A car recall is a safety program mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or initiated by the manufacturer to fix a specific safety-related defect or failure to meet a federal safety standard. When your car is recalled, the manufacturer is legally obligated to fix the problem for free. You will receive an official notification letter in the mail, which will instruct you on how to schedule a repair at a local authorized dealership.
The process is straightforward. The notification letter will describe the specific defect, the potential risks, and the planned remedy (which is almost always a free repair or, in rare cases, a replacement part or vehicle buyback). You simply contact a dealership of your car's brand, schedule a service appointment, and they will perform the necessary work at no cost to you. The repair time can vary from under an hour to a full day, depending on the complexity.
It's crucial to act on a recall notice promptly, even if the car seems fine. Safety defects can pose significant risks. To check for any open recalls on your vehicle at any time, you can use your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website.
Recent recall statistics highlight the scale of this process:
| Vehicle Model Year | Number of Recalls Issued (NHTSA, 2023) | Estimated Vehicles Affected | Common Recall Causes |
|---|
| 2022 | 1,093 | Over 30 million | Software glitches, fuel pump failures |
| 2021 | 1,020 | Approximately 28 million | Airbag inflators, brake system issues |
| 2020 | 886 | Around 55 million | Electrical faults, fire risks |
| 2019 | 963 | Over 53 million | Suspension failures, steering components |
| 2018 | 914 | Approximately 29 million | Engine control modules, seat belts |
