(BPT) - Key Takeaways
- Staying up-to-date on vehicle safety recalls should top every driver's maintenance checklist.
- It's easy to check for open recalls at CheckToProtect.org.
- An authorized dealership can complete your recall repair at no cost to you.
Just as staying on top of regular oil changes, tire rotations and other essential vehicle maintenance helps ensure driver and passenger safety, it's vital to make sure your car or truck is recall-free. However, many drivers don't realize there's an easy way to check. According to a survey by Stellantis, nearly half (43%) of American drivers don't know where to find out if their vehicle has an open safety recall.
There's an easy solution: Any driver can see if their vehicle has a recall by visiting the National Safety Council's CheckToProtect.org. Whether you're planning a road trip or just want to be sure your vehicle is safe for you and your family, checking for recalls can give you peace of mind.
How do you check for recalls?
Simply enter or upload a photo of your license plate number or the 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) into the search tool on CheckToProtect.org. If your vehicle has a recall, you can contact an authorized dealership in your area to schedule a free recall repair.
While it's especially important for owners of used or older vehicles, or for anyone who changed their address since purchasing their car or truck, all drivers should ensure their vehicle is safe for themselves and their passengers by checking for recalls.
Why do vehicle recalls matter?
Safety recalls may be issued by an automaker when a part stops functioning properly as it ages, or when a group of vehicle owners experience a similar problem. Safety recalls can affect everything from brakes and steering to batteries and airbags.
Research commissioned by automaker Stellantis found that 40% of drivers believe a recall is fine as long as it doesn't affect a vehicle's performance. However, while some recalls may not change the way a vehicle drives, they can still present a safety risk. For example, if a recalled Takata airbag deploys in a crash, the airbag's inflator can break apart, sending shrapnel throughout the vehicle that could severely injure or kill vehicle occupants.
Another example relates to car seat anchors. CARFAX released new data showing that nearly one million vehicles have open safety recalls for child car seat anchors, a critical safety feature that secures car seats firmly in place.
According to CARFAX, as many as 57 million vehicles currently on the road have an unrepaired safety recall - that's about 1 in every 5 vehicles. Any driver can take the proactive step to check their vehicle's recall status. This is especially important for those with older, used vehicles or who have changed addresses, because manufacturers may not have updated contact information to notify them of recalls.
40% of drivers believe a recall is fine as long as it doesn't affect a vehicle's performance - however, while some recalls may not change the way a vehicle drives, they can still present a safety risk.
FAQs:
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about vehicle safety recalls.
- Where can I learn about vehicle safety recalls? Check any vehicle for safety recalls at CheckToProtect.org. Enter or upload a photo of the 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number.
- How do I find a vehicle's VIN? The VIN can be found on the driver's side dash, inside the driver's side door, on registration documents or the automobile insurance card.
- Where can I get a recall repair? Any authorized dealership will repair vehicle safety recalls at no cost to you, so don't hesitate to call and schedule an appointment. Drivers don't need to be a current or former dealership customer to get a free recall repair.
- How are recall repairs paid for? No matter the age of the vehicle, automakers will cover the cost of recall repairs and parts for dealers. Authorized dealers will always repair a safety recall at no cost to the driver, regardless of whether the vehicle is registered in the driver's name or if it's still under warranty.
- Will dealerships ask for personal information? You don't need to provide any personal information to get a recall repaired at a dealership. The dealership only needs a way to contact you when the repair is completed.
- Are recall repairs time consuming? Recall repairs can take as little as one hour. Customers can ask dealers about rideshare vouchers, loaner cars and other transportation services, if needed.
- Can I check someone else's vehicle for recalls? You can check any vehicle for recalls with the license plate number or VIN. If you drive a vehicle belonging to someone else, such as an older relative, you can check for recalls and take the car to an authorized dealership for repair, at no cost to you or the vehicle's owner.
Checking for recalls helps ensure your vehicle is in good condition, so add this simple step to your maintenance checklist. Take charge of your safety today at CheckToProtect.org.
