Press Releases
05/20/2015
Gov. Malloy, State Officials Urge Connecticut Residents to Check Vehicles for Possible Airbag Recall
(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) are urging residents to seek information regarding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall - affecting nearly 34 million vehicles made by at least 11 companies - because of Takata-made airbags.
The DMV and DCP have done a review of the recall notice sent out by the federal government, and the state will monitor the progress of fixing this important safety issue. The DMV will ask over 5,000 new and used car dealers, along with car repair shops, in the state to check whether vehicles coming to their businesses for service or otherwise are listed among millions in a safety recall for defective air bags.
"It's our goal to get as much information out as possible, so we can protect the safety of residents in Connecticut - and we're doing just that. While some details are still unclear and the situation is evolving, we do know this: people should act. Residents may understandably be concerned, but there is no need for immediate panic. It is still early in the process, and people can and should still drive their cars," Governor Malloy said. "Nonetheless, residents should take this recall seriously."
The Governor, DMV and the Department of Consumer Protection offered the following information to vehicle owners:
- It is still early and NHTSA said people can drive their cars. All vehicles involved are not yet put into national database.
- Find your vehicle identification number. It is on 1) your registration certificate; 2) the left side of your dashboard near the windshield for many vehicles; and 2) on the door frame/door post of the front door (usually the driver's side).
- Residents should visit www.safercar.gov to check to see if their VIN is on the recall lists. They should not call the DMV.
- Call your local new car dealer representing the manufacturer of your vehicle to discuss the recall and repairs.
- Parts could be in short supply and could take time to make all repairs, so residents should be patient. Residents should get on the lists now at their dealerships to get work done by an authorized dealer who knows how to make such repairs.
- To help consumers, DMV will contact all new and used car dealers as well as repair shops - approximately 5,500 - to have them check for this recall on all new vehicles that come into their businesses for service.
- Manufacturers will notify owners by mail, and dealers who sold those vehicles also might reach out to residents to make them aware of the recall.
- It is Illegal to disconnect air bags, even if there is a recall on them.
"Safety is important and that is why we have recalls," DMV Commissioner Andres Ayala, Jr. said. "The DMV will be doing everything it can to work with car dealers, repairers and manufacturers to assist customers with this issue."
"The Department of Consumer Protection will continue to work with the Governor and DMV to gather information and get it out to the public as quickly as possible," DCP Commissioner Jonathan A. Harris said. "We also strongly urge consumers to promptly take the steps suggested to see if their vehicle may have an issue, and to be ready to make any necessary repairs."
The final number of affected automakers may change when a full federal review is completed.
- Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice
- Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy