Schumer: Used Cars with a Safety Recall Shouldn't Roll One Inch Off the Lot

Press Release

In a letter to the Federal Trade Commission, Senator Charles E. Schumer today called on the agency to immediately direct car dealers that sell used-cars to change any policy which may potentially allow the sale of recalled vehicles without first fixing safety defects, putting used-car buyers in harm's way. The letter comes in response to reports that used-car dealers are selling cars subject to recall for safety-related defects while at the same time, advertising the used vehicles as having passed rigorous safety inspections. Currently, the Motor Vehicle Safety Act prohibits new car dealers from selling recalled vehicles without first fixing the safety defects but does not hold dealers selling used-cars to the same standard. Schumer added that if the FTC does not act to prevent used car dealers from selling defective vehicles, he will take legislative action to address this issue.

"Used cars that have a safety recall shouldn't be sold to anyone until the recall is fixed, period," said Schumer. "Far too many times we have seen the tragic and often fatal consequences when deficient cars are allowed on the road, and it's time for the FTC to do everything it can to put a stop to it."

Schumer's letter comes as Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety and other consumer groups have petitioned the FTC to investigate and take appropriate legal action regarding the advertising and sales practices of CarMax, the largest retailer of used vehicles, in selling vehicles that have been recalled for repair of safety defects without having fixed those safety defects.

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