Record Retention -- 49 CFR Part 576

This is a reinstatement information collection request (ICR) for an extension of a previous approved information collection for NHTSA’s record retention requirements under 49 CFR Part 576. This collection is mandatory for all manufacturers, distributors, and dealers of motor vehicles and for all manufacturers of motor vehicle equipment. Part 576 requires manufacturers to retain one copy of all records that contain information concerning malfunctions that may be related to motor vehicle safety for a period of five calendar years after the record is generated or acquired by the manufacturer. Manufacturers are also required to retain for five years the underlying records related to early warning reporting (EWR) information submitted under 49 CFR Part 579. The information collections support NHTSA’s mission by increasing the effectiveness of NHTSA’s investigations into potential safety related defects. The records that are required to be retained per 49 CFR Part 576 are used to promptly identify potential safety-related defects in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment in the United States. When a trend in incidents arising from a potentially safety-related defect is discovered, NHTSA relies on this information, along with other agency data, to determine whether or not to open a formal defect investigation (as authorized by Title 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 – Motor Vehicle Safety). NHTSA estimates the total burden of this information collection to be 40,225 hours and $0. This is an increase of 205 hours and $0 (from 40,020 hours and $0). The adjustment is a result of an increase in the number of the manufacturers required to maintain the records (an increase of 5 manufacturers each incurring an estimated 40 burden hours each year and an additional 5 manufacturers incurring an estimated 1 burden hour each year). NHTSA continues to estimate that there are no additional costs associated with this information collection.

The latest form for Record Retention -- 49 CFR Part 576 expires 2026-04-30 and can be found here.

Record Retention -- 49 CFR Part 576 -Vehicle and Equipment Manufacturers

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