Mixed Messages From Government On Auto Recalls, Vehicle Auctions

Federal auto-safety regulators have launched an investigation into the safety of brakes on certain Ford pickups – but when it comes to the government’s own fleet of vehicles, not only do repairs go unfixed but the General Services Administration routinely auctions off cars with open recalls to the public.

Each year, up to 40,000 vehicles that have been cycled out of commission by various government agencies are auctioned off by the GSA. The GSA Fleet, a division of the GSA, leases non-tactical vehicles to other federal agencies. When the vehicles are "retired from service" they are offered to the public by auction.

Among the more common problems were vehicles with steering problems and airbag flaws that, if deployed, could shoot metal fragments at the driver. Other cars had engine problems that could result in the vehicle stalling on the road.

Clarence Ditlow, Director at the non-profit auto safety group, Center of Auto Safety, said he was "shocked" to hear that potentially dangerous cars were being sold to unsuspecting buyers.

In August, the GSA had 2,037 cars for sale. Of those, 427 had open recalls.

Ditlow said the GSA could have fixed the cars for free before selling them. He also noted the contradiction between the GSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is tasked with issuing federal recall notices and educating drivers about the risks recalls pose.

NAFA Fleet Management Association
http://www.nafa.org/