What is a vehicle emission testing recall?
If you are an auto owner, you must have come across the term vehicle emission testing recalls. Normally vehicle emission testing recalls are issued if there are any safety concerns that may lead to health problems or injuries. However, the recalls may be issued for other reasons apart from the safety concerns such as when the auto fails to meet the federal emissions standards.
Emissions are chemical by-products generated by the internal combustion process of a vehicle. The emissions are generated in the engine and released out into the air through the exhaust system. The chemical by-products are made up of volatile compounds that create a smog that pollutes the air. Close to 150 million Americans experience unhealthy levels of air pollution, thereby causing an overall decrease in the quality of life. The federal government’s demand that all vehicles meet the strict emission guidelines with the primary aim of keeping the air clean while preserving the environment at the same it.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Recalls
A Federal law referred to as Clean Air Act, gives the EPA the mandate to ask manufacturers to recall their vehicles if they do not meet the Federal emission standards. Also, the EPA requires that manufacturers conduct repairs to the vehicles that do not meet the emission standards.
The EPA randomly selects the vehicles to test for compliance with emission standards. If a certain model fails to pass the emission test, the EPA will initiate a discussion with the manufacturer in search of a possible solution. One of the possible solutions is to ask for a recall of the affected model. The emission tests are carried out at the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory.
Examples of Emission Related Recalls
Between 2001 to 2003, the EPA requested that Toyota Prius recalls some vehicles that were found to have low engine power or failed to start due to carbon accumulation in the car throttle.
Between 2004 and 2006, Volkswagen recalled some of their Jetta, Beetle and Golf vehicles that had a malfunctioning electronic control module ECM. The malfunction caused excessive amounts of emissions contrary to the Federal standards.
How Do You Know if the Vehicle You Own has Vehicle emission testing recalls?
The EPA regularly updates car owners of Vehicle emission testing recalls through press releases so you need to be on the lookout. You may also visit www.recalls.gov/epa for information on the latest recalls.
Who Has Jurisdiction Over Vehicle emission testing recalls?
The EPA has jurisdiction over Vehicle emission testing recalls.
What Do You Do With a Car That Has Been Recalled for Emissions?
Return the car to the manufacturer so that the problem can be corrected.
