car emissions standards. California is one of these states. Under California’s “Advanced Clean Cars II<\/a>” regulations, all cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles sold in the state will be zero-emission. This law has nothing to do with motor vehicle safety. It has to do with air pollution and climate change.<\/p>\n

California is not the only state with stringent emissions laws. According to Reuters<\/a>, 22 states now have strict regulations regarding vehicle emissions. Automakers must convert to electric vehicle production and sales to meet these standards.<\/p>\n

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Emission Standards and Testing<\/h2>\n

Vehicle manufacturers must design and assemble vehicles to comply with federal emission standards. The national Clean Air Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to\u00a0require manufacturers to recall vehicles<\/a>\u00a0if the manufacturer fails to meet federal emission standards. The EPA can also require manufacturers to repair cars that don’t meet these emission standards.<\/p>\n

At the\u00a0National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory<\/a>, the EPA tests randomly selected vehicles for compliance with emissions standards. If a particular model fails the tests, the EPA will start a discussion with the manufacturer to generate possible solutions. One such solution is a recall of the problematic vehicles.<\/p>\n

How Does an EPA Recall Work?<\/h2>\n

A recall occurs when an auto manufacturer or government agency removes a potentially harmful or defective product from the market. Vehicle manufacturers must report any defects that affect a vehicle’s emissions system to the EPA.<\/p>\n

Discovering a defect usually leads to a manufacturer’s voluntary recall to repair the problem. Manufacturers must disclose any voluntary recalls regarding emissions systems to the EPA. It’s not unheard of for a manufacturer to delay corrective action to address the issue. It’s within the EPA’s power to order a manufacturer to recall affected vehicles.<\/p>\n

When the recall takes place, an automaker provides recall information to consumers<\/a>. It must identify the make and model year and the vehicle identification numbers of defective cars, trucks, and SUVs.<\/p>\n

How To Check for a Car Recall<\/h2>\n

If you’re worried that the EPA has issued an emissions recall for your vehicle, there’s an easy way to check. You can search the EPA’s site for recent recalls at\u00a0Recalls of Vehicles and Engines<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You’ll need the following information to perform a search:<\/p>\n