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Vehicle safety recalls: What should you do when you get one?
They're never convenient, but automobile recalls address potential safety problems, and they're done at no charge
By Jil McIntosh -- Driving.ca
It's never a good feeling to hear that your vehicle has a recall. On top of worrying that something's going to go wrong while you're driving it, you're also going to have to set aside time to take it in to be fixed. But while recalls are never convenient, they're not always as bad as they seem. Read on to find out more about them, including what they are, what you need to do, and how automakers are required to handle them.
What is a recall?
Recalls are mandatory safety notifications issued by auto manufacturers, as required by Transport Canada up here; or, in the U.S., by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition to vehicles, recalls can also be issued for tires and child car seats. They only cover safety-related issues, but that can cast a wide net--everything from serious problems such as brakes that might not stop you; to non-compliance with safety regulations, such as a warning sticker that isn't in both French and English.
The problems are found through several methods, including random vehicle testing by automakers or regulatory agencies; an excessive number of warranty claims; or consumer complaints. If you think there's something wrong with your vehicle that can affect its safe operation, you can report it directly to Transport Canada, which will analyze the report, and investigate the issue if it's warranted. The problem may be with a part that fails or with a manufacturing process that wasn't carried out properly and which presents a potential safety issue. In some cases, the failure could happen right away; in others, it may develop over time, which is why older vehicles can sometimes be marked for recall.
How do I know if my vehicle has a recall?
When a recall is issued, the automaker must send you written notice within 60 days. The recall must describe the defect, evaluate the safety risk it might pose, describe what will be done to fix it (if that solution has already been determined), and include any precautions the owner should take to mitigate the risk until the recall repair is performed. Because the recall is mailed to you, it's important to keep your information updated. If you move or purchase a used vehicle, contact the automaker through its website or customer-service phone number, or through one of its dealerships, to get your address on file.
To find out if you might have an outstanding recall, you can check the recall page on your brand's consumer site, or with the service department at one of its dealerships. You'll need your vehicle information number (VIN), the 17-digit mash of letters and numbers found on your ownership, or visible on the driver's side of the dash through the windshield.
Read the full article HERE!
Source: Vehicle safety recalls: What should you do when you get one? | Driving
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