In 2020, more than 54 million vehicles were recalled across the country. (Could your car be one of them? Click here to check NHTSA’s database and find out.)
Even more alarming, family-oriented types like Minivans and SUVs are more likely to have open recalls on the road. In any given year, only about 75 percent of recalled vehicles actually get fixed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which administers recalls. Owners of the remaining 25 percent are either unaware of the recalls or, as one recent study suggests, ignore them because fixing the problem would be an inconvenience.
But according to the National Safety Commission (NSC), heeding recalls is crucial to minimizing accidents on U.S. streets and highways. “Drivers may not realize how serious safety recalls really are,” said Maureen Vogel, a spokesperson for the NSC. “But manufacturers don’t issue recalls unless the defect poses a real risk. Even if the problem seems small, it is important to fix recalls when they occur.”
What A Recall Means
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards maintained by NHTSA include performance requirements for all vehicles made in or imported to the U.S. and driven on public roads. These requirements monitor vehicle parts that are critical to safe operation (like brakes, steering and lighting) as well as parts that protect passengers in the event of a crash (like air bags and safety belts).
When a safety-related defect that will prevent a vehicle from meeting these federal standards is identified, a recall is issued. Vehicle manufacturers usually discover such defects, but occasionally they’re identified when many individual car owners report the same problem, prompting NHTSA to open an investigation.
Once a recall has been determined, the vehicle manufacturer is legally required to inform car owners about it (typically by mail). The manufacturer must also inform owners of how to get the problem corrected and must provide repairs—at no cost.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
How do you know if your car has a recall notice? In addition to the mailing you should receive, NHTSA keeps a comprehensive, current database of safety-related recalls. A quick online search using your car’s VIN number will let you see all related open recalls, as well as information about repairs. You’ll also have the option of getting future recall alerts by e-mail.
Automotive-service companies are also doing more to help drivers stay up-to-date on recalls. CARFAX, for example, which provides vehicle-history reports to buyers of used cars, recently teamed up with GEICO to offer Vehicle Care—a feature on the GEICO Mobile app that provides the latest recall alerts, as well as service-related reminders, powered by myCARFAX.
And a pilot program recently launched by NHTSA may eventually allow more car owners to be notified of open recalls when they register cars with their state Department of Motor Vehicles. Though it’s still in the early stages, the program has the potential to reach more drivers before they take their cars on the road.
Another smart way to protect your car? With GEICO auto insurance. Get a fast, free quote now. And don’t forget to download the GEICO Mobile app for access to the new Vehicle Care feature.
Read More: Some car problems could be our own fault. Here are 5 Ways You May Be Hurting Your Car.
Moore'sharon says,
I bought a 2008 truck from a dealer in January. I’ve had nothing but trouble. They call themselves repairing it with used part’s. Kept it for 2 week’s while I’m still making payments. I’m still having major problems. I want them to buy this truck back. What do I do now.
Pearlee G Baptiste says,
Do I take my car back to the place that I purchased it from,which is the Honda Dealership to have it repaired due to a recall? What do I need to take with me other than the car?
Jack Jackson says,
The recall on my 2011 Dodge Challenger has been completed. The rider air bags was serviced and replaced several months ago and the alternator was replaced last week.
There was an irresponsible individual working in the service department at the dealer where I purchased the car. He has been replaced.
Thank you for jolting my memory to replace the alternator on the last recall. Carfax should have a record of these recall replacements.
Thank you
Jack
Dawn Suarez says,
I contacted ford as soon as I got a recall notice in august 2016, was told to wait for a letter in which I finally rec’d, called again every month since trying to get it solved but iam told parts wont be available til spring of 2018. I cant have any passengers in front seat and its been since august of 2016. terrible still waiting.
Eurania alicea says,
Eurania alicea 2004 cbr honda l got recall two ttimes and l never mist a recall
Thankyou .
Kimberlee says,
I got a recall on 2006 mustang airbag. I made an appt with ford dealer they fixed it immediatly. Feel better about it now . They made it easy breezy. Grateful
Kimberlee Julie DeJesus says,
I got a recall on 2006 mustang. I made an appt wirh ford dealer they fixed it immediatly. Feel better about it now easy breezy.
Elroy says,
Good info,
annie neugen says,
I received a recall letter from BMW before Xmas for my 2007 BMW 328i, every dealer I called told me that they don’t have the part. So what am I going to do?
Terriono Coley says,
Exactly…..same here…..They shouldn’t send out the letters until they know they fully have enough INVENTORY TO COVER THE RECALLS….WTH!
Used to it says,
I had to wait months for separate airbag replacements on my Mustang. I think they send the letters out, without inventory to replace the part, to notify us we’re driving at our own risk, so they’re not liable if a faulty one explodes.
Romiena says,
I received a re call letter but was also informed that they did not have the required parts to fix the problem, and that I should not have a passenger in the front seat. I will get an update on when the part becomes available for me to schedule repairs.
Tyrone Lockhart says,
Do i have a recall on a 2000 BMW 740il
Editor says,
You can check this website to look up whether your vehicle has a current recall: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls