Yes, you can absolutely get a recall fixed on a used car, and it's almost always free of charge. The responsibility for repairing safety recalls lies with the manufacturer, not the current owner. This means even if you are the fifth owner of a 10-year-old car, the manufacturer is legally obligated to perform the recall repair at no cost to you. The process is straightforward: you identify any open recalls using the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and then schedule a repair at a dealership that services that brand.
The first step is to check for open recalls. The easiest way is through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. You just need your 17-character VIN, which is found on the dashboard near the windshield or on the driver's side doorjamb. Entering the VIN will show all unrepaired recalls for that specific vehicle. You can also contact any dealership for that brand, and they can run the VIN for you.
Once you've confirmed an open recall, contact a local authorized dealership for your car's make. For example, if you have a Ford with a recall, you schedule service with a Ford dealership. They will handle the repair free of charge. There is no time limit on safety recalls; they remain active for the life of the vehicle. However, some "customer satisfaction programs" or extended warranties might have expiration dates, so it's crucial to distinguish between those and official safety recalls.
It's a smart move to check for recalls before you buy a used car. An unrepaired recall can be a bargaining point, and getting it fixed immediately after purchase ensures your safety. Here’s a look at recall data from a recent year to show how common they are:
| Vehicle Manufacturer | Number of Recalls Issued | Estimated Vehicles Affected (U.S.) | Common Recall Reason |
|---|
| Ford | 67 | 8.6 Million | Powertrain Control Module, Battery Junction Box |
| General Motors | 33 | 3.4 Million | Side Airbag Software, Exhaust Manifold |
| Stellantis (Jeep, Ram) | 45 | 3.0 Million | Anti-lock Brake System, Hybrid Power Inverter |
| BMW | 23 | 1.6 Million | Passenger Airbag, Battery Cable |
| Honda | 20 | 1.4 Million | Fuel Pump, Rearview Camera |
| Tesla | 19 | 2.6 Million | Autosteer Function, Door Latches |
| Hyundai | 16 | 1.6 Million | Tow Hitch, Oil Pump |
| Kia | 11 | 1.2 Million | Seat Belt Pretensioners, Hoses |
