Current through September 30, 2024
Section 577.11 - Reimbursement notification(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (e) of this section, when a manufacturer of motor vehicles or replacement equipment is required to provide notice in accordance with §§ 577.5 or 577.6 , in addition to complying with other sections of this part, the manufacturer shall notify owners that they may be eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of obtaining a pre-notification remedy of a problem associated with a defect or noncompliance consistent with the manufacturer's reimbursement plan submitted to NHTSA pursuant to §§ 573.6(c)(8)(i) and 573.13 of this chapter.(b) The manufacturer's notification shall include a statement, following the items required by § 577.5 or § 577.6 , that(1) Refers to the possible eligibility for reimbursement for the cost of repair or replacement; and(2) Describes how a consumer may obtain information about reimbursement from the manufacturer;(c) The information referred to in § 577.11(b)(2) of this part shall be provided in one of the following ways:(1) In an enclosure to the notification under § 577.5 or § 577.6 that provides the information described in § 577.11(d) , consistent with the manufacturer's reimbursement plan; or(2) Through a toll-free telephone number (with TTY capability) identified in the notification that provides the information described in § 577.11(d) , consistent with the manufacturer's reimbursement plan.(3) For notifications of defects or noncompliances in item of motor vehicle equipment that are in a form other than a letter to a specific owner or purchaser, if the manufacturer does not otherwise maintain a toll-free telephone number for the use of consumers, the manufacturer may refer claimants to a non-toll-free telephone number (with TTY capability) if it also specifies a mailing address at which owners can obtain the relevant information regarding the manufacturer's reimbursement plan.(d) The information to be provided under paragraph (c) of this section must:(1) Identify the vehicle and/or equipment that is the subject of the recall and the underlying problem;(2) State that the manufacturer has a program for reimbursing pre-notification remedies and identify the type of remedy eligible for reimbursement;(3) Identify any limits on the time period in which the repair or replacement of the recalled vehicle or equipment must have occurred;(4) Identify any restrictions on eligibility for reimbursement that the manufacturer is imposing (as limited by § 573.13 (d) of this chapter);(5) Specify all necessary documentation that must be submitted to obtain reimbursement;(6) Explain how to submit a claim for reimbursement of a pre-notification remedy; and(7) Identify the office and address of the manufacturer where a claim can be submitted by mail and any authorized dealers or facilities where a claimant may submit a claim for reimbursement.(e) The manufacturer is not required to provide notification regarding reimbursement under this section if NHTSA finds, based upon a written request by a manufacturer accompanied by supporting information, views, and arguments, that all covered vehicles are under warranty or that no person would be eligible for reimbursement under § 573.13 of this chapter.67 FR 64065, Oct. 17, 2002