What to Do If Your Vehicle is Recalled?

Jun 12, 2024

Welcome back to our Gearhead Guru Series, where we arm you with the vital information you need to be the best automotive enthusiast you can be! Today, we’re covering vehicle recalls, and helping you navigate the process and what it entails. Getting a recall letter in your mailbox or inbox can be a little nerve wracking, but it doesn’t have to be! We’ll take all of the mystery out of it and help make it a little less stressful. Learn what to do if your vehicle is recalled!

What is a vehicle recall?

A vehicle recall means that either your vehicle’s manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety ADministration (NHTSA) have come to the conclusion that the vehicle doesn’t meet safety standards or has a safety-related defect. This can apply to the vehicle itself, equipment and tech upgrades, car seats, tires, etc. Manufacturers will then be required to file a report including details of the equipment/vehicle and number of vehicles affected, a description of the defect or issue at hand, circumstances around the vehicle/equipment recall, explanation of repair and remedy, and a scheduled timeline for recalls. Recall notices will be served by first class mail to all purchasers and registered owners within 60 calendar days. Additionally the NHTSA also features an online tool that allows consumers to actively search for recalls using the vehicle identification number (VIN.)

What happens if a vehicle is recalled?

There will be a notice sent out from the manufacturer requesting your vehicle be returned to a brand-authorized garage so these defective components can be replaced with ones that meet safety standards. Vehicle manufacturers will offer one of three options: They’ll repair your vehicle’s damaged/unsafe part at no cost to you; if the problem cannot be fixed, the manufacturer will provide you with an identical replacement vehicle or as close to it as possible; although rare, the manufacturer may even offer to refund a vehicle’s purchase price minus reasonable depreciation if neither of the aforementioned options are applicable. The recall may be an immediate need for repair, or it may be a precaution to prevent further damage. Under federal law, you have the right to a free recall remedy, meaning you should not be charged for the process.

How do you proceed with a recall repair?

You’ll receive a letter from the dealership at which you purchased your car, or the manufacturer itself, stating which make/model/year of vehicle and which part(s) are in question. They’ll request you to call or go online and register your vehicle for a service appointment for replacement. You should avoid driving your vehicle that has been recalled until the required repairs have been completed. The notice from your manufacturer will also include pertinent information such as how long the estimated repair will take, timelines or time limits in which the vehicle must be repaired, or if it is a voluntary recall. Depending on the repair and the manufacturer or dealership, some recalls may provide you with a loaner car while your vehicle is serviced. You can check with your service provider to see if this is available to you when you schedule the vehicle recall. If you have any questions, the recall notice should provide you with a toll-free number to call for assistance.

What happens if the manufacturer goes out of business? Does the recall expire?

Automotive safety recalls never expire. If your vehicle manufacturer goes out of business before you bring your vehicle in for repair, you may be provided with an alternate dealership or service center. However, there are times when a part has been discontinued or the manufacturer goes out of business and the recall process is heavily impacted. For these reasons, it’s important to bring your vehicle in ASAP for a smoother process.