CanadaCan the government force a vehicle recall if the manufacturer refuses?
Yes, under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, the federal Minister of Transport can order a vehicle manufacturer to issue a recall notice and correct a safety defect—even if the manufacturer refuses.
What the Law Says
The Motor Vehicle Safety Act gives the federal Minister of Transport clear authority to intervene when vehicles pose safety risks — even over a manufacturer’s objection.
Under Canadian law, vehicle safety is regulated federally. The Motor Vehicle Safety Act empowers the Minister of Transport to act directly when a motor vehicle or equipment presents an unreasonable risk due to a defect or failure to meet safety standards.
This power exists independently of voluntary manufacturer action. If a company refuses to initiate a recall after identifying a safety issue — or fails to act despite evidence — the Minister may step in and issue a binding order.
Statutory TextMinister may order a company to issue a notice of defect or non-compliance and correct the defect.
— Motor Vehicle Safety Act, s. 10.4 — Recall order
What to Do
Monitor official notices from Transport Canada about recalls or safety investigations.
If you suspect a safety defect, report it to Transport Canada’s Vehicle Safety Hotline or online portal.
Manufacturers must comply with a recall order within the timeframe specified by the Minister.
Non-compliance with a recall order may result in penalties, including fines or injunctions.
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
Australia
European Union
US Federal
JapanNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.