What is a vehicle recall?
A vehicle recall is issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) when key safety components in a vehicle pose a risk or do not meet safety standards. In this case, the vehicle’s manufacturer is responsible for fixing the problem, which could range from a simple repair at a local dealership to a complete buy-back by the manufacturer.
The recall process for an automobile
The NHTSA enforces the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, designed to protect drivers and passengers. The path from a complaint to a recall has three stages:
- The complaint – Manufacturers usually initiate car recalls. But consumer complaints to NHTSA lead to recalls, too. You’ll need your vehicle make, model, year, VIN and a description of the problem. You may think your issue is an isolated incident, but there is a chance it could be evidence of factory defects. The NHTSA removes driver’s personal information, then posts the complaint in their database. If multiple people report similar issues with the same product or vehicle, an investigation is opened.
- The investigation – The NHTSA analyzes defect investigation requests. If there’s not enough evidence, the findings are published and no action is taken. If the investigation reveals a safety issue, a recall recommendation is made.
- The recall – If there is enough evidence for a recall, manufacturers will notify vehicle owners of the planned course of action. The NHTSA monitors the recall process to ensure it is carried out effectively.
