Sen. Boxer: Avis, Enterprise, Dollar Won't Sign Pledge to Stop Renting Recalled Cars

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June 12, 2012

Cally Houck's daughters Raechel and Jacqui died in 2004 when the Chrysler PT Cruiser they rented from Enterprise apparently began leaking steering fluid and caught fire before crashing into a truck. As detailed in a 2010 ABC News report, the car had been under safety recall for the potential fire hazard, but had still been rented to the sisters.

The Houck family sued Enterprise, and after a lengthy legal fight, the company admitted negligence and was required to pay $15 million in damages to the family. After the ABC News report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation to see how quickly rental car companies repair vehicles that have been recalled.

PHOTO Sisters Rachel Houck, 24, and Jacquie Houck, 20, died instantly after their Enterprise rental car caught fire and hit an oncoming semi-tractor trailer on Highway 101 in northern California.

Courtesy the Houck Family

Sisters Raechel Houck, 24, and Jacquie Houck,... View Full Size

Courtesy the Houck Family

Sisters Raechel Houck, 24, and Jacquie Houck, 20, died instantly after their Enterprise rental car caught fire and hit an oncoming semi-tractor trailer on Highway 101 in northern California.

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The nation's rental car companies together own more than 1.5 million vehicles, with hundreds of thousands subject to recall in any given year. Hertz, Avis Budget, Enterprise and Dollar Thrifty together account for more than 90 percent of the U.S. rental market.