Thanks to the government shutdown, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration still isn't investigating safety complaints, nor are they posting recalls.
Drivers who feel like they're dealing with an issue can still submit complaints to the NHTSA, but they won't be reviewing them until the government shutdown is over.
"Safety is being undermined," Joan Claybrook, safety advocate and former head of the NHTSA, said to the Associated Press. "If unsafe cars are on the highway, if the agency isn't operating so it can't put out consumer alerts, if it can't finish up a recall notice that it wants to publish or negotiate with an auto company that puts the public at risk."
NHTSA released around 700 auto recalls every year, which affects approximately 20 million vehicles, according to the Associated Press.
Every day that the shutdown continues, at least three recalls are delayed indefinitely. Automakers can still issue their own recalls during the shutdown but they won't be forced to do so by the NHTSA.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx commented recently regarding the government shutdown, saying that he is both disappointed and frustrated with the government's inability to reach a budget agreement.
"I hope that Congress will act quickly to resolve this unnecessary and avoidable situation, so that we can all get back to work ensuring the safety and efficiency of our nation's transportation system," said Foxx. "Thank you again for your hard work, dedication and patience through this process, and for your continued service to the Department, the Nation and the American people."
NHTSA is required by law to stop all ongoing auto investigations during the shutdown, though some safety research paid for by federal gas and diesel taxes is still being carried out.
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