You can find out whether your car is subject to a recall.
You could be driving a vehicle with a manufacturer’s recall and not even realize it.
At least 34 million vehicles by many different makers have been recalled because of problems with airbags, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While some of the affected vehicles have been repaired, many have not.
While manufacturers are required to notify registered owners of recalled vehicles, some owners can be missed. If you are not the original owner, you may not receive a recall notice. If you have your vehicle serviced by a shop not affiliated with a dealership, your mechanic may not be fully aware of which models are under recall.
The VIN is the key to determining whether a recall applies, and NHTSA makes it easy for consumers to search for recalls. Visit its website, select Recall Search By VIN, and type in the Vehicle Identification Number for your vehicle. You can find the number on a metal plate on the dashboard of your car, visible through the front windshield on the driver’s side. It also is stamped on the door frame of the driver’s side and printed on your title or registration card.
While it may be disappointing to discover that your car is under recall, having the information can help you take necessary repair steps. Keep in mind that this airbag recall is extensive, and some manufacturers have experienced delays in getting replacement parts.
Make safety a priority. Check your VIN for recall information, and contact your dealer or mechanic to have your vehicle repaired.
This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article.