Consumers can now sign up to receive free e-mail alerts from the auto safety arm of the federal government if their vehicle is recalled.
The National Highway Traffic Safety administration has announced the new program, which allows consumers to sign up for alerts on up to five cars, motorcycles, tires and child safety seats.
In a press release, the NHSTA says "The recall alerts can be received via e-mail or RSS-feeds on personal computers, cell phones or PDA devices-automatically and free-of-charge."
The agency initiates about 600 vehicle recalls every year, but "historically, one in four motorists ignore these recalls when they are announced." We cover the recalls when they are announced, so we know how scary a statement that is - many of the defects involve defects in critical safety systems like airbags or brakes. There is never an expense to motorists in responding to a recall -- car dealers are legally required to fix recalled defects free-of-charge.
NHSTA administrator David Kelly isn't exaggerating when he claims, "In these cases, information is not just power; it can save your life and the lives of your family and loved ones."
To sign up, visit http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/subscriptions/index.cfm.
Track the latest recalls with daily automotive news updates from U.S. News' car rankings and reviews.
