As the operator of a motor vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure that you conduct yourself in a safe manner at all times while behind the wheel. Similarly, it is the responsibility of vehicle manufacturers to construct vehicles that keep you and your passengers safe. Unfortunately, unforeseen issues can still arise, and that’s when it is important to know whether or not there are current recalls on your vehicle.
Now, you may be asking yourself these questions...
Why should I care about recalls?
Any manufacturing defects serious enough to necessitate a recall should certainly not be ignored, as they have already been deemed dangerous enough to affect the safety of the vehicle. Therefore, if you receive a notice from your vehicle’s manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding a recall, make sure to read it carefully. This notice should include the specifics of the defect(s) and models affected, as well as instructions on obtaining repairs and whether or not you should avoid certain features or (in more serious cases) not drive the vehicle at all.
What if I can’t afford repairs at the moment?
If your vehicle is less than ten years old, necessary recall repairs are generally completed at no cost to you (although depending on the situation, there may be exceptions). Specifically, the vehicle manufacturer is required to provide a solution to the recall in question, either with repairs or, if the repairs cannot be completed, the replacement of the vehicle with a similar (safer) model. If you have already paid out of pocket for repairs and then later receive a recall notice citing the necessity for these specific repairs, you may be entitled to a refund.
Does no notice mean no recalls?
Not necessarily. While vehicle manufacturers are required by law to notify consumers of recalls, it can sometimes be difficult to track down current owners of vehicles, especially if the individuals have moved and failed to provide current address information. Whatever the reason, recall notices do not always reach all intended recipients or affected individuals, so it’s a good idea to keep yourself informed.
An excellent resource for this information is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Simply click on the link for recalls near the top of the page and enter your VIN to discover safety recalls that may have affected your vehicle within the past fifteen calendar years. Some recalls may not populate with your VIN (further explanation provided in the NHTSA “Recalls” tab), but overall, this site is an excellent source for any outstanding or past recalls. In fact, you can even sign up for recall alerts via email!
So, there you have it. Make sure you’re in the loop when it comes to possible safety recalls on your vehicle, stay diligent in the event of necessary repairs, and from all of us at Quick-Set Auto Glass, drive safely out there!
