Interpretation ID: aiam3518
147 King George Way
Columbia
SC 29210;
Dear Mr. Traxler: This is to follow-up your telephone call of October 29, 1981, askin whether any Federal motor vehicle safety standards apply to 'hatchback' door latches.; Safety Standard No. 206, *Door Locks and Door Retention Components* includes requirements for side door latches. We have enclosed a copy of that standard for your convenience.; There are no Federal motor vehicle safety standards applicable to th rear latch of a hatchback. However, even in the absence of a safety standard, the defect provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act may be applicable. Sections 151 *et seq*. of the Act provide that manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment must notify owners of vehicles and equipment with safety-related defects and remedy those defects free of charge.; Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel