Over the past six months or so, automobile recalls reached their highest peak in nearly ten years. Roughly 22 million vehicles have been affected by recalls involving safety issues within the past 12 months alone, according to data maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). GM’s massive recall concerning ignition locks and steering defects and Toyota’s recent recall investigation settlement, have raised many questions about how and when automakers should inform consumers about safety issues.
Automobile Recalls – Tips
These investigations are important and concerned motorists may be wondering what to do if their car is recalled. As consumers, vehicle owners and lessees should know their rights and what to expect from any automaker, the dealership and the government. Listed in this article are a few simple steps you can take to figure out if a recall applies to your car and how you can go about getting the necessary repairs completed to maximize your safety out on the road.
- Confirm the recall: Automakers are required to notify you by mail in the event of a recall. If you have not been contacted by the manufacturer in writing, confirm that your car is affected by contacting the automaker directly via phone or internet or visit the NHTSA’s site, safercar.gov. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) available. Typically, you can find the VIN on the driver’s side of the dashboard in front of the steering wheel or on the driver’s side doorjamb when the door is open. It can also be found on your vehicle registration, title and insurance coverage declarations page.
- Determine whether your vehicle is eligible: Once you confirm the recall applies to your car or truck, find out whether you’re eligible for free repairs. If the car is less than 10 years old from the date of the first purchase, the automaker must correct the problem by repairing the car, replacing the car or providing a refund for the purchase price of the car minus depreciation, according to federal regulations. If you have already paid for repairs to correct a defect that’s since been recalled, you may be eligible for reimbursement.
- Understand recall repair timeframes: After a recall is issued, the law gives an automaker a grace period to remedy the problem. In this case, there is nothing to do but wait for further instructions. Typically, local dealerships will make the necessary repairs at no charge, regardless of where you originally bought the car. However, dealers aren’t required to make any repairs before the official date is issued by the manufacturer.
- Get assistance using the proper channels: If you experience any trouble getting your car repaired or repaired without charge, you should first contact the dealer service manager and provide a copy of your recall notification letter. If that doesn’t work, attempt to contact the manufacturer. If all else fails, file a complaint with NHTSA by phone, mail or online.
References:
USA Today
