India lacks formal recall policy, developing one "not a priority"

SIAM President Pawan Goenka doesn't seem too concerned, adding "I am sure that it will someday but I do not know when. It is not the top policy priority for the government at this moment." Goenka goes on to tell reporters the the bigger concerns are coming up with safety, quality and emissions standards in a country just beginning to embrace the automobile on a large scale.

But just because recalls aren't standardized doesn't mean they aren't happening. Maruti Suzuki India announced a recall of 13,157 diesel-powered vehicles earlier this week, and in February Honda Siel Cars India recalled 57,853 midsize sedans due to a faulty engine part.

But while some recalls are happening without a specific policy, some instances that would likely lead to a recall in many countries have gone unchecked in India. For example, Tata Motors has had issues with the Nano that have led to several car fires, but the automaker refuses to call the problem a recall in spite of the fact that the company has issued a free "safety upgrade."