What Is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is issued when a vehicle, tire, car seat or piece of equipment has a defect that poses an unreasonable risk to safety, or fails to meet a federal safety standard. Recalls are announced by the manufacturer, sometimes after an NHTSA investigation, and owners are notified by mail. The manufacturer must fix the problem for free by repairing it, replacing the part, or refunding the vehicle.
How a recall is triggered
A recall can start in two ways: the manufacturer identifies a defect and reports it, or NHTSA opens an investigation based on complaints and data and pushes the automaker to act.
A recall can start in two ways: the manufacturer identifies a defect and reports it, or NHTSA opens an investigation based on complaints and data and pushes the automaker to act. Once a safety defect or noncompliance is confirmed, the manufacturer files a defect report and launches the recall.
How owners are notified
Manufacturers must notify registered owners by first-class mail within 60 days of filing the recall, describing the defect, the risk, the free remedy and how to get it.
Manufacturers must notify registered owners by first-class mail within 60 days of filing the recall, describing the defect, the risk, the free remedy and how to get it. Because mailings rely on registration records, used-car buyers and owners who moved sometimes miss them, which is why a VIN check matters.
The three remedies
- Repair, the dealer fixes the defect at no charge.
- Replace, the defective part or vehicle is swapped for a sound one.
- Refund, in rare cases the purchase price is refunded, less depreciation.
Recall vs TSB vs investigation
A recall is a mandatory, free fix for a safety defect.
A recall is a mandatory, free fix for a safety defect. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is dealer guidance for a known issue that may not be free. An open investigation is NHTSA studying a potential problem that has not yet become a recall. Only recalls guarantee a free repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for a safety recall?
The manufacturer. Federal law requires the covered remedy to be free to the owner at franchised dealers.
How do I find out about recalls on my car?
Check your VIN with a free recall tool, and keep your vehicle registration current so manufacturer notices reach you.
Can I sell a car with an open recall?
Private sellers generally can, but dealers face restrictions on selling new vehicles with open recalls. Disclosing and fixing it first is best practice.
What's the difference between a recall and a warranty?
A recall fixes a safety defect for free regardless of warranty status. A warranty is a separate contract covering defects for a set time or mileage.
Related Guides
Sources: NHTSA, Understanding Recalls · 49 CFR Part 577, Defect and Noncompliance Notification.