Corrective Action Request (CAR) Writing

When to use

A CAR is written in response to:

• An NCR requiring permanent corrective action
• A customer complaint
• An internal or external audit finding (Major or Minor non-conformance)
• A recurring non-conformance requiring systemic correction

The CAR is the documented evidence that the problem was analysed, corrected, and prevented from recurring. ISO 9001 §10.2.1 requires documented information of the actions taken and their results. For IATF 16949 audit Major NCs, CARs must typically be closed within 90 days; check the applicable CSR for customer-specific closure deadlines.

Key distinction from NCR