Your Recall Questions Answered

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Your Recall Questions Answered

TENS OF MILLIONS of cars are recalled each year because of safety issues including faulty headlights, software problems that can cause a car to stall, and fluid leaks that can lead to a fire. Automakers often uncover problems requiring recalls after receiving warranty claims, hearing complaints from dealers or owners, or when a worker or supplier uncovers a problem in the manufacturing process. Other times, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency that supervises safety recalls, investigates an issue after receiving complaints from the public. Some recalls include millions of vehicles, while others involve only a few dozen. “Every defect that leads to a safety recall puts people at risk and should be taken seriously,” says William Wallace, associate director of safety policy at CR.

Below, we answer some of your most frequently asked questions about recalls.

How do I find out about recalls?

For recalls of all sizes, car companies must send official notices via first-class mail explaining any potential safety hazards and when and how owners can get the problem corrected. But these can go out weeks after a recall is announced and may not reach owners who have moved. TIP: For timely alerts, sign up for a recall reminder service— such as CR’s Recall Tracker (available to CR members)—or check your car through NHTSA’s website (nhtsa.gov/recalls). You’ll need your vehicle’s VIN, a 17-digit combination of numbers and letters found at the bottom corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of the car.

Can I still drive my car if it’s subject to a recall?

Recalls may specify certain conditions under which it’s unsafe to drive a recalled vehicle. In rare cases, such as the 2022 recall of certain Mercedes-Benz SUVs for potentially faulty brakes, automakers will issue a “do not drive” warning. If you’ve been directed not to drive your car, heed that directive: The vehicle has a serious problem that could put your life in danger. TIP: If there’s no “do not drive” warning for your car, it should be safe enough for you to drive to the dealership for repairs or use for other essential purposes, but you should get it fixed as soon as possible.

Do I have to pay for a recallrelated repair?

Generally, no. Federal law requires free repairs for all safety recalls on cars up to 15 years old, and automakers and dealers may provide free safety recall repairs for cars older than that. (Most recall repairs can be addressed in an hour or two.) TIP: If you’ve already paid to fix a defect that’s later the reason for a recall, you may be eligible for a refund of the repair costs. The repair must have been completed within a specific time frame, and the reimbursement request must be filed soon after receiving a recall notice (sometimes as soon as 10 days).

Can a used car be sold with an open recall?

Yes. Federal law bans the sale of new cars with open recalls, but no similar law exists for used cars, leaving consumers on their own. If a used car has unrepaired recalls (to find out, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls), try to get the necessary work done free of charge at a dealership before taking delivery. Otherwise, you’ll need to have it done after the purchase. TIP: Regardless of recalls, pay a trusted mechanic to inspect any used car before you buy it. The money will be well spent. If the previous owner neglected to get recall work done, they may have skipped maintenance and other repair issues, too.