Nearly 22 million vehicles were the subject of auto recalls in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With so many recalls being issued, it’s not unusual to discover that your vehicle is one of them.
If you receive notice that your car has been recalled, follow these steps:
- Maintain perspective
A recall doesn’t mean that your car is a time bomb. It is often a precautionary measure taken to address a problem that has been seen in similar vehicles, and that the manufacturer wants to fix. It is wise to act promptly when you know about a recall, but panic isn’t necessary.
- Confirm the recall if needed
News about recalls is issued in a number of ways, but “official” notice that your vehicle has been recalled should come by mail. If you hear about a recall that might affect your vehicle, but you haven’t received mailed notice from the manufacturer, call the manufacturer to confirm that your car is covered. You can also visit safercar.gov to check. You’ll need your vehicle’s VIN to determine whether it is affected by the recall.
- Find out what you’re eligible for under the recall
Automakers who issue recalls must provide a “fix” for the recall. Often, this is a repair you can have done free of charge at any dealership. In some cases, however, the fix is more extensive—a replacement of the car or a refund for the purchase price minus depreciation.
- Get the “fix” done
Dealerships will typically do recall repairs for free, but not until the official date announced by the manufacturer. Have your repair done as soon as possible after this date. If a replacement or refund affects your vehicle, pursue it promptly.
If you’ve been injured by a hidden defect in your vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced New Jersey injury lawyer who can help you investigate what happened, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.