NHTSA: Independent Repair Shops May Begin To Complete Recall Repairs

For the first time independent repair shops might complete repairs for an automaker safety recall. Recall repairs have always been done at dealerships, however, NHTSA could make an exception in the case of the Takata safety recall. NHTSA may begin to ask independent repair shops to help cover the labor involved with fixing the 19 million vehicles impacted by the recall.

Asking independent repair shops to help dealers would represent a large change. One question that has been raise on this issue is: How will automakers and NHTSA ensure the independent shops have the know-how to complete repairs at the same level as dealerships?

Speaking on this subject was Stephen Ridella, director of vehicle crashworthiness research for NHTSA. As Automotive News reported, Ridella spoke on this subject during October 22 briefing saying, “If dealers for a vehicle manufacturer are unable to keep up with the demand for replacements even though plenty of parts are available, we may consider allowing repair shops or other facilities to complete recall repairs. While this is something specifically allowed in the law, these inflator parts are complex and unique … only someone with specialized training should replace these parts.”

The thought on the part of NHTSA to allow non-dealer repair shops to undertake some of the recall repair work is part due to urgency. NHTSA is urgently trying to figure out how to repair as many vehicles as possible as soon as possible. The AP reported NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind’s thoughts on the issue. Speaking about the Takata recall repair effort Rosekind said, “NHTSA is considering a number of steps under the authority Congress has given us that could accelerate repairs and ensure that the inflators that present the greatest safety risk get replaced first.” NHTSA is expected to make a decision about whether or not they’ll allow independent repair shops to handle recalls by Thanksgiving.

If the federal government allows independent repair shops to complete recall repairs, it could mean less fixed ops revenue for dealers. Do you think non-dealer repair facilities should be permitted to complete recall repairs? Do you see this potential move by NHTSA as the government taking business away from dealers? Could independent repair shops be allowed to complete all recall repairs at some point in the future?