- Car recalls happen when a vehicle has a safety defect or doesn’t meet federal safety standards.
- Common recall issues include airbags, tires, wiring, fuel systems and steering parts.
- If your car is recalled, read the notice, contact your dealer and schedule repairs quickly.
- Acting fast helps protect your safety, avoid future problems and plan for transportation during repairs.
Understanding Car Recalls: Safety and Your Vehicle
Vehicle safety recalls happen more frequently than you may think. In fact, recalls are common. In 2022, almost 1,000 recalls were issued, affecting more than 30 million cars.¹ Even so, safety recalls can be daunting and confusing.
Key Takeaways
Knowing how to navigate the recall process may help you feel more at ease. It can also help you plan for transportation if your vehicle needs to stay at the dealership for repairs.
What is a recall on a car?
A car recall happens when a manufacturer or the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle or vehicle component has a safety-related defect or does not meet federal safety standards. Recalls are issued so the problem can be repaired, replaced or updated to help keep drivers and passengers safe.
Some recalls are identified by manufacturers, while others result from NHTSA investigations after vehicles are already on the road.
NHTSA is the agency that regulates vehicle safety standards and oversees vehicle recalls in the United States. Manufacturers can voluntarily initiate recalls, or recalls can be initiated by the NHTSA through their investigations. NHTSA will continue to monitor the manufacturer to ensure the successful completion of the safety recall.
Common faulty vehicle parts that trigger recalls
Historically, car recalls have been associated with the following faulty parts:
- Steering column: Sudden failure of the steering column, causing partial or complete loss of vehicle control.
- Fuel systems: Crash damage to the components, possibly causing vehicle fires.
- Wiring systems: Defective wiring, which may cause fires or loss of lighting.
- Tires: Blowouts leading to loss of vehicle control.
- Airbags: Non-deployment in a crash or deployment in non-crash situations.
- Engine fan belt: Sudden breaking of the fan belt, possibly resulting in injury to someone working on the vehicle.
- Seats/seat backs: Failure during normal use.
- Car seats and booster seats: Ineffective buckles or components that create the risk of injury.
- Car ramp/jack: Collapse of the ramp/jack, possibly resulting in injury to someone working on the vehicle.
If your car is recalled, what’s next?
Taking care of the recall as soon as you can is the best move. Prompt repairs can reduce the chance that the defect leads to a breakdown or accident. If the issue is left unresolved, though, it could increase your risk of an accident, depending on how serious the defect is. And if that happens, you could be responsible for related injuries or property damage.
Here are some tips for handling your recall.
Immediate steps
- Read through your recall letter carefully: You’ll be provided with an explanation of the recall and how it affects the safety of your vehicle. Tip: You’ll want to make note of any interim safety precautions laid out by the manufacturer. Be sure to confirm you can still drive your vehicle while you await repairs.
- Contact your dealership: The letter will detail how to repair the problem, when repairs will be available and where they can be done. You’ll also be informed of how long the repair should take.
Tip: Contact your dealership or service center immediately to schedule an appointment. By getting in early, the dealer is more likely to have the parts needed to make the repair. - Schedule repairs: Your repairs will likely be completed by a local dealership or authorized service center.
Tip: Keep a record of the completed work, along with any receipts and recall documentation.
Want more specifics? Read NHTSA’s “Motor Vehicle Defects and Recalls” guide.
Understand the rights and responsibilities of car owners
- By law, dealers are only required to make free repairs on new cars, typically cars 10 years old or newer. If your car is more than 10 years old, repairs may not be free of charge. If the dealership refuses to repair your vehicle or attempt to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately.
- If you’ve already paid to fix this issue, it’s likely you can be reimbursed. Due to the limitations on reimbursements, it’s best to contact your manufacturer to determine if you’re eligible for reimbursement.
- Car recalls do not expire; however, manufacturers may charge a fee depending on the age of your vehicle. Contact the manufacturer to determine if you’re eligible for free repairs.
- The availability of a rental or loaner vehicle is typically at the discretion of the dealer or manufacturer. Many recall repairs can be completed in one day, so alternative transportation may not be needed. If the repair will take longer, ask whether the dealer or manufacturer offers a loaner car, shuttle service or rental reimbursement.
Insurance and recalls
| Transportation question | What to know |
|---|---|
| Does insurance cover a rental car for recalls? | Usually not by default. A recall is generally handled by the manufacturer or dealer, not your auto policy, unless a separate covered claim is also involved. |
| Will insurance pay for a rental car during repairs? | It may, but usually only when you have rental reimbursement coverage and your car is being repaired after a covered loss. |
| How long will insurance pay for a rental car during repairs? | That depends on your policy’s daily and total limits, along with how long covered repairs take. |
| Who should you ask first after a recall notice? | Start with the dealer or manufacturer, since they may provide the transportation option tied to the recall repair. |
Recall tip: If your recalled vehicle feels unsafe to drive, ask the dealer whether they recommend towing it, and ask about transportation options before your appointment. If you need general roadside help, learn more about what to do if your car breaks down.
Will insurance cover your car if it’s recalled?
Yes, your insurance should cover a vehicle with an active recall. But auto insurance usually doesn’t cover recall-related repairs, because those fixes are typically handled by the manufacturer.
Long-term implications of a car recall
Failing to complete the recall repairs could have long-term consequences. You may have trouble selling the vehicle, you may see increases on insurance premiums, and, most importantly, you’ll put yourself and others at risk.
If you’re concerned your vehicle may have been part of a recall, you can enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) into the database on the NHTSA website. The VIN is a unique, 17-digit number assigned to your vehicle. You can find the VIN on insurance documents, your registration, or inside the driver’s side dashboard or door jamb.
Check the NHTSA database for recalls regularly, or you can sign up for recall alerts. The NHTSA website has a public database where consumers can submit formal complaints. If enough people report the same issue, NHTSA will open an investigation.
To avoid a delay in receiving a recall notification, make sure your contact information is up to date with the car manufacturer.
If your vehicle needs to stay in the shop, it can also help to understand the difference between a dealer-provided loaner and rental car insurance coverage. If you carry rental reimbursement coverage, review your policy limits so you know what may apply after a covered claim.
Ensuring safety beyond a car recall
No matter the severity of your recall, it’s important to act quickly. Unrepaired car recalls could put you and others at risk. Addressing the repairs promptly can create peace of mind and safety on the road.
Safety doesn’t stop at addressing recalls. Prolong your car’s life and ensure a safer drive with simple DIY maintenance. You can also review car emergency kit essentials and brush up on facts on fender benders to stay more prepared on the road.
Get an auto insurance quote today
FAQs about car recalls and rental cars
Yes, your insurance should cover a vehicle with an open recall. But they usually don’t cover recall-related repairs. Those are typically handled by the manufacturer.
Typically, insurance companies do not cover rental cars for recalls, since your vehicle was not damaged due to a covered loss. If a rental or loaner car is available, it’s often offered through the dealership, not through your personal auto insurance policy.
Your insurance company may pay for a rental car while your car is in the shop if the repairs are connected to a covered claim and you have rental reimbursement coverage on your policy. That coverage is different from transportation support related to a recall.
Ask whether the vehicle is still safe to drive, how long repairs may take, whether parts are available and whether a loaner, shuttle or rental assistance is offered.
¹NHTSA 2022 Annual Report Safety Recalls
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