Are Vehicle Recalls Important?

In South Carolina, we’re busy people. So when we get a vehicle recall notice in the mail, we might wonder whether it’s really important to get our cars repaired. The answer is simple: Yes.

Carmakers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issue vehicle recalls when they detect a problem that could endanger motorists. Hundreds of recalls affecting millions of vehicles occur in the U.S. every year. Data shows NHTSA issued 8,394 recalls impacting more than 350 million vehicles over a recent decade.

Some vehicle recalls are small, affecting only one model year or type of car. Others are broader. BMW recalled 917,000 cars and SUVs for the third time due to an unreasonable risk of engine fires. This recall impacted six models made between 2006 and 2013. The largest recall in automotive history – the Takata defective airbag recall – is ongoing, spanning multiple continents and multiple vehicle brands.

Always get your recalled car fixed. Repairs are free, so you don’t have to worry about the cost. And getting the repair could just save your life.

What is a Recall?

A recall is a way for automakers to inform you that a safety defect has been identified in your vehicle. NHTSA defines a defect as a flaw that:

Poses a risk to motor vehicle safety
May exist in a group of vehicles of the same design and manufacture, or items and equipment of the same type and manufacture

When vehicle recalls occur, manufacturers must provide timely repairs free of charge to consumers.

How Do I Know If My Car Has Been Recalled?

If you registered your vehicle, recall notices should be sent to you by mail. Update your mailing address if you move to ensure you don’t miss any important notifications.

However, there are other ways to check whether your car is subject to a recall:

• Visit the NHTSA Recalls website and look up your car or SUV by vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Sign up for NHTSA recall notifications by email.
• Download the Safercar mobile app for iPhones or Androids.

What to Do About a Vehicle Recall

When you receive a recall notice, follow the instructions to schedule the repair. Sometimes, the fix will not be available yet, and you will receive a notification when it is ready. Other times, you can get your car into the dealership right away.

You don’t want to wait. South Carolina has seen its share of tragedy from recall notices that went ignored. In January 2021, a driver died when a defective Takata airbag ruptured and killed a man in Lancaster County. The car, a 2002 Honda, was first recalled in 2011. Between then and the date of the accident, Honda tried to reach the vehicle’s owner over 100 times to make the repair, according to The New York Times.

Hurt in a Crash? Call Our S.C. Car Accident Attorneys Today

Compensation may be possible if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a South Carolina crash. Call or contact Wilson Law Group, LLC today for a free consultation with a skilled S.C. car accident lawyer.