How Long Does It Take to Get the Car Back After a Recall?
4 Answers
Once an automaker confirms a recall plan, within 5 working days from the date of filing the recall plan, it will publish information about the defective vehicles and details of the recall implementation through public channels such as newspapers, websites, radio, and television for public awareness. Within 30 working days, the automaker will notify vehicle owners via registered mail or other effective means about the defects in the vehicles, emergency measures to avoid harm, and the steps the manufacturer will take to eliminate the defects. According to the requirements of the competent authorities, the manufacturer must set a time limit for each vehicle recall, primarily to urge and supervise the manufacturer in achieving a certain recall completion rate within this period to ensure effective recall results. As long as the vehicle is within the recall scope, even if the recall period has expired, owners can still take their vehicles to local service stations for recall repairs. Moreover, the costs associated with replacing related parts during the recall will not be borne by the consumers.
Having worked in car repairs for over a decade, I can say that when it comes to recalls, the most common concern among car owners is the pickup time. This entirely depends on the type of recall and the service center's situation. For simple software updates or minor adjustments, it usually takes just an hour or two to complete. You should schedule an appointment in advance and avoid peak times, like weekends when it's crowded. However, for major issues such as replacing the braking system or airbags, parts might be out of stock, and there could be a long queue for repairs, leading to a wait of several days or even over a week. The dealership will usually provide a loaner car or shuttle service to help with your transportation. I recommend contacting the dealer immediately upon receiving a recall notice to get an estimated time and not to delay or ignore the safety risks, as this is a free opportunity to fix potential hazards.
As a regular car owner, my last recall was for seatbelt buckle repairs. I called the dealership to schedule an appointment for Monday morning, thinking it would be less crowded on a weekday, but I still ended up waiting almost the entire day. They explained that there was insufficient part inventory and they had to arrange for temporary delivery, plus the technicians were busy. It took from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to get it done, so I just passed the time watching videos in the lounge. If the recall involves minor issues like a headlight module update, it might only take half an hour, but complex repairs like engine component fixes can easily get delayed. Remember to avoid peak hours or holidays, ask in advance how long it will take, and bring snacks and water just in case.
The recall pick-up time is really unpredictable, it mainly depends on the complexity of the repair and parts availability. Minor jobs like updating the car's computer system can be done within an hour; but for major replacements like the exhaust system, waiting half a day due to parts shortage is common. I recommend owners call their local dealer immediately upon receiving the notice, provide the vehicle model to check progress, and make an appointment to reduce queuing. Regular maintenance records should be kept, and avoid peak periods like holidays for repairs. If facing a long wait, consider renting a car as a temporary solution.
