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Learn what to do if your car gets recalled with our step-by-step guide, covering safety recalls, dealer contacts, and car warranty insights.
Learn what to do if your car gets recalled with our step-by-step guide, covering safety recalls, dealer contacts, and car warranty insights.
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Notification by mail or from the Consumer Reports Recall Tracker recalling your vehicle could create more questions than answers.
You might find a car on the government recall website, but it still needs a repair. Or, you might want to know if you can still drive a car once you receive a recall, and if it's safe. Do you need to fork out money to fix the car and will it get you to and from your destination?
We delve into these and other questions about recalls.
Manufacturers recall cars when safety issues arise. The detection of a problem in a motor vehicle immediately makes that car and model risky. When a safety problem surfaces, it needs attention. Hence the recall.
In 1966, Congress formed the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This act ensures the safety of motorists by recalling defective vehicles. The NHTSA oversees all safety recalls.
“NHTSA works to deliver safer roads by encouraging Americans to make safer choices when they drive, ride, and walk; advancing lifesaving vehicle safety technologies; and supporting state and local police in their efforts to enforce the rules of the road that protect us all.”
Today, car manufacturers institute most recalls. Failure to disclose defects or problems results in hefty fines for manufacturers.
Recalls related to emissions differ. The Environmental Protection Agency takes care of these recalls.
Manufacturers sometimes recall vehicles that don’t meet required safety standards. For example, faulty headlights or backup cameras with delayed display images. When detected, vehicles won’t pass safety standards.
In 2024, manufacturers recalled over 1,073 tires, RVs, car seats, and other vehicles with faulty equipment! Over 29 million vehicles underwent recall in the US. Millions of repairs go unfixed each year, which is worrying.
Check for product recalls regularly to stay informed.
Check your license plate on the NHTSA’s Lookup Tool. Check recalls for components like car seats, tires, and more.
Search using the VIN, which is the unique identification number of your car. The VIN is your vehicle’s own “fingerprint”. Discover whether your car has a recall outstanding easily by entering the VIN.
You can find the VIN on the lower left-hand side of your car’s windshield. Or you can find it on the inside of the driver’s doorjamb.
The law requires the car manufacturer to offer these three solutions during a car recall:
Manufacturers need to fix all vehicle equipment, children’s car seats, and tires when a problem surfaces. Car manufacturers will replace or refund faulty equipment or parts.
Get updated recall information sent to your phone via the SaferCar App.
Despite the repair of most recalled vehicles, about 25% of recalls remain unaddressed. The reason is owners are not aware of the problem, or they did not get notified.
Always check for recalls, especially if you have purchased a used car. This approach is important in the prevention of accidents caused by defects.
Courts could hold vehicle owners responsible who ignore defects that contribute to accidents. If car owners are unaware of defects, automotive manufacturers may be held responsible.
Comparative negligence could be attributed to motorists in some cases. This could decrease compensation.
If there is a safety issue about recalls, never ignore these. Fire hazards, faulty airbags, and brakes that don’t work are all safety concerns.
Attempting DIY fixes could void the recall repair.
If your car is irreparable and all attempts fail to fix the fault, it could be a lemon.
You might face an unpleasant situation where your car is in the shop for months at a time. Getting legal advice might be your best course of action if this happens. This also depends on the legal complexities of the state you live in.
Get to know what you get compensated for. The finer details of a recall notice will explain what your rights are. It is important to understand everything from what the repair entails to the time limits.
You could find yourself without wheels for months at a time. This happens when parts are in short supply. Under these circumstances, you might get a loan vehicle from the dealership. The dealership might offer to cover the costs of a rental and/or towing costs.
A vehicle service contract (extended warranty) is coverage for specific components. Consumers invest in a VSC once the factory guarantee expires. Your vehicle service contract will differ from one provider to another.
The vehicle manufacturer does not issue vehicle service contracts. These are third-party contracts or contracts backed by the dealership. Third-party service providers also provide vehicle service contracts.
Your vehicle service contract does not override or replace recall obligations. Your vehicle service contract provider will reject claims for recall issues.
Recalls happen because of safety or compliance problems detected by the NHTSA or manufacturer. Your vehicle manufacturer is obliged to fix faults that fall under the recall notice. The manufacturer covers the cost regardless of ownership or vehicle age.
Most vehicle service contracts cover:
“Does a recall affect your extended warranty”? This question frequently arises during a car recall. Mostly, the answer is a resounding “no”!
A vehicle service contract is a separate plan for vehicle coverage. Here are some questions answered you might not know regarding your coverage plan. Does the plan still cover issues after a completed recall?
Your factory warranty is the guarantee you get when you buy a new car. It covers many parts of the car. This is for a limited period/ miles. Whichever comes first.
When your factory warranty expires, a VSC (extended warranty) will cover repairs stipulated in the plan you choose. Coverage depends on the service provider, the age of your vehicle, and the miles on the odometer.
A recall differs from your vehicle service contract. The two are entirely separate.
You’ve paid for a repair but found out later that this was a recall. You could get your money back. The repair must be completed within a specific time.
The reimbursement request needs quick completion once you receive a recall notice. It could be as fast as 10 days for a reimbursement request.
You will get all the information from the recall notice about dates and where to take your car.
According to the NHTSA, manufacturers usually reimburse car owners for costs incurred by recalls.
Buying a used car can be the best thing you ever do. Or it can cause untold problems. Avoid the frustration of buying a dud. Do your research, as this will give you the upper hand.
Federal law forbids the sale of new vehicles with open safety recalls. But the same rules don’t apply to second-hand vehicles.
Because you have no recourse, it is wise to check everything. Checking the VIN is easy. Enter the VIN on https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.
You will find the VIN on the dealer’s listing either online or at the dealership. Attend to recall issues immediately.
When you buy a vehicle from a dealership, ask the consultant to check for open recalls before you take the car. The dealership can have open recalls repaired free the same as a consumer would.
You might find you have to get this done on your own. Some dealerships don’t have the knowledge or the equipment to undertake unresolved recall issues.
Have a used car checked by a registered mechanic before you put pen to paper. It might cost you some money but will prove worth your while. If the previous owner did not fix a recall, they likely skipped regular maintenance too.
Timely, comprehensive car recalls highlighting issues shows regulators and car manufacturers are serious about safety.
Although inconvenient, think of a recall as something positive, and not something negative. Recalls can be something small, or something a little more serious. They vary in severity. A manufacturer will fix or correct a safety issue for free. The most important thing is the safety of you and other drivers on America’s roads.
