If you’re planning to purchase a vehicle, you need to be aware of the latest car recalls. This is very important because many specific car models end up being recalled by their manufacturer due to dangerous safety issues.
You can also save yourself time and money by inquiring if your car has a recall before you spend any of your hard-earned money.
It’s important to note that the manufacturer of your vehicle is responsible for paying for the cost of any repairs required if your car is recalled.
Car recalls may be issued for anything from a minor mechanical problem to a much more dangerous safety concern. The good news is that locating this valuable information is now easier than ever.
Receive A Postcard From the Manufacturer
If you are the registered owner of any vehicle, you should receive a postcard directly from the car manufacturer. The card will explain the specific reasons for the recall, in addition to how you can have the vehicle repaired.
Online Information
A very easy and convenient method of finding out if your car has a recall is to check online. Many Internet sites such as http://www.allworldauto.com/recalls provide detailed lists of car recalls and they tend to update the posted information frequently.
Auto websites such as Motor Trend maintain a current listing of all the current car recalls. Certain recall sites also include additional comprehensive car information to save you further time.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conduct investigations of vehicles. One of their responsibilities is to report any potential vehicle defects.
Their compliance database contains the results of testing completed on all vehicles since 1994, and you can search by Model and Year or Make/Brand. Therefore, a call or email to their office can prove very helpful.
Contact the Manufacturer
Another method of discovering if your car has been recalled is to contact the manufacturer of your vehicle. A quick phone call to their customer service department or a visit to their company website should provide you with the information you need.
Visit A Dealer’s Service Department
Owners of vehicles can also visit the service department of their local dealer. They can consult their records to see if your vehicle identification number appears on their recall list. Sometimes, recalls only apply to a limited number of vehicles for a specific model.