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Rental cars may become safer in the near future, thanks in part to a new bill introduced late last week that would prohibit cars from being rented or sold prior to recall work being performed. Cars are subject to federal recalls if they pose an "unreasonable risk" to the public or if they fail to abide by federal standards. In other words, recalled cars shouldn't be driven until corrective measures are in place.
The Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2011 legislation was introduced Thursday by U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal, Barbara Boxer, Dianne Feinstein, and Kirsten Gillibrand.
Existing law already prohibits car dealers from selling new cars that are involved in a safety recall, but rental car companies are allowed to rent and even sell such vehicles. Schumer estimates that 1.4 million cars were sold last year from major rental companies.
Senator Blumenthal said, "Defective cars loaned or sold by rental car companies are an unconscionable danger to consumers and other drivers on the road. This commonsense legislation will hold rental car companies to the same safety standards that already exist for car dealerships, so that we help prevent tragic automobile accidents like the one involving Raechel and Jacqueline Houck."
The Houck sisters were killed while driving a recalled Chrysler PT Cruiser rented from Enterprise. The PT Cruiser had been recalled one month before the incident because of a defective steering component that could catch on fire.
Consumers Union feels that this bill closes a significant safety loophole. As consumers rent cars during the busy summer vacation season, we hope Congress takes this bill under consideration soon.
Related:
Saving gas: Don't forget the rental car
Avoid the extra fees at car rental counters
—Consumer Reports
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