Safety Recalls: The Oops Moment of the Auto Industry
A recall happens when a car company finds a safety problem. They tell owners to take the car to a dealer. The dealer fixes it for free. Recalls can be about big things, like bad brakes, or small things, like a loose part. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 900 recalls in 2022. Those recalls affected 25 million cars. Recalls help keep people safe on the road.
Why Should You Care About Recalls?
Recalls fix problems that could hurt you. If you skip a recall fix, you might crash or get injured. A 2021 study by Consumer Reports showed 20% of recalled cars stay unfixed. That’s a big risk. If your car has a recall, take it to the dealer soon. If you want to buy a used car, check its recall history. RunBidSell, a company that buys old or broken cars, looks for recalls before buying. This protects everyone.
Top Reasons for Car Recalls
Car recalls happen for many issues. Here are some common ones:
- Airbag Trouble: Airbags might not work in a crash.
- Brake Problems: Brakes could fail without warning.
- Fire Danger: Bad wiring might start a fire.
- Steering Issues: The wheel might not turn right.
These problems can lead to accidents. Always look up recalls for your car.
Airbag Recalls Explained
Airbag recalls can be a big problem. In 2014, Takata airbags got recalled. They could burst and send metal pieces flying. Over 67 million airbags were part of this recall. The fix is free, but many cars still have bad airbags. If your car has a Takata recall, go to the dealer now. It keeps you safe.
Brake Recalls and What They Mean
Brake recalls are serious. In 2020, Ford recalled 600,000 cars. The brakes could stop working. Picture driving fast and not being able to stop. That’s dangerous. If your car has a brake recall, get it fixed fast.
Fire Recalls and Their Risks
Some cars catch fire because of faulty parts. In 2022, Hyundai recalled 357,000 cars. A short circuit could spark a fire, even when parked. If your car has a fire recall, don’t wait to fix it.
Steering Recalls and Losing Control
Steering recalls don’t happen often, but they’re bad. In 2019, Toyota recalled 700,000 cars. The steering could lock up. Drivers couldn’t steer, which might cause a wreck. If your car has this recall, take it to the dealer right away.
How Do You Find Out About Recalls?
You can check for recalls easily. Visit the NHTSA website. Type in your car’s VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number. You find the VIN on your car’s dashboard or registration papers. The website shows if your car has a recall. You can also call the car maker. If there’s a recall, book a free fix with a dealer.
Common Recall Questions Answered
- Do I pay for recall fixes? No. The car company covers the cost.
- Can I sell a car with a recall? Yes. But buyers might say no if it’s not fixed.
- Do recalls ever go away? No. They last until the car gets fixed.
A Real Recall Story
Mike had a 2015 Honda Accord. He got a letter about an airbag recall. He called the dealer and set up a visit. The fix took two hours and cost nothing. Mike felt better knowing his car was safe. He told his friends to check their cars too. This proves fixing recalls is simple.
Selling a Car with a Recall
If you sell a car with a recall, be honest. Tell the buyer about it. Some might still buy it if the issue is small. Big recalls, like airbags, might turn people away. RunBidSell checks recalls before buying cars. If your car has one, they might pay less or ask you to fix it.
How RunBidSell Handles Recalls
RunBidSell puts safety first. They look up recalls on every car they buy. If a car has an unfixed recall, they might not take it. Or they might offer less money. This keeps their customers safe and helps you spot issues.
Tips to Manage Recalls
- Check your car for recalls twice a year.
- Get recalls fixed as soon as possible.
- Save proof of recall repairs for selling later.
- Let buyers know about fixed recalls.
What Recalls Don’t Cover
Recalls don’t find every problem. Some issues are too new or uncommon. For example, a weak battery might not be recalled. Have a mechanic check any used car you buy. Recalls are only part of the picture.
How Recalls Affect Car Value
Recalls can drop a car’s price. A 2020 Kelley Blue Book study found cars with unfixed recalls sell for 10% less. After the fix, the value rises again. If you plan to sell, fix the recall first. It pays off.
Recall Stats You Should Know
Recalls happen a lot. The NHTSA says about 900 recalls occur each year. In 2022, 25 million cars were recalled. But only 80% get fixed. That leaves 5 million cars with issues. Check your car to stay safe.