| Abstract: | This paper assesses the impact of recall-specific variables on owner response rates to automotive safety recall campaigns under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966. Using a multiple regression framework, the paper finds that owner response rates have been significantly higher for owners of American vehicles as compared to European and Japanese vehicles, for owners of newer model vehicles as compared to older ones, and for owners of vehicles with severe safety-related defects as compared to vehicles with lesser problems. The paper concludes with the suggestion that, for vehicles with characteristically lower owner response rates, the issuance of multiple recall notices or the coupling of periodic safety inspections with recall compliance may be advisable. |
