Does it feel like there are more vehicles being recalled today than ever before? That’s because there actually are more vehicle safety recalls going out now than there were even just a few years ago. In fact, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, vehicle manufacturers recalled almost as many vehicles over the last three years—about 154 million total—as they did in the entire decade that came before that, about 172 million total.
So if your vehicle is ever recalled, you shouldn’t be all that surprised. But you should know what to do next. Here is exactly what you should do if you ever receive a safety recall.
Read the safety recall you receive from your vehicle’s manufacturer
While this should really go without saying, you might be surprised by how many people bypass reading their safety recalls. Recalls can, in some cases, look like junk mail, which is why some people throw them right into the garbage when they arrive. If you ever receive something that looks even remotely like a safety recall, take the time to read it. It likely will include important information like what your vehicle is being recalled for and what could happen if you ignore the recall.
Contact your local dealer
In addition to listing the reason for your vehicle recall in the letter they sent you, your vehicle manufacturer will also provide you with contact information for your local dealer. Your local dealer will be able to service your vehicle and address the problems related to the recall. You should reach out to your dealer as soon as you receive your safety recall to make an appointment.
Arrange to have repairs made to your vehicle ASAP
Scheduling service on your vehicle can be frustrating. But it’s important that you take care of the issue related to the safety recall immediately. In just about all cases, the cost associated with doing it will be covered by the manufacturer. But no matter what, you shouldn’t ever put a recall repair off since it could put you and your family’s safety in jeopardy.
At 4N6XPRT Systems, we understand the importance of vehicle safety. We’ve spent more than 20 years developing powerful accident reconstruction software tools like 4N6XPRT StifCalcs to help attorneys, insurance companies and law enforcement agencies establish fault in car accidents.