{"id":353282,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:47","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/if-you-have-a-problem-with-a-recall-repair.html"},"modified":"2024-01-10T11:29:43","modified_gmt":"2024-01-10T16:29:43","slug":"if-you-have-a-problem-with-a-recall-repair","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/if-you-have-a-problem-with-a-recall-repair.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Do About a Vehicle Recall Repair Notice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

What To Do About a Vehicle Recall Repair Notice<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

If the dealership refuses service or charges you for a vehicle recall repair, contact the manufacturer or file a complaint with NHTSA. Manufacturers are legally required to notify owners and provide free remedies for safety-related defects.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Most of us don’t realize our car has a safety-related defect until we receive a recall notice. Many assume the issue or safety risk is not a big deal. Unfortunately, the safety issue must be significant if the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)<\/a>\u00a0or vehicle manufacturer thinks it’s worth issuing a recall.<\/p>\n

If your vehicle is subject to a\u00a0safety recall, you’ll usually receive a recall repair notice in the mail. If not, you can always search online<\/a> using your vehicle identification number (VIN).<\/p>\n

The manufacturer or NHTSA will direct you to the dealership where you purchased your car, truck, or SUV. Once there, the dealer’s service center or mechanic should fix the issue.<\/p>\n

In this article, we’ll address frequently asked questions about recall remedies. We will also explain what to do if you discover a recall but never receive a notice. Finally, you’ll learn your options if your vehicle is not repaired correctly after the recall.<\/p>\n

A product liability lawyer<\/a> can also help you if you are having issues getting your vehicle repaired after a recall. An expert attorney can help assert your right to repair by pressuring manufacturers to provide parts, honor recall obligations, or offer alternative remedies.<\/p>\n

What are my vehicle recall remedy rights?<\/h2>\n

You must understand your rights during a recall. Under federal law, you have the right to a free\u00a0recall remedy<\/a>. The dealership or manufacturer cannot charge you for any repairs made to your car. The only exception would be if the mechanics discover that there are ancillary issues with your vehicle and you authorize them to fix them while repairing the recall.<\/p>\n

The manufacturer should contact you with directions for fixing the\u00a0faulty part<\/a> or vehicle equipment. They should mail you a letter with information about the vehicle safety issue, recall, and remedies. The manufacturer’s notice must also explain how to resolve the issue.<\/p>\n

While your recall remedy is free, the manufacturer determines the remedy. Federal law requires that the automaker address your car’s safety concerns. However, the law doesn’t give you a choice of solutions. If a recall notice or warranty promises to repair your car or provide replacement parts, you cannot demand a refund for the cost of the vehicle.<\/p>\n

Can I contact my dealership’s service department to get my vehicle repaired?<\/h2>\n

The first thing you should do when you receive a recall notice<\/a> is call your local dealership. This may or may not be the same place you bought your vehicle.<\/p>\n

Most auto manufacturers administer their recalls through the service departments at their dealerships. The dealership service department is typically well-equipped to repair or replace<\/a> the makes and models of the vehicles they sell.<\/p>\n

If you encounter difficulties with your dealer’s service department, speak to the manager first. Customer satisfaction is vital to car dealerships. Most managers will want to uphold their reputation and service ratings.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that recalls can swamp a service department’s schedule. Being patient and polite will go a long way.<\/p>\n

Can I contact the manufacturer about a vehicle repair?<\/h2>\n

Contact the manufacturer directly if the car dealership cannot resolve your issues. The letter notifying you of the recall should provide a toll-free number. You can obtain the manufacturer’s contact information from your car owner’s manual or the dealership.<\/p>\n

You may be able to call a toll-free number and speak to someone about your recall<\/a>. Be prepared to play phone tag until you get the right party on the phone. Once you speak to the responsible person, they should be willing to sort out any problems with the recall process. They’ll work with the dealership to fix any miscommunications or other issues.<\/p>\n

Can I contact NHTSA directly about a recall repair?<\/h2>\n

NHTSA<\/a> is the federal agency responsible for car safety and recalls. If you encounter problems with a recall and your dealership or manufacturer cannot help, you can file a complaint<\/a>\u00a0with NHTSA.<\/p>\n

NHTSA monitors recalls and works closely with manufacturers to address safety issues. The agency can resolve your problem or put you in touch with someone who can.<\/p>\n

Do I have to pay for a car recall repair?<\/h2>\n

Vehicle owners are not responsible for the costs of repairs when NHTSA or the manufacturer issues a recall. Contact a product liability attorney if the dealership attempts to charge you or refuses to do the work without payment.<\/p>\n

It is against the law for a dealership or auto manufacturer to charge you for recall repairs<\/a>. The dealership must offer free repairs. Inquire about a loaner car if the dealership thinks it will take more than a day to fix your vehicle.<\/p>\n

What if the dealership says I’m too late to get my car repaired?<\/h2>\n

If the dealership tells you you’re too late to receive free repairs, you have options. If you received your recall notice late, that is not your fault. Your product liability lawyer<\/a> can intervene and demand that an authorized dealer fix your car, truck, or SUV as required by the recent recall.<\/p>\n

If you knew about the safety recall but waited too long to get the repairs, you may have no choice but to pay. To be\u00a0eligible for a free remedy<\/a>, the vehicle cannot be more than 15 years old on the date the defect is determined. The date is calculated from the date of the sale to the first owner.<\/p>\n

Can I get money instead of the repair?<\/h2>\n

Vehicle owners do not have the luxury of choosing their\u00a0recall remedy<\/a>. The car manufacturer determines this. Typically, the only remedy available is to get your car, motorcycle, or SUV fixed by the local dealership. This is true for both new and used vehicles.<\/p>\n

Other times, if there is no viable or cost-effective solution, the manufacturer may offer you a replacement vehicle. But it is rare for the manufacturer to provide a refund. You can demand reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses you experienced due to the recall.<\/p>\n

How long can a dealership keep my car for repairs?<\/h2>\n

Manufacturers or dealerships can take 30 days to fix recalled vehicles. The 30 days do not have to be consecutive. You may need to take your car in for repairs several times. As long as the total days without your vehicle are less than 30, there isn’t much you can do.<\/p>\n

If it takes longer than 30 days, you may be able to pursue damages under your state’s\u00a0lemon law<\/a>. For example, your product liability attorney can demand a refund, a replacement vehicle, or, at a minimum, compensation for repairs and inconvenience.<\/p>\n

Should the automaker give me a rental car?<\/h2>\n

The law does not require auto manufacturers or dealerships to provide vehicle owners with a rental car<\/a> while it is under repair. However, the NHTSA does encourage them to do this. The last thing a company wants is negative\u00a0press. It’s bad enough that they have to announce the recall in the first place. Many automakers will offer buyers rental car coverage if a recall is necessary.<\/p>\n

Why would it take an extraordinarily long time to fix my\u00a0vehicle?<\/h2>\n

Fixing a recalled vehicle would take longer than usual for several reasons. Sometimes, the manufacturer identifies a safety issue but has yet to determine how to fix it. Other times, the parts are unavailable. This could be due to new technology or a supply chain issue.<\/p>\n

An Attorney Can Help With a Recall Repair Problem<\/h2>\n

Manufacturers are responsible for promptly addressing recalls. If they fail, they may be held liable for any injuries caused by the recalled product. Learn your legal options by speaking to a local attorney today.<\/p>\n

FindLaw’s directory of product liability attorneys<\/a> can get you started. Select your state or city to review contact and ratings information for local experts. Your search results will also link you to additional details about the attorneys\u2019 experience with vehicle defect litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n Was this helpful?<\/span>\n \n Yes<\/span>\n \n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/g>\n \n \n <\/rect>\n <\/clipPath>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/i>\n <\/button>\n \n No<\/span>\n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n <\/clipPath>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/i>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/span>\n