How Long Does It Take to Get the Car Back After a Recall?
2 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.
