To compound the problem, owners are often unaware of how to deal with the malfunction, thinking that the work is in the hands of a local mechanic. With 1,450 recalls and alerts released in the U.S. in 2002, cases of dangerous malfunctions have become far too common. Keeping that in mind, I have outlined the details of a car recall in an easy to comprehend, question and answer session. Now, you'll know how to deal with this sticky situation.
What exactly is a car recall?
A variety of engineering errors can cause a defect in a car. Usually, the problem is concentrated on models that were produced during a certain time period at one specific plant. Therefore, not all Toyota Camry drivers, for example, would be forced to pull off the road when a defect for that model is announced to the public.Consumers who encounter such problems can report them to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by calling their safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT. Complaints can also be waged online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ (the NHTSA's website) or by filing a petition.
When enough reports are compiled, the NHTSA will begin to investigate the issue, and determine the root of the problem. Then, the findings are made public. If a manufacturer does not force a recall, the government, through the NHTSA, will initiate one instead.
What are the most common types of defects in these recalls?
The NHTSA lists the following as typical safety-threatening defects:Any widespread vehicular problem that results in a risk for those in the car will be closely scrutinized by the NHTSA. Therefore, the safety hotline will not help you out if your air conditioner doesn't work or there's routine wear and tear on your car.
How are owners informed if their car is at risk?
Aside from obvious signs like fire or random malfunctions, you'll be alerted to the defect on your car via the mail. When the manufacturer or the government concedes that there is a defect, an Official Safety Recall Notice, which provides details about the problem as well as instructions on the best way to handle it, is sent to owners who are at risk. In most cases, drivers are advised to bring the car to their dealer.How is the car fixed?
Vehicles are usually sent for repair. The Official Safety Recall Notice outlines what repairs need to be done and lists the specific dealers who will do the work. Though not standard procedure, some victims of car recalls have been known to receive courtesy cars while their car was in the shop.Does the owner of the car have to pay to have the car repaired?
In most cases, repairs are done free of charge. Since the manufacturer (forced by the government or not) concedes that there was a defect in its vehicle, they take full financial responsibility.How long will the recall process take?
Manufacturers are given 60 days to attend to owners' needs after a defect is announced. This time is monitored not from the day the recall is announced, but from the date written in the Official Safety Recall Notice. This means that the first ones to notice the problem may not benefit by bringing their cars in early. Automakers are known to take their time with recalls, so it's wise to leave your car in the driveway and wait for the letter to arrive.Of course, the length of the process also depends on the time of recall. If the problem is faulty belt buckles, you won't have to wait too long. On the other hand, major electronic, transmission or engine defects can take the full 60 days to repair.
What if it's a major defect -- are repairs the only option?
Though repairs are the most common way to fix a defect, a manufacturer may replace or refund a vehicle if the problem is severe and would take too much time or cost too much to fix. Drivers may receive an identical or similar model with all the necessary repairs as well. When this isn't possible, carmakers may opt to refund the purchase price, minus a depreciation amount. Defective tires or electronics may also be refunded.Are all cars eligible for a recall?
Like any other government system, there are rules pertaining to car recalls. If you own a vehicle that is more than eight years old, it cannot be recalled. However, remember that the problem still exists and should be remedied -- you'll just have to pay for it yourself.Note that there's another limitation to the recall rule: If a manufacturer challenges the government's demand for a recall in court, drivers cannot attend to their car's needs until the case is finished. Since these procedures can take years, owners often have to pay for the repairs on their own. If this should happen to you, remember to keep all your receipts because, if the NHTSA wins the case, you may be entitled to a reimbursement.
Will you be compensated if your car is in an accident before the recall is issued?
If the car is in an accident because of the defect, will the owner be compensated?
Unfortunately, the answer is "not necessarily." If you experienced the problem and had an accident before the recall was announced, manufacturers are not legally bound to reimburse you. Anything you did to repair the car before a recall was made public does not have to be covered. However, in an effort to maintain their good name, many manufacturers have been known to compensate customers who can prove their repairs remedied the recall-related malfunction.What if the recall work cannot be done?
In the odd case that repairs cannot be made on your car or that you are being forced to pay for such work, there are several people you can contact. The one who will be able to handle most of your problems is the dealer's service manager. Generally, if you supply him with the Official Safety Recall Notice and break down the situation, the problem will probably be solved. The work is likely to be resumed and you will be compensated. If this doesn't happen, you can try contacting the manfacturer directly and tell him the same story. Failing that, go to the NHTSA as a last resort. Playing the role of "consumer protector," they'll take any claim of yours seriously.be informed
As a car owner, the last thing you want to worry about is a dangerous defect. Unfortunately, these things do happen, but there are systems in place to protect the customer. Using the info provided in this little Q&A session, you should now be better positioned to protect yourself against any type of car recall.Resources:
www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov
http://www.classactionamerica.com/recalls/explanation.asp?recall=NHTSA
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/hotline/hotline.html
http://www.mycarstats.com/auto_recalls/auto_recalls.asp
http://autos.canada.com/national/info/recalls.html
http://www.alldata.com/recalls/index.html
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