It’s not uncommon for the owner of a car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle to receive a notice of a recall in the mail. Although most notices are for seemingly minor issues, they shouldn’t be ignored, because some small problems left unattended may become a serious matter of safety.
Since 2017, the number of recalls has continued at significant levels. In 2023 alone, recalls affected nearly 40 million vehicles. However, millions of vehicles with known safety issues still haven’t been repaired, with a recall completion rate hovering around 36% across manufacturers. Ford, for example, has recalled over 3.6 million vehicles in 2024, and Chrysler isn’t far behind with 2.6 million recalls. Despite increased awareness, unresolved recalls on millions of vehicles remain a pressing safety issue on our roads today.
One of the most publicized recalls was over airbags that deployed incorrectly. If that happens while you’re driving, it could cause you to totally lose control of your vehicle, which could lead to serious injuries, if not the death of you and your passengers.
Perhaps this is easier to imagine if you put a face on it. Consider the case of Stephanie Erdman, who testified before the Senate hearing on the Takata airbag recalls. Her 2002 Honda Civic crashed, but the accident resulted in only moderate impact. Her airbag deployed, but it sent shards of metal into her face, where it punctured her sinus right next to her eye. Luckily, she survived, but drivers in other faulty airbag accidents did not.
If you get a recall notice, experts advise reading it over carefully. They come via regular mail, so it’s important to make sure manufacturers have your correct address. If you’re not the original buyer of the vehicle, go to safercar.gov to find out if there are recalls for your make and model. Just be sure to have your VIN handy.
It may help to know that when you go to the dealer for a recall fix, the manufacturer isn’t going to charge you.
Finally, be proactive. If you think there’s something wrong with your car that’s not due to normal wear and tear, report it to the customer service department of the automaker. Consumer complaints really do get noticed.
Remember that if you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a vehicle defect, the product liabilityattorneys at Harrell & Harrell, P.A., are here to help. Contact usfor a free consultation on the strength of your case by calling 904-251-1111 or 800-251-1111 today.
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