How to Check If Your Vehicle Has Been Recalled and What to Do Next
Rule No. 1 if you get a car recall notice: Don’t ignore it.
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What is a Vehicle Recall?
A vehicle recall is issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) when key safety components in a vehicle pose a risk or do not meet safety standards. In this case, the vehicle’s manufacturer is responsible for fixing the problem, which could range from a simple repair at a local dealership to a complete buy-back by the manufacturer.
The Recall Process for an Automobile
The NHTSA enforces the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, designed to protect drivers and passengers. The path from a complaint to a recall has three stages:
- The Complaint – Manufacturers usually initiate car recalls. But consumer complaints to NHTSA lead to recalls, too. You’ll need your vehicle make, model, year, VIN and a description of the problem. You may think your issue is an isolated incident, but there is a chance it could be evidence of factory defects. The NHTSA removes driver’s personal information, then posts the complaint in their database. If multiple people report similar issues with the same product or vehicle, an investigation is opened.
- The Investigation – The NHTSA analyzes defect investigation requests. If there’s not enough evidence, the findings are published and no action is taken. If the investigation reveals a safety issue, a recall recommendation is made.
- The Recall – If there is enough evidence for a recall, manufacturers will notify vehicle owners of the planned course of action. The NHTSA monitors the recall process to ensure it is carried out effectively.
Common Reasons for a Vehicle Recall
Recalls are related to vehicular safety, not general wear and tear. If you receive a recall, it is important to take it seriously. It may prevent a life-threatening failure. Some of the common causes of a recall are:
- Fuel System Leaks – A leaky fuel system could catch fire if a crash occurs.
- Defective Car Jacks – Defective jacks could collapse under the weight of the vehicle.
- Faulty Wiring – Bad wiring could result in loss of headlights or brake lights causing visibility issues in adverse conditions.
- Flawed Steering Equipment – If steering components break, they could cause partial or complete loss of control.
- Airbag Deployment Issues – An airbag prematurely deploying or fails to deploy could result in serious injury or even the death.
- Tires and Wheels – Defective tires wheels could crack or break causing loss of vehicle.
- Car Seats and Boosters – Common defects include bad safety belts and buckles.
What to Do If Your Vehicle is Recalled
- Look for a Recall Letter – Manufacturers send out recall notifications to all registered owners and purchasers of the affected models. It will arrive via first-class mail. The letters are meant to inform owners of the existence of an issue and explain in detail the safety hazards that the problem presents. Additionally, it will include the steps needed to fix it.
- Check Online -- Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) online and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if your car has had any recalls. You can also search recalls on car seats, tires and other vehicle equipment (such as air bags). To get notified of future recalls that impact you, sign up for email alerts.
- Fix the Problem—for Free -- The car manufacturer has three options for correcting the problem: They can repair parts, replace them or give you a refund if you fixed the issue before the car was recalled. Repairs might be delayed until parts become available.
- Already Paid for a Repair? – If you paid for a repair before a recall was issued, you may be eligible for reimbursement, depending on when the repair was made.
Note: If a recall is issued, but the manufacturer contests the NHTSA’s decision in court, they are under no obligation to repair, buy back or refund owner repairs during the arbitration process. If you decide to resolve the alleged recall during this time, and the court rules in favor of the manufacturer, they will not have to refund your repair.
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Ignoring a Recall Could Cost You
While no one is going to force you to take your vehicle in if you receive a recall notice, ignoring a recall could cost you. Here is how:
- Claim Rejection – If you end up in a collision after ignoring a recall notice, your insurance company could deny your claim outright.
- Insurance Rate Increase – Not resolving recalls affects the overall safety of your vehicle. This makes insuring it a risk. One you will pay for at a higher rate.
- Injuries – Leaving faulty equipment in your vehicle could result in personal injury or death should the part fail. Avoid costly medical expenses by taking advantage of the manufacturer’s free remedies.
- Legal Responsibilities – If you refuse to repair safety equipment and that equipment causes injury to someone else, you could face costly legal action from another driver.
Always address recalls, even if your vehicle isn’t eligible for a free fix. Safety should always be the top priority!