Monday, March 8 - Saturday, March 13, 12:00 am
NHTSA is kicking off our first Vehicle Safety Recalls Week on March 8. The focus: heightened awareness of the importance of checking for recalls twice a year and getting a recall repaired immediately — for free.
Vehicle Safety Recalls Week coincides with the week leading up to daylight saving time. Traditionally, this day has been a cue to check smoke detector batteries as you change your clocks. You should also make it a habit to check for vehicle safety recalls when daylight saving time begins and ends.
3 Steps to Checking for Vehicle Recalls
Find your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Look for the 17-character VIN on the lower left of your car’s windshield, or on the label inside your driver side doorjamb (see example). You might also find your VIN on your vehicle’s registration or your insurance documents.
Search using your VIN at NHTSA.gov/Recalls. Your search will tell you if there’s an open safety recall affecting your vehicle and what steps to take.
Get your vehicle repaired for free immediately if you have an open recall. Follow the steps indicated by the response to your VIN search. Your vehicle’s manufacturer is required by law to address your recall—and again it’s a FREE repair.
The Stakes
NHTSA administered almost 900 safety recalls affecting over 38 million vehicles in 2019. Every recall is serious. Yet only about 75% of vehicles recalled in a given year are ever fixed. Being part of that other 25% puts you, your passengers, and others on the road at risk.
Check Car Seats, Tires, and Vehicle-Related Equipment Too
Recalls are also issued for child car seats, tires and vehicle-related equipment — like bike racks. If any of these items are recalled, manufacturers are required to fix the problem by repairing it, replacing it or offering a refund. You can check for these recalls at NHTSA.gov/Recalls, too.
Link: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls/vehicle-safety-recalls-week