Dealers Warned Over Possible Trading Standards Recall Crackdown

Dealers are being warned that Trading Standards could be focusing on businesses which don’t tell buyers that a car they are interested in still has an outstanding manufacturer recall which has not been dealt with.

The Vehicle Remarketing Association says it has begun hearing from more members that officials from the watchdog have asked them about the issue, suggesting that it could be the subject of a crackdown.

VRA board member Jonathan Butler, of specialist automotive solicitors, Geldards, said:

“Trading Standards appear to be looking quite closely at used car sales where retailers have not notified customers that vehicles are the subject of outstanding manufacturer recalls.”

Dealers Could Find Themselves Encountering Difficulties

“This might be seen as a product safety issue under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 other than in certain exceptions. However, it is not a clear area and one where some dealers could, unless they are very careful, potentially find themselves encountering difficulties.”

Jonathan added that retailers should always include the outstanding recall option when doing vehicle history checks.

“Bearing in mind the small additional cost involved, we would very much recommend this as an action by all used-car dealers. In our opinion, it should form part of best practice procedures that are undertaken before vehicles are advertised for sale.”

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