The federal government is introducing new regulations that will require all car manufacturers to publish safety recall information on their websites, making it easier for Canadians to access critical vehicle safety updates.
Transport Minister Anita Anand announced the amendment to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which will mandate vehicle and equipment manufacturers to publicly list recalls online rather than relying solely on mailed notices. Automakers will also be required to provide a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup tool, allowing drivers to check for outstanding recalls by entering their 17-digit VIN on the manufacturer’s website.
The government estimates that one in five vehicles currently on Canadian roads has an unresolved safety recall. By making recall information more accessible, officials hope to improve compliance and enhance road safety.
“Easy access to recall information online is an obvious step to ensure the safety of Canadians,” Anand stated, urging vehicle owners to regularly check for outstanding recalls on their cars, tires, and child car seats.
Manufacturers have until mid-2026 to comply with the new regulations. In the meantime, Canadians can continue to access recall information through Transport Canada’s motor vehicle safety recalls database.
In 2024, 116 companies issued 785 safety recalls affecting over eight million vehicles in Canada, highlighting the need for improved consumer awareness and accessibility to critical safety updates.