Is the car you drive every day actually safe? You might think it is since it hasn't broken down yet, but there's always a chance something is wrong.
You should be getting your vehicle inspected on a regular basis. Having a professional look under the hood will illuminate issues before they become safety hazards. Problems are cheaper to fix the sooner they're found.
You'll also want to know if your vehicle or any of its components have been recalled. Car recalls are an unfortunate reality and they aren't uncommon. You'll want to check an updated recall list to find out if your vehicle has been called in.
So how do you find recall information for your vehicle? And can your vehicle equipment be replaced or repaired when it's recalled? Keep reading to find out.
What Are Vehicle Recalls?
There are different types of recalls related to cars. Safety recalls are the most important since people's lives are at risk should a car contain safety related defects.
Safety recalls are managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is under the DOT, or Department of Transportation.
However, more often than not, the vehicle manufacturers are the ones who issue recalls on their vehicles. They issue recalls when a safety problem or defect is discovered with components in a vehicle that comprises the safety of a driver.
Manufacturers notify everyone who owns that vehicle, or a vehicle containing a certain defective component. They encourage drivers to have their vehicles serviced. Safety recall repair is paid for by the manufacturer.
When a recall is issued, automobile manufactures will send notices in the mail, by email, or by phone. But if contact information is not put to date, or if you buy a car that is used, you may not receive a notice.
This is why it's important to check for recalls on a regular basis. It's very easy to do and gives you peace of mind each time you drive.
Other Types of Car Recalls and Defects
Emissions related recalls also happen, harming the environment unnecessarily. These types of recalls are generally handled by the EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency.
Thanks to the Clean Air Act, the EPA can require manufacturers to recall vehicles that do not meet emission standards under normal use. When a defect is found, manufactures usually issue the recall on their own, rather than waiting for an issue notice from the EPA.
Other types of manufacturer defects may be found but are not related to motor vehicle safety or emissions and aren't managed by the federal agencies. Examples could include problems with air conditioners or other comfort-related equipment.
These defects are generally not paid for by the auto company since a safety issue doesn't exist. Your owner's warranty may cover these issues.
How Do I Know if My Car Has Been Recalled?
So maybe you haven't received a notice from your manufacturer, or you bought the vehicle from an individual. You can easily look up all recall information online. Here's how.
Find Your VIN
First off, find your VIN number. The VIN or Vehicle Identification Number is your vehicle's unique 17-character code.
You should be able to find this number in multiple places. You can find it printed behind the lower, driver's side corner of the windshield.
It should also be listed on a sticker inside your driver side door frame. You can also see this information on your registration and insurance cards. Your VIN can tell you a lot of information about your car.
Check the Recall List
Once you know your VIN you can use the search tool on the NHTSA Recall Database. Visit www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and type in your VIN.
If nothing shows up, that means there are no recalls issued for your vehicle. But if you do see a recall, you'll need to read the information and take quick action.
Want extra peace of mind? Save your VIN in a secure, but easy to access location, such as on your computer or smartphone. Set a calendar reminder for every 6 months to check the recall list. It only takes a few seconds and can mean the difference between safety and risk of injury or death.
What to Do When My Car Is Recalled
So your car has a recall issued. Don't worry, at least you won't have to pay for it, though it may cause an inconvenience.
You'll need to set up a recall appointment with your local dealer and bring the vehicle in to have the issue repaired. The recall notice will inform you if your car is unsafe to drive, or if you can at least drive it to your dealer.
If it's a serious issue, you may need the dealer to pick up your motor vehicle. This too shouldn't cost anything.
Your dealer will then replace faulty components. If it takes more than a day, you may receive a loaner car. All in all, it's an easy process.
Why You Need to Pay Attention to Product Recalls
You may not pay much attention to your vehicle or to public recall notices. You never think your car is going to be the one that gives out. But you need to pay attention.
Recently, Hyundai issued a recall on over 400,000 Tucson SUVs because of an issue with the anti-lock braking system that could potentially ignite, causing a fire.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to park their cars outside, away from structures to prevent buildings from burning down in case their car ignites.
Kia has also issued a similar recall recently, as they share parts with Hyundai since Hyundai is the parent company of Kia.
Over the last few years, these companies combined have recalled more than 2.5 million cars due to fire risk.
Ford had to recently recall over 2.7 million vehicles for airbag issues. This includes cars with a model year between 2006 and 2012.
These vehicles contain airbags manufactured by a company called Takata, which is now bankrupt. The airbags are known to degrade and inflate too forcefully, causing many injuries and some deaths.
And there are many other recalls from last year alone that consumers need to be aware of in order to ensure safety.
Stay up to Date on Current Recalls
It's important to regularly check the recall list to know if your car poses a safety hazard. You can also scroll through open recalls as you might know someone who has an affected vehicle.
And you don't need to be afraid, since recalled cars are repaired free of charge. Make sure you are as safe as possible when on the road.
All it takes is typing in your VIN. Want to see what other information your VIN can tell you? Check out this sample reportto see what you can learn by searching your VIN on EpicVIN.
