NHTSA reportedly has proposed maintaining confidentiality of certain vehicle safety data uncovered by consumer complaints, warranty claims and information on vehicles involved in deaths and injuries.

The agency said the release of such information “will cause substantial competitive harm and will impair the government's ability to obtain this information in the future if released."

The release of such information had been included as part of the TREAD Act’s early reporting provisions. Automakers, auto suppliers and tiremakers argued that release of such information without verification of any claims could lead to incorrect conclusions.