What Do You Do If Your New or Used Car Ends Up Recalled?

Product recalls are fairly common across different industries in the United States. For the most part, recalls are usually limited to smaller household items, such as coffee makers or children’s toys. Due to the stringent safety requirements for building new cars, recalls are a lot less common in the auto industry. But that doesn’t mean they don’t happen. What do you do if your car is recalled? If you buy a new car only to have it recalled by a manufacturer, there are a few different options open to you. This entry of the Thompson Sales blog focuses on what to do if your car is recalled.

Why Would a Car Be Recalled?

There are a few reasons why a car might be recalled. In most cases, it’s due to a fault during the manufacturing process that has resulted in a particular model being unsafe. A recall will happen when a fault has been discovered in a number of cars, suggesting that it exists in that entire line.

If a fault is because of something the manufacturer did (or didn’t do), then they’re required to recall all models and either replace or repair them. If you notice a fault with your car that you think was there when you bought it brand new, you can report it to the NHTSA. They will then investigate whether other cars have the same issue and determine whether a recall is needed.

How Do I Know If My Car Has Been Recalled?

If your car is part of a recall, you should receive a letter from the manufacturer within 60 days of their official submission of the decision to recall to the NHTSA. If you know there’s been a recall, but didn’t receive notification, then you should contact the manufacturer to make sure they have the correct contact details to include your vehicle in the recall.

What Should I Do?

The letter you get from the manufacturer should also contain instructions of what to do about the recall. Don’t put off or ignore taking action on the recall or you’ll risk not being covered by any compensation offered for replacement. In the majority of recalls, you’re not expected to pay for repairs or replacements unless your car is over 10 years old.

Take advantage of being offered a free solution to a potentially dangerous fault by contacting the manufacturer as soon as you’re notified. It’s also important to read what they sent you carefully. In some cases, faults that may make the car dangerous to drive at all may be the reason for the recall.

What About Used Cars?

Used cars recalls are often a little more complicated than new car recalls. When you buy a used car, you should use the car’s VIN number to search the NHTSA’s database. This database keeps a record of past recalls and you can see whether or not the car you’ve just bought has ever been part of one. If you buy a used car, contact the manufacturer so that you’re registered as the owner in case of future recalls or other important notifications.

Find Your Next New or Used Car at Thompson Sales

Thompson Sales has been offering the best in new and used vehicles to people in and around Springfield, Missouri for decades. We have the experience, know-how, and dedication to great customer service that you need when you’re looking to buy a car, truck, or SUV. Visit our Springfield, MO car dealership today.