While technology and machines have come quite a long way in terms of safety, there are still some instances when manufacturers must recall faulty products for the security of their consumers.
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There are three ways a vehicle recall could happen:
- It could be voluntary — filed by the manufacturers themselves
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may mandate that a manufacturer recall a vehicle
- A recall is issued due to numerous consumer reports of alleged vehicle defects
Take for example the Subaru Outback lawsuit that pushed Subaru to recall 165,000 of their SUVs due to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut that may not have been tightened properly during production.
This could cause the nut to loosen during use, increasing a user’s risk of a crash.
How will I know if there’s a recall?
Your manufacturer should notify you if there’s been a safety recall of their product or vehicle if your vehicle is registered with them. This notification will either be sent through mail or e-mail.
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If you’re using a secondhand car, make sure to register your vehicle with the original manufacturers to get prompt notifications about recalls and other news.
Furthermore, make sure your registration details are always up-to-date, as well as your mailing address.
Five Things to Do If Your Vehicle Gets Recalled
While vehicle recalls are never a nice experience (for both consumers and producers), it’s necessary to ensure everyone’s protection. Below are five things to do if your vehicle is ever part of a massive recall:
Don’t Delay Repairs
As mentioned earlier, when vehicles are recalled the manufacturer should send owners a letter informing them of the issue. This letter will contain details and instructions on what to do next e.g., bringing in a defective vehicle for repairs.
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However, 30 percent of vehicle owners don’t take the time to get the work done.
While recalls may not always mean that all affected vehicles will cause problems, there’s no point in risking it. Don’t delay and get the repairs done as soon as you receive the notification from your manufacturer.
Call Your Local Dealership
As soon as you get the recall notification, call your local dealership and let them know you’re bringing in your vehicle for the necessary repairs. Your dealers should fix the vehicle issue for free.
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If your dealer refuses to make the repairs on your vehicle, notify the manufacturer immediately. Additionally, you can file a complaint with the NHTSA at www.safercar.gov. Make sure to include as many details as you can, such as the name of your dealers and any personnel involved in the issue.
Check for Recalls
If you’re one of the few people who bought your car secondhand, you may not get the recall announcement at the same time as everyone else. Be proactive about your safety and check for recalls regularly. Check the NHTSA’s database for recalls.
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Get Automated Alerts via E-Mail or Other Platforms
Register for manufacturer announcements or ask the NHTSA for email alerts concerning vehicle recalls. You can register on their website.
Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Product Liability Attorney
You and your loved ones deserve to feel safe and protected amidst issues involving vehicle recalls. Working with an experienced product liability attorney from a reliable agency, like Schmidt and Clark LLC, can ensure that you are fairly compensated for damages that may occur in the event of an accident.
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The Bottom Line
It’s always good to be prepared for instances as vehicle recalls. By following the five steps we’ve prepared above, you should be able to quickly adjust should the situation arise. For now, drive safe and be mindful of the road!
SOURCE: Plato Data Intelligence
