A car recall does not have a fixed expiration date. By law in the United States, a manufacturer is obligated to fix a safety-related recall for free for the entire life of the vehicle. There is no time limit, meaning even if you own a 15-year-old car, the manufacturer must still perform the recall repair at no cost to you. However, there are practical limitations. The "campaign," or the period when the manufacturer actively notifies owners, typically lasts around 10 years from the vehicle's original sale date. After this period, getting the repair done might require more effort on your part.
The entire process is governed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall is issued when a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire fails to meet a federal safety standard and poses a risk to safety. The key points to understand are:
- Your Right to a Free Repair: The free remedy is a lifetime guarantee for the specific safety defect. You should never be charged for a recall repair, regardless of the vehicle's age or how many times it has changed hands.
- The 10-Year Notification Window: While the repair is free forever, the manufacturer's legal duty to notify you by first-class mail is generally limited to 10 years from the date the vehicle was originally sold to the first owner. If you buy a used car older than 10 years, you may not receive a letter.
- Why Timeliness Matters: Even though the repair is free indefinitely, it is unwise to delay. A recall addresses a known safety hazard. Putting off the repair means you continue to drive a vehicle with a potential risk. Furthermore, while the part is free forever, if the manufacturer discontinues a specific part due to age, they are still required to develop a new solution or provide a different remedy, which could cause significant delays.
The most reliable way to check for any open recalls on your vehicle is to use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website. This will show all unrepaired recalls associated with your specific car.
| Recall Aspect | Typical Duration / Limitation |
|---|
| Free Repair Availability | No expiration; lifetime of the vehicle. |
| Manufacturer Notification Duty | 10 years from original sale date. |
| Part Availability (Practical Limitation) | Parts are supplied for the active campaign period; delays possible for very old vehicles. |
| Vehicle Age Example | A 2008 model with a 2010 recall is still eligible for a free fix in 2024. |
| Owner Responsibility | To proactively check for recalls, especially on used vehicles older than 10 years. |
