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.
Jaw bumgarner says,
Still waiting on recall parts for my ranger
Marva Scott says,
I have been waiting for more than 2 years on an air bag recall fix on my 2009 Ford Fusion Hybrid. I continue to be told that parts are not available. What can I do for this dangerous condition to make repair happen?
nancy says,
I did receive a recall on my car, the BMW. They told me what could be wrong with my car and told me I would receive another letter when to take it in. I took it in to the BMW dealer, because I was smelling smells coming from the car but they told me they couldn’t do anything at the present time. What else can I do? I had the leak of oil and the alternator fixed but I still smell something like oil.
Joseph Laine says,
My 2006 Buick La Crosse was recalled for the weak spring in the ignition switch which could turn off while driving causing loss of power steering and air bag faiure if you were invoved in a crash I have recieved at least 20 notices VIA mail to bring the car in for “repair” GM is not repairing the defective ignition switch they are putting a plug in the hole of the key where you would attatch it to a key ring with other keys GM idea for correction the problem I dont need to bring the car in just the key why is G.M. not required to repair the car correctly by replacing the ignition switch?????
Ed Jacob says,
If the auto companies (priamarly Dodge) would fix Long standing issues with automobiles that we buy, then also we might feel a bit better about getting recalls taken care of in timely manner.
I have owned my Dodge Magnum R/T for 13?years, and it has been recall after recall, and cars still have issues. And if GEICO wants to stand up on side of automakers, it might be time for me to go somewhere else for my insurance needs. I have been a GEICO customer on multiple vehicles since 1988, but that could change if they want to tell me how to handle recall notice.
They GEICO should be working customers to get autos fixed, because if my vehicle is in accident because of failed recalled part, who do you think I’m going to first, right GEICO, they can fight with a Dodge.
Kerrie Swick says,
Nissan rogue no recalls that aware of right? 2013
Virginia says,
If the service given to customers with a recalled vehicle was efficient & courteous more people would not hesitate to take their vehicle in for repair ASAP. I had a recall notice on Honda Accord a few years ago. After many notices telling me to get it taken care of I took it to the nearest dealer (Joplin, MO.) I had no problems with the car & did not want to drive 75 miles for repair that, in my opinion, was not needed. I called service dept. & made an appointment, at their convenience, arrived 15 min. prior to appointed time, 1:00 p.m.—at 4:45 p.m., I was told it was ready. After driving it home it was making a loud noise & had a strange smell from under the hood—in checking it out, learned there was no fluid in the part replaced.. I no longer am driving a Honda product, nor do I ever plan to again.
Ralph Addison says,
Buy an American car. I have never had an issue with any America dealership with recalls or repairing my automobiles. When I just took my car is for the 1st year health checkup, 3 updates where done on my car. None of them required a recall notice.
Antonio Gonzalez says,
Hi we have a Nissan Altima and we had like 3 or 4 recalls we take it back to the dealer every time too get it fix it if they need time to fix they will give us a lender for the day I think that’s what every dealer should do cause not our fault they have a recall they should b responsible to make the customer happy i we do take recalls very important specially if you have young ones think about your family thank you
Shawn says,
Dodge has sent two recall notices. Both notices say, they do not have the parts to fix the problem. What should I do?
Steve B says,
Same thing here, airbags recall no parts to fix and not to drive vehicle. Over 6months ago I received the recall notice from Ford, still nothing to resolve! What do we do??
DL Bailey says,
Un-foutunaty this happens,to any model of cars. Your manufaturer will most likely (like Honda does) send out secondary notices.
Part manufacturers do their best to promptly manufacture required parts as soon time allows.
Martha Atkins says,
I have tried to get my airbags redone by two different Ford dealers ever since the recall and neither one have helped, both say they don’t have them.
David N Metheny says,
So what is Gieco doing to help the situation. Auto insurers appear to be in a practical and political position to make this happen. Why is any pertinent auto recall information not included on my Gieco Auto Insurance statement?
I live in Virginia where an annual safety inspection is required for almost all vehicles but the inspection does not include the safety inspector searching for and informing the vehicles owner of a recall of their vehicle. Again, this is an ideal place a quick search for recalls to occur since this is all about safety and as the article states it is very important to have a recalled vehicle repaired for safety’s sake.
Editor says,
Hi! We now offer this feature through the GEICO Mobile app. The new Vehicle Care feature sends you an alert if we see your car has a new recall. You can read about it here: https://www.geico.com/web-and-mobile/mobile-apps/vehicle-care/
Richard Smith says,
The non-politically correct response is that this is not Geico’s responsibility it is the manufacturer’s and YOURS.
LaRoy says,
How do I find out if my vehicle has any recalls
Editor says,
You can check this website to look up whether your vehicle has a current recall: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Zsuzsu says,
Dear LeRoy just go to your nearest Dealership web….they have a section for recall click on that page they asking you a few question about the car like what year, what model etc.and your Vin # then you see if you do have any recall.
Zsu..
David Diehl says,
Has my 2007 F150 have any outstanding recalls
Editor says,
You can check this website to look up whether your vehicle has a current recall: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Brian says,
New cars are junk.
I can’t take time from work to keep taking my newer vehicles back to the dealership that’s 100 miles away. Never mind the expense of renting a car to get home. If they want to keep my business, they should provide one gratis.
At least the open recalls on my Jeep are only for airbags. I had emissions recalls on an Audi and the DMV nazis suspended my registration.
I’m going back to driving 1970’s VW’s because I can fix them at home myself, and never worry about smog and recall nonsense.
ONLYJB1 says,
Wanna know the truth? I don’t have the time to sit for 1/2 a day waiting on my vehicle to be repaired. How about you come to my house and make your repairs. Now that makes a lot of sense!
Bob knight says,
Been waiting on Ford airbag for 2 1/2 years. Never buy a Ford again.
They told us not to sit in seat!