Vehicle Recalls
What Happens in a Recall?
Automakers issue recalls to fix defects, or sometimes just to check for defects. When a model is recalled, the automaker contacts every owner of that model by mail, and asks him or her to bring his or her car to a dealer. The dealer replaces defective parts at no cost to the car owner. Every recall is registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is where cars.com gets information for our recall database.
What Should I Do If My Car is Recalled?
Bring your car to a dealer immediately. Recalls are issued because the defect might make the car unsafe in some way. You don't have to wait to be contacted by mail, which happens two or three months after a recall is announced.
How Do Recalls Happen?
Sometimes an automaker will catch a defect in its own tests. Oftentimes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will ask for a recall, after investigating common problems. The main way that NHTSA hears about these problems is by complaints from owners, so if you think your car is unsafe, contact NHTSA at www.nhtsa.gov. NHTSA conducts frequent investigations, but not all lead to recalls.
What Else Should I Know?
If you think your car has a safety defect but it hasn't been recalled, get it fixed anyway and save your receipt and other documents. If the car is recalled later for that specific problem, you can seek reimbursement from the automaker.
