Technical Service Bulletins and Safety Recalls

Q: Are automotive manufacturers required to inform the owner of a vehicle when new Technical Service Bulletins are issued, similar to safety recalls?

A: Safety recalls are separate and different from Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). Automotive manufacturers are required to inform consumers of specific safety defects through safety recalls, but not general repair problems that are issued through TSBs. TSBs are issued to dealerships and to a national database. It is a good idea if you are having problems with your vehicle to review possible causes by taking the initiative to review the TSBs that have been released. To access TSBs and safety recalls you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, NHTSA.gov, and search the “Office of Defects Investigation” division.