Vehicle Safety Recalls Week begins March 7th this year. An initiative of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Vehicle Safety Recalls Week brings awareness to checking for recalls at least twice a year and getting recalls resolved immediately.
The NHTSA lists three steps to check if a vehicle is part of a recall.
- Locate the vehicle’s identification number or VIN. The seventeen-digit VIN number is typically located on the lower left of a car’s windshield or dashboard. It may also be found on a label located on the driver’s side doorjamb in some vehicles. If an individual is unable to locate the VIN on their car, they may see it listed on documents such as the vehicle’s registration or insurance documents.
- Once an individual has located the VIN of their vehicle, they may go to NHTSA.gov/Recalls and enter it into the search. The results of the search will show a driver if there are any open safety recalls pertaining to their vehicle. It will also list the necessary steps to take if a vehicle is found to be part of a recall.
- Vehicles that are found to be part of a recall may be repaired free of charge at a local dealership. The vehicle’s manufacturer is required by law to be financially responsible for the repairs of a recalled vehicle. Individuals whose vehicles are part of an open recall should immediately request the vehicle be repaired as soon as possible.
Download The SaferCar App
Drivers may receive messages year-round alerting them to any recalls involving their vehicle through the SaferCar App. The free app developed for the NHTSA is available on Android and iOS.
Vehicles Recalled in February 2022
According to Cars.com, vehicles recalled in February of this year include the 2020 Porsche Taycan (seatbelts), 2022 Chevrolet Corvette (power train), 2022 Ford Explorer (fuel system/gasoline), Audi e-Tron GT (equipment), 2014 Kia Soul (airbag), and 2012-2022 Ford Superduty Trucks (driveshafts). These are just a few of the many vehicles recalled over the month of February. As mentioned previously, drivers should enter their car’s VIN number at NHTSA.gov/Recalls to see if the vehicle is part of a recall.
Why Are Cars Recalled?
A recall is initiated when a vehicle manufacturer or the NHTSA finds that a vehicle or vehicle part creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. The number of recalls varies from year to year. In 2019 alone, there were recalls issued for over 53 vehicles. The NHTSA catalogs recalls as “safety-related” and “not safety-related”.
Some common safety-related concerns which may trigger a recall include:
- Defective steering components that cause partial or complete loss of vehicle control
- Faulty fuel systems that result in leaks and could cause a vehicle fire
- Seats, seatbacks, or seatbelts that fail to work properly
- Airbags that deploy when they should not or do not deploy when they should
Some defects not considered safety-related include:
- Faulty air conditioning or music systems
- Rusted non-structural components of the vehicle
- Cosmetic errors
- Excessive oil consumption
How to Report A Vehicle-Related Safety Concern
Vehicle Recalls Week serves as a reminder to check that vehicles are safe and in proper working order. Even if a vehicle is not listed on the open recall list a driver may experience a safety concern with their vehicle. To report a vehicle safety concern, drivers should contact NHTSA to file a complaint. The NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline may be reached Monday through Friday, from 8 am – 8 pm (EST) at 888-327-4236 or (TTY) 800-424-9153 for the hearing impaired.
Call An Experienced Defective Products Lawyer
Defective vehicle claims fall under the legal category of product liability. If you or a loved one has experienced injury or loss of property due to a defectively designed motor vehicle or defective car part, Panter, Panter, and Sampedro’s experienced defective products lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our team of attorneys can help you understand your options and navigate the legal process. Give us a call today for a free consultation at 305-662-6178.
Sources:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls/vehicle-safety-recalls-week
https://www.statista.com/statistics/541703/united-states-vehicle-recalls/
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallprocess.cfm
https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index
