Did you know that no matter the age or mileage on your vehicle, safety recalls are always free repairs from the dealership? I recently discovered that I had a faulty airbag in my vehicle. Do yourself a favor and plug in your VIN into the link below and see if your car has any safety recalls.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only 75% of vehicles involved in a recall are actually repaired. So be sure to pay attention when you see an envelope in the mail labelled “Safety Recall Notice”.
The notice will tell you what the defect is, possible warning signs and what to do next. And while a recall notice might dredge up feelings of fear and anxiety, focus on two bits of good news:
1. The manufacturer has identified the issue and a way to fix it and
2. Recall-related repairs don’t cost you anything for parts or labor.
Make a service appointment with an authorized dealer who sells that brand. It doesn’t have to be the same place where you bought it and it doesn’t matter if you bought the car new or used. But you DO need to take it to an authorized dealer.
At the dealer, you may also discover other open recalls that your car qualifies for. The dealer is obligated to complete these repairs too – also at no cost to you.
For many people, the hardest part is finding a convenient time for the recall-related repairs. Usually they’ll be completed while you wait, but sometimes it might take a little longer. Ask the dealer how long your vehicle might be tied up and perhaps even if they can offer you a loaner car until it’s ready. Or if you have a little more time to plan, find out what services and amenities your local dealer offers.
