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.
Terry Young says,
Bought a Mazda 6 2005. So far has been a great car.
Had both airbags replaced . Took them in as soon as I got the recall letter.
Donald Condliffe says,
Well my 2013 Subaru Outback has been poor quality and unsafe from the day I bought it used. Has had the transmission rebuilt and the engine rebuilt due to a total failure while driving on the highway, that almost killed us. The fire prone wiper motor was replaced. Now I am finally about to get my unsafe defective Takata airbag replaced. Still have issues with headlights, brake lights and tails lights having failed multiple times, a safety issue that should trigger a recall, since the cause is a defect in the wiring harness and a Subaru manager confided to me that corporate knows, corporate cover-up still in place, they do not want to fix this as it would be very costly.
Multiple life threatening issues with my 2013 Subaru requiring multiple repairs, dealing with original dealer’s unwillingness to voluntarily honor their warranty, plus Subaru corporate greedy laggard slowness to voluntarily recall known defects does not inspire confidence.
Delphine Grasty says,
GEICO”s the best Insurance. Seriously! Everyone talking about it!
Lois M. Burkhard says,
And how do I learn of the possibility my vehicle has been recalled?
Editor says,
You can check this website to look up whether your vehicle has a current recall: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Dominic Mazzocchi says,
There’s been a recall the alternator on my 2012 Dodge Durango. 4 weeks ago my alternator failed. My car shut off completely while I was driving. I had it towed to north town dodge where they explained that the faulty alternator caused my the battery and pcm to die. It cost me a about $2300.
When i send in all my paperwork will dodge reimburse me the whole 2300?
Dominic Mazzocchi says,
When i spoke to someone at the recall center they said because the new alternator was not available yet that i would have to pay for it out of my pocket. Then after paperwork is submitted the reimbursement could take up to 90 days.
Thomas Krane says,
2014 Toyota Avalon, is there any recalls??
Editor says,
You can check this website to look up whether your vehicle has a current recall: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Edna Williams says,
I have had two recalls on my Ford Fusion regarding the front passenger airbag. Each time I have called ford and they tell me they do not have the parts yet. In the meantime I am advised not to let anyone ride in the front passenger seat, which of course, I don’t, but has been going on for months
Robert G White says,
I have a 2000 13 Dodge Charger do I have any recalls
Editor says,
You can check this website to look up whether your vehicle has a current recall: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
D.Benjamin says,
I recently received a call regarding a recall on my airbags. Thank you Hyundai for taking care of it!
Betty Melvin says,
Good
R. Meadows says,
I recently received a recall notification for my 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. In the notification it gave a number to call and stated parts weren’t available yet to fix the issue it was recalled for. When I called, the representative told me the same thing…the parts to fix my truck’s recall weren’t available yet and that I’d be notified when they were. Why issue a recall without the parts available to fix it?
Kyle Lemaster says,
Making owners aware of recalls is most likely a manufacturers attempt to negate or at least reduce responsibility should anything happen that may be attributed to the defect. Also in some cases, your knowledge of the condition might allow you to drive in a manner so as not to increase the likelihood or hasten a failure.
WILFRED OBRIEN says,
Excellent
Leighton Johnson says,
Good
Martha Atkins says,
I have contacted two different Ford dealerships and they tell me the same thong they don’t have airbags to replace the Tecata airbags.
Dana Lindemann says,
Is there one on a Dodge Neon
Editor says,
You can check this website to look up whether your vehicle has a current recall: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls