Table of Contents
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?
Automakers issue recalls to fix defects, or sometimes just to check for defects.
Oftentimes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will ask for a recall, after investigating
common
safety problems.
If you receive notice of a recall, contact your local dealer.
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, save your receipt and other documents
if you
get it repaired.
If the car is recalled later for that specific problem, you may be able to get reimbursed from the
automaker.