What You Need to Know When a motor vehicle or item of motorvehicle equipment is recalled due to safety defects, the manufacturer must fix the problem at no cost to the owner. It Is mandated by the law to ensure consumer safety and satisfaction with the final product. A closer view on recall system, and manufacturer and dealer role
What Triggers a Recall?
Manufacturers usually launch vehicle recalls once they find out a safety defect, or NHTSA receives complaints from multiple owners on the same problem. These complaints are monitored by the NHTSA, who can start investigations that result in recalls if a defect is proved12.
Bring your car to the dealership for free fixes
When a recall is issued, vehicle owners can bring their cars to any franchised dealership affiliated with the manufacturer for parts and services at no charge. This covers cars up to 15 years, so consumers are not out of pocket for vital repairs24.
The Role of Dealerships During the Recall Process
Recalls are a big part of what dealerships are called in to do. It is the duty of carmakers to alert consumers about any open recalls and make sure repairs happen as efficiently as possible. In may cases, software update could be done over-the-air to address issues eliminating the need for a physical visit with manufacturers27
Consumer rights and responsibilities
As a driver, it is important to be keeping tabs on recalls. Consumers can determine if they need to get a recall (or other fix) using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at sites like the NHTSA site. Recipients of a recall communication are encouraged to respond swiftly and accordingly34.
To wrap things up, recalls can be annoying but are also very important for securing the safety of your vehicle. Consumers should take advantage of the free repairs through authorized dealerships and be vigilant about monitoring recalls.
