Avoid Sticky Situations: Be Prepared for a Recall!

Your safety on the road matters, but what do you do if your car is recalled? Honda's recent recall for a 'sticky steering wheel' shows why you should pay attention. Every recall matters! Stay prepared and avoid surprises with our easy guide on what to do.

What Is a Recall?

When there’s a recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines if a vehicle does not meet motor vehicle safety standards. Manufacturers are then required to file a report including details of the car, the number of vehicles affected, equipment affected, a description of the defect, what led up to the decision to recall, an explanation, and a recall schedule. Registered owners must receive a recall notification from manufacturers by first-class mail within 60 days of the recall instructing owners on how to get the issue fixed, the time frame of the fix, and how long the repair should take.

How to Check for a Recall

According to the NHTSA website, searching by license plate is one of the newest and best ways to check for a recall. While manufacturers must notify registered vehicle owners in 60 days, physical mail can be unreliable. If you have suspicions of a recall or have seen news concerning a potential recall on your car’s make and model, searching the NHTSA website for a recall through your car’s license plate or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the easiest and most efficient way to stay safe.

What Should You Do If Your Car Is Recalled?

Once you find out if the recall applies to your vehicle or parts, there are three options: repair, replace, or refund. By law, the manufacturer must choose one of the three options to correct the issue. If the manufacturer has chosen repair, your vehicle or part must be repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to the vehicle owner. Replacement means that if the problem can’t be fixed, the manufacturer must provide you with another similar or identical model. A refund option involves the manufacturer refunding the purchase price of your vehicle, minus depreciation. These options also apply to accessories such as car seats.

Your recall letter or warning should notify you if your car is too dangerous to drive. Regardless, the recall issue should be resolved right away by taking your vehicle to a local authorized dealership matching the make of your car. Remember, the bigger the recall, the longer the waitlist for an appointment.

How to Book a Recall Repair Appointment at Lehigh Valley Honda

Recalls need to be handled at dealerships for record-keeping, quality checks, and to ensure that recalled parts are available for inspection by manufacturers. Although the NHTSA allows manufacturers some time to provide repairs after a recall, it's best to contact your local dealership and schedule a service appointment early to avoid long wait times. Building a good relationship with your nearby registered dealership can help during a challenging recall situation!

Has your vehicle been recalled? Call Lehigh Valley Honda immediately to book your recall repair appointment and ensure your vehicle functions to its intended safety guidelines and performs its best. Our team is happy to help, from minor service to full recall assistance!