Understanding Car Recalls
Car recalls happen more often than you might expect. As of late February, around 2.3 million vehicles had already been recalled, and new recall announcements pop up every single day.
Whether it’s a faulty airbag, a software bug, or a mechanical flaw, recalls don’t occur until thousands of cars are already on the road, and one of them might be yours. If your car is part of a recall, the fix is usually easily manageable, but you must be informed about it first.
Manufacturers are required to notify drivers whose vehicles have been affected, but this can sometimes take weeks after the recall announcement. For instance, Kia was required to recall approximately 427,000 Telluride SUVs due to a rollaway risk; however, the notification letters are scheduled to be sent out weeks later.
The Rise of Car Recalls
According to a 2022 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the average number of yearly car recalls in the last decade is 46% higher than the number of recalls from the previous decade. This trend raises questions about the reasons behind the increasing frequency of recalls.
Why Do Car Recalls Happen?
One contributing factor is that manufacturers are increasingly using complex electronic components in vehicles, which can lead to malfunctions. Moreover, as technology advances, the likelihood of software-related defects also increases.
Who Is Responsible for Car Recalls?
Car recalls can be initiated by the automakers themselves, who may voluntarily issue recalls upon discovering a defect. Alternatively, the NHTSA, a government body, may announce recalls if a vehicle does not meet minimum safety standards.
How to Check If Your Car Is Recalled
The NHTSA offers a dedicated vehicle recall website that lists all current car defect announcements. To check if your car is impacted, you simply need to enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If you’re unsure where to find that number, you can also input details like your license plate number or your vehicle’s make and model.
The NHTSA also has the SaferCar app, a mobile application that automatically alerts users about any car recalls. After downloading the app, you can add vehicles to your “garage,” allowing you to monitor recalls easily for those models.
It’s advisable to check these websites regularly, as sometimes, newly reported VINs may not immediately appear in the recall announcements. Stay proactive about addressing potential recalls.
Additionally, most car manufacturers have their own recall portals. If you know your vehicle’s manufacturer, visiting their recall website can provide more specific information regarding your car.
What to Do If Your Car Is Recalled
Upon receiving a recall notice, you’ll typically find instructions on how to proceed. Generally, the automaker will direct you to contact a nearby dealership, where necessary repairs will be made.
Dealerships are legally obligated to complete repairs in a timely manner; however, availability of parts may vary, especially during manufacturing bottlenecks.
Importantly, if a recall is issued, the manufacturer is required to repair the vehicle at no cost to the driver, even if you are not the original owner of the vehicle. This means you can get defective parts replaced without incurring expenses.
Conclusion
Being informed about car recalls is crucial for keeping your vehicle safe on the road. With tools like the NHTSA recall website and the SaferCar app, you can easily stay updated on any potential safety issues affecting your vehicle.
Contact and Contributor Information
Contributed by Keerthi Vedantam, a finance, tech, and science reporter with previous experience in the biotech and enterprise technology sectors.
