Governor Phil Murphy signed landmark legislation this week that dramatically improves protections for New Jersey vehicle owners facing auto recalls. The Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act takes effect April 1, 2026, and represents a major victory for consumer rights.
Key Consumer Protections
The new law addresses a critical safety gap: nearly half of all recalled vehicles nationwide never get repaired, including 1.4 million vehicles on New Jersey roads. Under the legislation, the Motor Vehicle Commission will now include open recall notices with registration and renewal documents, directing owners to federal recall databases and emphasizing that repairs are free at approved dealerships.
Used car buyers gain significant new protections as well. Dealers must now provide copies of any recall notifications when selling pre-owned vehicles, and the law explicitly prohibits selling used cars with safety defects serious enough to prompt federal “do-not-drive” warnings.
Financial Relief for Consumers
Perhaps most importantly for seniors on fixed incomes, the law ensures manufacturers bear all costs related to recall repairs, including parts and labor. Previously, automakers often shifted these expenses to dealers and consumers through various pricing schemes.
Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco, who sponsored the legislation, emphasized this point: “New Jersey consumers and dealers shouldn’t be stuck paying the price for a manufacturer’s mistake”. The bipartisan measure passed both legislative chambers unanimously in June.
Enhanced Notification System
The law requires manufacturers and dealers to notify the state whenever recall notices are issued, with notifications sent on official MVC letterhead to registered owners. This creates a more robust system to ensure vehicle owners actually learn about safety defects affecting their cars.
With stronger recall notifications and guaranteed free repairs, New Jersey seniors can feel more confident about vehicle safety and avoid unexpected repair costs from manufacturer defects.