When you buy a new vehicle and drive it out of the showroom, you probably don’t expect to have much contact with the manufacturer from that point on. Yet sometimes they need to get in touch with you to tell you there is a problem with your vehicle.
Safety recalls happen all the time, with 34 million vehicles being recalled in the U.S. in 2023 alone. Some are for major things and some just minor issues. As a vehicle owner, it is important to pay heed to them. Typically the manufacturer will carry out the work for free, and perhaps they will supply you with a temporary car while they do that work. In some cases, they will offer you a full refund in exchange for returning the car to them.
Your safety and that of others is at stake
Safety recalls are done for your safety and that of any passengers you carry and others you share the road with. For example, a faulty airbag might fail to save you in a crash but a faulty steering element could cause you to lose control and veer onto a pavement full of pedestrians.
Ignoring a recall could affect compensation in a crash
Not only could ignoring a recall make it more likely you crash, but it could affect matters if you do. An insurer might consider you less legible for compensation if they feel you could have avoided the crash by taking your vehicle in when the manufacturer asked you to do so. They might also consider you more liable for any injuries another party suffers.
What if you did not know about the recall?
Just because there was a recall does not mean you knew about it. Maybe the manufacturer missed you off their list, or perhaps you bought the vehicle used, so they never had your details in the first place. Learning more about your legal options will be crucial to protect your rights in such a case.