What to Do If Your Car Is Recalled

If you discover your vehicle has an open recall, follow these steps. All recall repairs are free by law — the manufacturer must fix the defect at no cost to you.

Step 1: Read the Recall Notice

If you received a recall notice by mail, read it carefully. It will describe the defect, the safety risk, and the manufacturer's remedy (usually a free repair, replacement, or refund). If you found the recall online, look up the NHTSA campaign number for the full details.

Step 2: Check If It's a "Do Not Drive" Recall

Some recalls are severe enough that NHTSA or the manufacturer advises owners to stop driving the vehicle immediately. These are rare but serious — typically involving fire risk or sudden loss of steering/braking. If the recall notice says "do not drive" or "park outside," follow that guidance and contact your dealer for a tow.

Step 3: Contact an Authorized Dealer

Call any authorized dealer for your vehicle's make (it does not have to be the dealer you bought from) and schedule a recall repair appointment. Have your VIN ready — the dealer will verify the recall applies to your specific vehicle.

Step 4: Get the Free Repair

Under federal law (49 U.S.C. § 30120), the manufacturer must provide the recall remedy at no charge. This includes:

• Parts and labor for the repair
• A replacement vehicle or refund if the defect cannot be repaired
• Reimbursement if you already paid for the recall-related repair before the recall was issued

Your Rights

• No expiration: There is no time limit on recall repairs. A manufacturer must fix the defect even on a 15-year-old vehicle.
• No charge:You should never pay for a recall repair. If a dealer tries to charge you, contact the manufacturer's customer service or file a complaint with NHTSA.
• Reimbursement: If you paid for a repair before the recall was announced, contact the manufacturer for reimbursement. Keep your receipt.
• Loaner vehicle: Some manufacturers provide a loaner vehicle or rental car reimbursement while your car is being repaired. Ask the dealer.

If the Dealer Won't Help

If you have trouble getting a recall repair, you can:

1. Contact the manufacturer's customer service directly (phone number is on the recall notice)
2. File a complaint with NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem
3. Call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236