What Is a Recall on a Car? Why Cars Are Recalled and What You Should Do

You count on your car to get you where you need to go, whether that’s your morning commute, a weekend road trip, or a quick run to the grocery store. So when a car recall notice lands in your mailbox or inbox, it can be a little unsettling. What does it mean? Is your vehicle safe to drive?

While a recall notice can feel alarming, it’s more common than you might think. Let’s explore what car recalls are and how to handle them so you can drive confidently.

Key Takeaways

• A car recall is issued when a vehicle has a safety-related defect or fails to meet federal safety standards.
• Recalls can be initiated by the manufacturer or required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Common reasons for car recalls include brake failures, airbag issues, or fire risks, as well as regulatory non-compliance, such as emissions or equipment standards.
• Vehicle owners are typically notified by mail, and repairs are usually performed at no cost. Owners can also find recalls for their vehicle online.
• It's important to act on a recall notice promptly to stay safe and protect your vehicle’s value.
• Recalls don’t typically affect insurance premiums, but ignoring them can increase liability and lower your vehicle’s resale value.

What Is a Vehicle Recall?

A car recall is a notice issued when a vehicle or its equipment poses a safety risk or fails to meet federal safety or environmental standards. Recalls are designed to protect drivers, passengers, and others on the road by correcting defects that could lead to injury or violate government regulations.

Who Triggers a Vehicle Recall?

A vehicle recall can be issued in one of two ways: voluntarily by the manufacturer or mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In many cases, recalls are the result of consumer complaints or accident investigations that reveal recurring problems. Once a pattern is identified, the issue may prompt further investigation and, ultimately, a formal recall.

What Triggers a Recall?

Recalls are typically issued when a problem affects vehicle safety or fails to meet regulatory standards. These issues may include:

Safety Defects

• Airbag malfunctions
• Engine fires
• Brake failures
• Seatbelt defects
• Steering system malfunctions
• Sudden unintended acceleration
• Electrical system failures that could spark fires

Regulatory Issues

• Non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
• Failure to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards
• Improper labeling or missing safety warnings
• Lighting or reflector issues that reduce visibility
• Tire manufacturing defects that violate safety requirements

Do I Have to Pay for a Car Recall?

When a manufacturer issues a recall, they’re required by law to fix the problem at no cost to the vehicle owner. If you paid out of pocket to fix a problem before a recall was announced, you might be eligible for reimbursement. Automakers often provide details about reimbursement policies when they issue a recall, so be sure to check the official notice or contact the manufacturer to see if you qualify.

How Will I Know If My Car Has Been Recalled?

There are two ways you’ll know if your car has been recalled: through automatic notification or a manual check.

Automatic Recall Notification Methods

Manufacturers typically notify affected vehicle owners by mail, and in some cases, you may also receive an email or hear from your dealership. Because recalls are tied to your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), notices are sent to the contact information associated with your registration. Keeping your address and email current helps ensure you don’t miss any important updates.

Manual Recall Checking for Recalls

You can check your vehicle’s recall status online at any time. Just visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your 17-character VIN. You can also ask your dealership to look it up for you. It’s a good habit to run a quick check periodically.

What Do I Do If My Car Is Recalled?

If you receive a recall notice, the first step is to contact a dealership authorized by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Recall repairs are typically handled by certified mechanics at the dealership’s service department and are performed at no cost to you. If the fix takes time, many dealerships offer transportation options such as loaner cars or rental car reimbursement to help you stay on the road while your vehicle is being serviced.

In many cases, it’s safe to keep driving your car until your repair appointment. However, if the recall involves critical components like brakes, airbags, or steering, the manufacturer may advise you to stop driving the vehicle immediately. Always follow the instructions in the recall notice closely.

Will a Recall Impact My Car Insurance Rates or Resale Value?

A recall on your vehicle typically won’t affect your car insurance rates or coverage. Insurance companies don’t penalize you just because your car has a manufacturer-issued recall. However, if you ignore a recall and it leads to an accident or damage, it could increase your risk or liability.

From a resale perspective, unresolved recalls can lower your car’s value or make it harder to sell. Buyers and dealerships may hesitate if there’s an open safety issue.

Stay Safe by Understanding and Handling Car Recalls

While a recall notice might seem stressful at first, it’s actually a helpful tool to keep you and your vehicle safe. Taking quick action can prevent bigger problems down the road, and it doesn’t cost you anything to get the repair done.

A recall repair addresses one type of risk; car insurance helps cover the rest. GEICO offers affordable, flexible coverage for whatever the road brings. Get your personalized car insurance quote today!