NHTSA Suspends Recall Updates During Federal Shutdown
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has paused its regulation of vehicle recalls and is not posting updates on its website during the federal government shutdown.

NHTSA has suspended its oversight of vehicle recalls during the partial federal government shutdown.
Photo courtesy of Photo YourSpace/Flickr.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has paused its regulation of vehicle recalls and is not posting updates on its website during the federal government shutdown.
"During a government shutdown, some key agency functions will be discontinued until funding is restored," a NHTSA spokesman said in an email to Automotive Fleet. "Functions funded by the Highway Trust Fund will continue while those funded by annual appropriations will be suspended, including safety defect investigations, field crash investigations, review of consumer complaints, and notification of new vehicle and equipment recalls."
In his Jan. 8 address to the nation, President Donald Trump showed no signs of ending the shutdown until border wall funding is approved. Democratic leaders called on him to immediately end the shutdown. Trump stormed out of a Jan. 9 meeting with Democratic leaders, and tweeted that the talks are "a total waste of time."
One possibility under consideration is for Trump to negotiate with Democrats for the next few days, then declare a national emergency to end the shutdown, according to a person with direct knowledge of the President’s thinking, reports the Washington Post.
The partial government shutdown is now on it’s 19th day.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Legal & Legislative

Government Affairs Executive Wins Leading Rental Car Industry Award
Robert Muhs started in the car rental industry with Avis Budget Group two years before the first International Car Rental Show.
Read More →
Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage
Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.
Read More →
Bandit Towing A Tough Road For Car Rental Companies
Operators often must spend far too much time and resources trying to recoup rental cars towed away and held hostage to outrageously high fees.
Read More →
Bandit Towing A Tough Road For Car Rental Companies
Operators often must spend far too much time and resources trying to recoup rental cars towed away and held hostage to outrageously high fees.
Read More →
ACRA: Spurring Car Rental Industry Success
The American Car Rental Association scored more access and influence in 2025 as it grows its services for car rental operators.
Read More →
AVOA Partners with AALA and NLC
The American Vehicle Owners Alliance (AVOA) recently announced its partnership with the American Automotive Leasing Association (AALA) and the National League of Cities (NLC).
Read More →
ACRA Takes Bold Strides On Capitol Hill
The American Car Rental Association’s annual legislative and lobbying event upped the face time with and access to members of Congress.
Read More →
Rental Car Leader Engages With Primary Industry Causes
Q&A Interview: Federal contracting, EV charging infrastructure, stolen vehicles, and policy advocacy drive an agenda for Carlos Bazan-Canabal that stretches beyond his car rental executive post.
Read More →
Get Ready: ICRS 2026 Open for Business and Call for Papers
The 30th anniversary International Car Rental Show heads to the Dallas area as it celebrates a legacy and pivots toward an industry marketplace and forum suited to the fourth decade ahead.
Read More →
Inside The Fight To Catch Rental Car Thieves
Recovering stolen rental vehicles requires foresight, cooperation, and a firm grasp of legal procedures with car renters.
Read More →
