Auto Recalls: Fixing the Problem

First, take a look at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's web site. (This is the agency that administers safety recalls.) Look up the recall, searching by the make, model and year of your vehicle. Once you find the report, it should state when the notifications are (or were) supposed to be mailed. Recall reports can also be obtained over the phone by calling NHTSA.


Remember, not every recall affects every version of a given model. The NHTSA report often includes one or more limiting factors, indicating that the recall applies only to certain examples of a particular make and model. It might affect only cars with an automatic transmission, or with a specific accessory installed.


Take note of the NHTSA Campaign Identification Number. If a question ever comes up, or a dealer's service department has trouble finding information about a recall, it pays to be able to point to its official number.


Then, if a fair amount of time has passed and you still have not received any notification, contact the manufacturer at the phone number given in the NHTSA report. Have details about your car at hand, including the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the date you purchased the vehicle.


When it's time to get your vehicle fixed, any dealer selling that brand of car or truck is required to do to the repair if asked. Furthermore, federal law mandates that the repair be free of charge. Call the service department to schedule a repair visit, stating clearly that this involves a recall.