US FederalWhat happens if a vehicle manufacturer ignores a recall order?
A vehicle manufacturer that ignores a recall order faces civil penalties of up to $21,000 per violation, with a maximum of $105 million for related violations, and may be subject to court-ordered recalls and injunctive relief.
What the Law Says
The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act authorizes the federal government to require vehicle recalls when safety defects are identified. While § 30101 states the law’s purpose and policy, the enforcement powers—including penalties for noncompliance—are detailed in other sections of Chapter 301 (e.g., §§ 30165, 30166). The statute establishes that motor vehicle safety is a national priority and empowers the Secretary of Transportation to act to eliminate unreasonable risks.
Although 49 U.S.C. § 30101 itself does not define penalties or recall enforcement procedures, it sets the foundational policy: 'The purpose of this chapter is to reduce traffic accidents and deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents.' This policy underpins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) authority to order recalls and impose sanctions.
Actual enforcement tools come from later sections—especially § 30165 (civil penalties) and § 30166 (recall orders)—which authorize NHTSA to assess fines of up to $21,000 per violation, with a cap of $105 million for a related series of violations. Manufacturers must respond to NHTSA’s initial defect inquiry within 30 days and cannot unilaterally decline a lawful recall order.
Statutory TextThe purpose of this chapter is to reduce traffic accidents and deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents.
— 49 U.S.C. § 30101 — Purpose and policy
What to Do
Cooperate immediately with NHTSA’s investigation and provide requested data within 30 days.
If ordered to conduct a recall, initiate it without delay—or petition NHTSA for reconsideration in writing within 30 days.
Retain legal counsel experienced in automotive regulatory compliance.
Correct the safety defect in all affected vehicles and notify owners, dealers, and distributors as required by 49 C.F.R. Part 573.
Maintain full records of corrective actions for at least 5 years for potential NHTSA audit.
Sources
Not 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.