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September 29, 2006
NHTSA RATING LABELS TO FLAG ‘SAFETY CONCERNS’
Window stickers required under NHTSA’s new labeling requirement for 2008 model year and subsequent new cars not only will provide “star ratings” for crashworthiness and rollover propensity, but also will carry alert notices in cases where the agency believes that car buyers should be warned in advance of “safety concerns” not related to the ratings, according to a NHTSA announcement. Consumers will be able to measure the ratings information, which is based on front and side crash tests and non-crash rollover tests - by the number of stars on the sticker, with five stars being the safest.
In addition, some stickers will carry a notice flagging a “safety concern” and advising buyers to contact NHTSA for more information. While NHTSA declined to provide an “exhaustive list” of “safety concern” examples, it said such concerns in past have included “fuel leaks in excess of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 301, door openings greater than six inches, injury values (not reflected in the star ratings) that exceed thresholds set forth by corresponding FMVSSs, and structural failure or nonintended performance of vehicle components during testing.”
NHTSA safety ratings can be seen at: www.safercar.gov . The “Stars on Cars” rule can be seen HERE.
Posted by MVHAP at September 29, 2006 12:46 PM