Are Car Recalls Free to Fix?
Yes, safety recall repairs are free. Federal law requires manufacturers to fix a recalled safety defect at no charge at any franchised dealer, no matter the car's age, mileage or number of owners. You do not need to be the original buyer. The only common exception is a very old vehicle (generally more than 15 years past the defect's determination date), and even then dealers often still perform the repair.
Why recall repairs are free
Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, a manufacturer that issues a safety recall must offer a free remedy: repair, replacement, or a refund.
Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, a manufacturer that issues a safety recall must offer a free remedy: repair, replacement, or a refund. This applies to the current owner, not just the person who bought the car new, which is why used-car buyers can still claim the free fix.
What's covered
- Parts and labor to repair or replace the defective component.
- Reimbursement if you already paid to fix the same defect before the recall (keep your receipts).
- In some cases, a loaner vehicle or refund if parts are unavailable.
What isn't covered
Recalls cover only the specific safety defect.
Recalls cover only the specific safety defect. Unrelated maintenance, wear items and pre-existing damage the dealer finds during the visit are not free. A recall is also different from a manufacturer 'customer satisfaction campaign' or an extended warranty, though those may also be free.
The 15-year limit
Manufacturers are generally required to provide free remedies for 15 years from the date the defect or noncompliance was determined (8 years for tires).
Manufacturers are generally required to provide free remedies for 15 years from the date the defect or noncompliance was determined (8 years for tires). Older vehicles may fall outside the mandate, but many dealers still complete the repair, so it is always worth asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to the dealer I bought from?
No. Any franchised dealer for that brand must perform the free recall repair, whether or not you bought the car there.
Can a dealer charge me for a recall repair?
No dealer may charge for the covered recall remedy itself. They can only charge for separate, unrelated work you authorize.
What if I already paid to fix the defect?
You may be entitled to reimbursement. Contact the manufacturer with your repair receipts; the recall notice explains the process.
Are emissions recalls also free?
Yes. Emissions-related recalls required by the EPA are repaired free of charge, similar to safety recalls.
Related Guides
Sources: NHTSA, Recalls & Defects · 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, Motor Vehicle Safety.