CA SB686

Defines "manufacturer's safety recall" as a recall pursuant to the National Highway Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, excluding service campaigns and emission recalls without formal safety recall notices.

Prohibits licensed vehicle dealers from selling or transferring ownership at retail of used vehicles if the dealer knows or should have known the vehicle is subject to a manufacturer's safety recall, unless the required repairs have been performed.

Establishes that dealers are deemed to have knowledge of a safety recall if they receive manufacturer notification, are or were a franchisee of the manufacturer, or if the manufacturer has posted recall information searchable by vehicle identification number on their website.

Makes violations actionable under the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Unfair Competition Law, false advertising provisions, and other applicable state and federal laws.

Exempts transfers between dealers, to auto auctions, or to manufacturers from the recall repair requirement.