Consumer Alert: Lawmakers want to makes it easier for recalls to get to used car owners

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — This consumer alert concerns your car, your dealership and your safety.

When you buy a used car you check a number of things: Mileage, maintenance, mechanical problems. But do you check for open recalls? You should. Because current laws allow used car dealers to sell a used car with an open recall.

When a vehicle is recalled, the manufacturer sends five notifications over four years, but consumer advocates argue that when used vehicles change hands, new owners may not be aware of open recalls.

Now a group of U.S. Senators wants to change that with a new bill requiring that used car dealerships make owners aware of recalls. The Consumer Federation of America strongly supports the legislation.

It points to the fact that more than half the vehicles 5 to 10 years old on the road have an open recall, and that potentially puts lives at risk.

It is very important that consumers check for open recalls.

You can do it for free on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.