Federal auto agency, NHTSA, oversees safety, recalls, defects and fuel efficiency

Federal auto agency’s role in monitoring safety

A congressional hearing Thursday looked at the role the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration played in Toyota’s massive safety recalls.

Here is a snapshot of NHTSA, which was established in 1970 to direct highway safety and consumer programs set by federal law.

— VEHICLE SAFETY: NHTSA sets mandatory safety standards for vehicles, including air bags, brakes, seat belts and children’s car seats.

— RECALLS AND PRODUCT DEFECTS: NHTSA collects and reviews consumers’ reports of potential safety problems. It formally investigates if the complaints suggest a common problem. It can order manufacturers to recall vehicles to fix safety defects but usually lets auto companies issue recalls on their own.

— FUEL EFFICIENCY STANDARDS: The agency is responsible for setting and enforcing fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light trucks.

— GENERAL VEHICLE SAFETY: NHTSA also deals with issues like drunk driving, motorcycle safety, seat belt usage and school buses. And it distributes federal highway safety grants to states and local governments.