Tips For What To Do For A Vehicle Recall

What's an Automotive Recall?

An automotive recall is an announcement that one or more car models may have defective parts. Some recalls concern parts specific to a single maker and model, while others might affect multiple car makers, models, and years. For example, a recall for a particular car battery might affect several car models over several years, depending on how long the battery was in production. Recalls typically affect functional parts of a vehicle rather than aesthetic features such as paint or seat linings.

If you bought your vehicle from a licensed dealer, you could receive a call, letter, or email from the dealership informing you about the recall. You can also find recall information and check to see if your model is affected by an active recall by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Use the VIN lookup to see if your automobile is affected by any current recalls.

How Does the Recall Process Work?

The recall process begins in one of two ways. Sometimes, an automobile manufacturer discovers a flaw in vehicles from a specific line and year, so they contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) themselves. The NHTSA then releases a recall using the details provided by the manufacturer. In other cases, consumers notice a defect in a vehicle they've bought and alert the NHTSA using the administration's phone line or online portal. If enough consumers report an issue with a particular vehicle, the NHTSA begins an investigation to see if a recall is warranted.

Once the NHTSA issues a recall, drivers might receive a notification from the dealership about the recall. Notifications often include information about where to take the car to have the defective part replaced. Typically, consumers bring their vehicles to a local dealership specializing in vehicles from the affected automotive manufacturer. The manufacturer sends large shipments of replacement parts to these dealerships so that they can perform the repairs. For many recalls, the dealership's mechanics can simply replace the faulty part, but in some cases, the vehicle requires more extensive repairs.

What Should I Do If My Vehicle Has a Recall?

If you receive a letter alerting you about a recall on your vehicle, read the document carefully since it may contain instructions. For example, your letter might specify which dealership you should contact about scheduling a repair for the recalled part. Then, make an appointment for a repair as soon as possible to keep the defective part from doing any further damage to the rest of your car.

If you didn't receive a letter and learned about the recall online, contact your dealership immediately to get more information. The dealership's staff can tell you where to go to get the part replaced.

Owners of used cars might not receive notifications about recalls because their vehicle isn’t registered with the automobile manufacturer. If you own a used car, it's a good idea to visit the NHTSA website every few months and input your car's VIN number to see if there are any recalls for your model’s make and year. You can also sign up for the agency's Recall Notification Email System, which sends emails about automobile recalls when they become active.

As part of the Hyundai Owners Assurance program, those who have purchased a newer Hyundai may also benefit from additional features. To learn more, check out our Owners Assurance overview on our blog!

Typical Recall Outcomes

Usually, recalls concern specific parts of a car rather than the entire vehicle. This often means the repair process is fairly simple since a mechanic can replace the defective part with a new component. Depending on the defective part, your repair might take a few hours to a few days. However, it might take longer if the dealership experiences a high volume of repair requests. Check your vehicle insurance, as it might cover a rental car for the repair period, allowing you to continue driving to work and running errands while your car is being repaired.

Will I Have to Pay For a Recall Repair?

Whether the dealership asks you to pay for the repair depends on how old your car is when the NHTSA issues the recall. Under the law, the manufacturer must pay for any repairs for recalls on vehicles that are 10 years old or newer.

So, for example, if the NHTSA issues a recall for a specific car model released eight years ago, the manufacturer would be responsible for paying for repairs on those cars. However, when the NHTSA issues a recall on models released over 10 years ago, the manufacturer isn't legally responsible, so you might have to pay for recall repairs on your older car.

In some cases, a driver might have gotten the issue fixed before receiving their recall letter. If you receive a recall notice for an issue you've already fixed at your own expense, you can file for reimbursement from the manufacturer. Your recall notice will include a section about submitting a reimbursement request online. The request form requires proof that you paid for a repair to fix the issue specified in the recall, so it's important to request itemized receipts from your mechanic and keep all repair records.

Responding to recall notifications quickly is just one way to keep your car running smoothly and ensure your safety on the road. Another way is by getting your vehicle’s regularly scheduled maintenance done at a trusted automobile dealership, such as Carson City Hyundai. Whether you need an oil change, a tire rotation, or new parts for your Hyundai, our skilled service technicians are here to help. Take a look at our service specials or make an appointment for your routine maintenance needs today.