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.
Wen-di Zhang says,
I haven’t received any recall yet.
Rhesa B Bostick says,
I am an car care nut, but over the years the recalls I’ve had to my cars were either minor or the work was poorly done by the Dealer. In 1979 Nissan wanted to remove my automatic overdrive transmission because they had failures with the overdrive(install standard automatic). I kept that car until 1996 and never had a lick of trouble with the original transmission. Ford recalled my 1996 Mustang for a waterpump seal-it took three trips to the dealer to finally get get the cooling system where I did have to add coolant daily. As a Certified mechanic gas&diesel for over 30 years 3years as a certified instructor, I have no faith in dealer recalls because the dealer is no making money & they do sloppy workmanship
Doraline Peters says,
Have a recall on my 2008 Ford edge Limited since July 2016 applied at the local Ford dealer to have the passenger airbag replaced which was the recall. Still doesn’t have the replacement part in stock and the last time I contacted the Ford local dealer to check on the status of the part was January 2018 still not available. Received a letter from the Ford dealer headquarters not to let anyone ride in the passenger seat due to the faulty airbag. Need help to get this resolved this matter!
Open to your directives!
Barbara Huber says,
I already did my recall at Venice Toyota.
Sharon Lazzara says,
I received a recall on my MKZ LINCOLN airbags months ago and have heard
nothing since .
what do I do and where do I go from this point.
They gave me no cotact information in their letter and no dates for follow up.
Craig Rotondo says,
I was informed by Ford that my 2010 Fusion had a recall for the front passenger air bag. They would notify me when they had a “fix”. In the meantime no one should sit in the front passenger seat. I called my local Ford dealer to see if there was a way to disable it. They told me it was illegal to disable the air bag. I don’t agree with this temporary solution. I believe there should be a way to disable air bags for safety reasons and here is one reason why. My wife is 5′ 1″ with very short legs. When she drives she has to move the seat very close to the steering wheel to reach the pedals even with the steering wheel adjusted forward. I have read that she is in danger of being injured or killed by the driver’s air bag.
Lanette Peresich says,
I have a recall on my Suzuki but I have to have it running to be able to take it a dealer, 0ver 100 miles away. This has been going on for 4 years now. first it was the tires, then the radiator, then the head casket, and now the fans because the car over heats. The dealer that is 100 miles away is the closes to where I live. Oh and being on a fixed income it takes time to do the repairs so I can drive the car that many miles.
Harmesh singh says,
I did it fixed it.
Jose says,
My suburban …brakes no good the factory full problem oll suburban much problem
Anthony vang says,
2008 Acura txs are they recall?
Editor says,
You can check this website to look up whether your vehicle has a current recall: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Thomas Platt says,
If the car manufacturers would just STOP producing cars with SO MANY non-sensical “features” then recalls would be a LOT LESS.
Geico keeps raising my rates although I have had NO accidents in the past 60 plus years. They tell me that the raises are due to the multi gadgets on all of the new cars.
Michael tisdale says,
I have an airbag recall and they not trying to take care of it and it’s been bothering me
Roy Ball says,
I have had a recall on my Lincoln Mkz regarding the front airbags. Each time I have called ford and they tell me they do not have the parts yet. This has been going on for months. What should I do
vr says,
Why you don’t tell the truth ? “Manufacturer recall” is for car makers to sign off from being responsible for death and injuries because of known defects. It’s not about fixing your car/truck/minivan. It’s legal protection only.
carmen rivera says,
i have been calling my dealer because of the recall a received, i am on the list since last year. what should i do to take care of this right away.
Valerie Choudhury says,
My Kia Soul was recalled and fixed some months ago by dealer Darcars. Never bought a second hand car.