A recall on a car, truck, van, SUV, van, or motorcycle takes place when the automaker determines that a specific type of car or a series of models has a defect directly related to the safety of passengers or drivers.
In some instances, a recall is deemed necessary by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), especially when a certain vehicle model, car seat, tire, or other equipment does not align with federal safety standards.
When a recall takes place, the automobile manufacturer is required by law to notify as many car owners as possible that a no-cost repair is available to them at their local auto dealership. For more significant issues, recalls may involve a total vehicle replacement, but minor repairs are much more common.
Receiving Required Automobile Recall Notices
Fortunately, automakers have a responsibility to send notice to any vehicle owners who may be affected by a recent recall. This process usually takes place via a letter in the first-class mail, and that correspondence includes information like:
- The issue causing the car’s recall
- The specific hazard caused by the recall, such as kinds of injuries to drivers or passengers
- Cautionary signs that your vehicle may be affected
- The automaker’s plan for fixing the recalled car’s issue
The letter from the manufacturer will also spell out any steps you need to take to ensure you’re operating a safe vehicle. In some instances, a time frame is given for how long the automaker will offer the correction at no cost to you.
Checking if Vehicle or Related Items Have Been Recalled
Although the recall process is a bit daunting to think about, the powers that be have made the notification process a requirement for all auto manufacturers in the United States as well as imports.
Unfortunately, if you happen to be the second (or third, fourth, or fifth) owner of a vehicle, the manufacturer may have a difficult time finding you. That means you won’t receive timely notification about safety issues with your vehicle, leaving you at risk.
If you’re concerned that your information may not be up to date with your automaker due to multiple owners or relocation, don’t fret! You can take certain steps to proactively make sure your vehicle is in its best shape as it relates to recent vehicle recalls.
1. Search NHTSA’s Website for Auto Recalls
First, you can quickly and easily utilize the safety recall search feature located on NHTSA’s website to find out if your car has a recall. Through the site, you have the option to either enter your vehicle’s unique VIN, make and model, car seats, tires, and brand name of other equipment to see if there are any recalls specific to your vehicle.
The database monitored and updated by the NHTSA is kept current, and it contains the same information one would receive with a safety recall letter in the mail.
Because the NHTSA safety-recall data is often more quickly available over the internet than waiting to receive manufacturer notifications via snail mail, it is a smart idea to check the site regularly if you have or want a newer car, or if you plan to switch vehicles.
2. Request Recall Alerts via E-Mail, Text, or Push Notification
In addition to using NHTSA’s recall search tool, you may also have a few alternative opportunities to get notified of an auto recall such as signing up for email message alerts, mobile push notifications, and text messages.
a. Subscribe to NHTSA’s Recall Notification Email System
Through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you can subscribe to receive recall information notifications via your email account through NHTSA’s recall notification email system online.
b. Sign Up for Dealer / Manufacturer Recall Notifications
If you recently purchased a new or used vehicle directly from a major automaker dealership, you probably have the option to establish push notifications on your mobile phone or other device, text messaging, or email alerts for safety recalls related to your automobile.
You may need to register your car with the dealership or manufacturer’s website, but these notifications make it easier to know if a recall has affected your vehicle and the steps you need to take in order to fix it.
Final Thoughts on Finding Out if Your Vehicles Have Recalls
Auto safety recalls are a common occurrence, and the majority of notifications are for minor repairs only. In any recall situation, the manufacturer takes care of the cost for getting your vehicle back in top shape, so long as you follow the instructions in either the letter or posted on the NHTSA’s site.
However big or small the repair, being up to date on any safety recalls affecting your automobiles will help keep you, your passengers, and your cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, or other types of vehicles safely on the road.
