---
title: "How must manufacturers notify owners about a vehicle recall? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/auto-safety/vehicle-recall-owner-notification
jurisdiction: "US Federal"
last_verified: 2026-08-28
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# How must manufacturers notify owners about a vehicle recall? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

Under 49 CFR § 577.5, manufacturers must notify owners of a vehicle recall by sending a written notification containing specified content and formatting. The envelope must be marked "SAFETY RECALL NOTICE" in capital letters larger than the address text and bear a label per § 577.14. The manufacturer must submit the proposed owner notification letter and envelope format to NHTSA's Recall Management Division (NVS-215) at least five Federal Government business days before mailing.

## Details / How it works

When a manufacturer determines that a vehicle or replacement equipment contains a safety-related defect or fails to conform to a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, the manufacturer must provide notification in accordance with § 577.5 and § 577.7(a).

The notification must begin with "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" in capital letters larger than the body text, followed by the statement that the notice applies to the owner's vehicle with the specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inserted. The letter must also state that it is sent pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and include a defect description, risk evaluation, and remedy information.

For owners in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the notification must be written in both English and Spanish.

## Numbers & thresholds

| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pre-mailing submission to NHTSA RMD | At least 5 Federal Government business days before mailing |
| Envelope headline | "SAFETY RECALL NOTICE" — all caps, larger than address type, distinguishable beyond size |
| Letter headline | "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" — all caps, larger than body text |
| Label standard | Per § 577.14 |
| Puerto Rico language | English and Spanish |
| VIN character count | 17 characters (per 49 CFR § 565.13) |

## Exceptions & edge cases

The NHTSA Administrator may grant an exemption from notification requirements under 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) or 30120(h). Where the envelope format has been previously approved by the Recall Management Division, a new five-day pre-submission is not required. Any lessor receiving a notification for a leased vehicle must send a copy to the lessee as prescribed by § 577.7(a)(2)(iv), unless the manufacturer has notified the lessees directly.

## Sources

- [1] U.S. Government Publishing Office / National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — 49 CFR 577.5 — Notification to owners about safety defects and recalls · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-577.5 · as of 2026-08-28
- [2] U.S. Government Publishing Office / National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — 49 CFR 565.13 — Vehicle identification number (VIN) content requirements · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-565.13 · as of 2026-08-28