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Is Your Car Under Recall? Here's How to Take Action
Comprehensive Guide to Vehicle Recalls
Stay informed and ensure your safety with MotorVero’s essential guide to understanding and managing vehicle recalls.
What Is a Vehicle Recall?
A vehicle recall alerts owners about a safety issue requiring repair. Recalls occur when a vehicle or its components fail to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or when defects pose a risk to consumers. Manufacturers may also issue voluntary recalls when internal testing identifies potential hazards.
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Since the FMVSS was enacted in 1966, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recalled over 390 million passenger vehicles, 46 million tires, 66 million pieces of equipment, and 42 million car seats for safety defects. These recalls ensure that all affected vehicles are repaired or replaced to maintain public safety.
How Vehicle Recalls Work
When a recall is announced, manufacturers notify affected owners via mail, email, or through onboard communication systems. Vehicle owners can get the issue resolved at any authorized dealership at no cost, provided the vehicle is no older than 15 years from the date of the recall determination.
It’s important to note that recalls apply to safety-related defects and compliance issues. For example, the Takata airbag recall, the largest in U.S. history, involved nearly 70 million airbags due to defective inflators that could explode and cause severe injuries or fatalities.
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How to Check If Your Car Has a Recall
If you’re concerned about a potential recall on your vehicle, follow these steps to confirm:
- Locate Your VIN: Your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on the dashboard near the windshield base, inside the driver-side door, or on your insurance or registration documents.
- Use the NHTSA Database: Visit the NHTSA recalls page and enter your VIN to check for open recalls. If no results appear, your vehicle has no active recalls. If a recall is listed, proceed to the next step.
What to Do If Your Car Is Recalled
If your car is subject to a recall, here’s what you should do:
- Contact a Dealership: Schedule a service appointment with any authorized dealership. You don’t need to return to the dealership where you purchased the car.
- Ensure Free Repairs: All recall-related repairs are free of charge for vehicles less than 15 years old. The dealership will complete the necessary work regardless of whether the issue is minor or significant.
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Your Rights as a Vehicle Owner
Federal law ensures that vehicle owners are protected during recalls. Manufacturers must provide free repairs within a reasonable timeframe. If you experience delays, you can escalate your concerns to the NHTSA or consult an attorney for assistance.
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Recalls and Used Vehicles
When purchasing a used vehicle, it’s your responsibility to check for open recalls. Unlike new car dealers, used car dealers and private sellers are not required to fix or disclose recalls. To safeguard yourself:
- Obtain a Vehicle History Report: These reports, often provided by dealers, include VIN-specific recall information.
- Check Recalls Online: Use the NHTSA database to verify any unresolved recalls before completing your purchase.
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Major Recall Examples
Some recalls have made headlines due to their scale and impact:
- 2009 Toyota Sudden Acceleration Recall: This recall affected 10.2 million vehicles in the U.S. and resulted in $1.2 billion in fines.
- Takata Airbag Recall: Spanning over a decade, this recall involved nearly 70 million airbags with defective inflators that posed life-threatening risks.
Why Recalls Are Important
Ignoring a recall can have severe consequences, including accidents, injuries, or fatalities. Addressing recalls promptly ensures your vehicle operates safely and helps manufacturers improve safety standards across their fleets.
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Tips for Staying Informed
To keep track of recalls and maintain your vehicle’s safety:
- Register Your Vehicle: Ensure your contact information is up to date with the manufacturer.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to NHTSA’s recall alerts for notifications on your vehicle.
- Use Online Tools: Many manufacturers offer recall lookup tools on their websites.

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Last Updated On Feb, 08-2025