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.
Pauline Hendrickson says,
I have a Hyundai Elantra. Do they have a history of having road noise that is getting worse every
Horace Bryan says,
You shouldn’t ignore for your own safety..
deb says,
So what are you supposed to do if the dealer doesn’t get the part for your recall repair for months and months? I’ve had the airbag issue for almost a year and they tell me- well, we need authorization, then we need to order the part.
Reta Chisholm says,
Does recall affect 2000 Lexus ?
Editor says,
You can check this website to look up whether your vehicle has a current recall: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Tham unf says,
If my car is be recall what can i do for that please tell me what to do
Steve Enyeart says,
This is interesting, but I have a Ford Ranger that has Takada Airbags, Ford Claims It’s Not On The Recall List!!!
Allen Walker says,
I have be notified about a recall 4 times My Ford Escape SUV repair calls for parts no longer available. I heard they butcher the sound proof material on the hood to so called fix the problem.. they don’t have the parts to repair the material after they cut it and just let it hang …. they are not touching anything.. SUV is a 2004 with 102,000 miles on it and I never had a problem with the so called recall.
Katherine Moses says,
Does,this recall affect l997 LEXUS ES 300.
Editor says,
You can check this website to look up whether your vehicle has a current recall: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Sean Kivler says,
I quite agree with the article. My ’07 VW Wolfsburg Edition Passat 2.0T has had some recalls. Some never sent, and was informed by the VW dealer when my car was brought in for some ‘maintenance issue’… On the other hand, the two closest VW dealerships have proven to be pointedly profiting on my desire to keep my car in tip top shape, but are obviously playing me for a fool who wouldn’t care to get second opinions… Frankly if my car has a Government Mandated ‘Recall’… I will NOT drive another 35mi and ‘enable’ the dishonesty I’ve uncovered with ‘NOYES VW of KEENE, NH! It seems that a life long investment of funds and trust in this brand have been crudely compromised by deceiptfull individuals…
Lynette Cardona says,
I called the number in the recall paper that we received. STILL WAITING FOR THEM TO CALL ME BACK
Blanca Mercado says,
Thank you Geico , I’m going to call my service advisor.
Arvant Benjamin says,
Passenger side air bag no up dates
Lester Dale says,
the dealer services the mine van and if any recalls are on it they do them at the sevicing
Jeffrey Chavez says,
I have answered a recall notice I received in June 2017, unfortunately the dealership said the part would not be available until March 2018. So as I do agree with you about paying attention to vehicle recalls . The T36 notice on my 2012 Dodge Challenger has not been resolve.
Rita says,
does this recall affect 2011 Ford Taurus?
Editor says,
You can check this website to look up whether your vehicle has a current recall: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls