Recalls vary in severity, but they all relate to the safety of the vehicle, so they’re all worth paying attention to. But if you’re the proactive type – or if you bought the car used – you might want to check for a recall yourself.Īccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 100 million new and used vehicles were involved in some sort of safety-related recall in 2014-15. In most cases, the automaker will send you a notice in the mail to announce a recall. Or if you have a little more time to plan, find out what services and amenities your local dealer offers. Ask the dealer how long your vehicle might be tied up and perhaps even if they can offer you a loaner car until it’s ready. Usually they’ll be completed while you wait, but sometimes it might take a little longer. The dealer is obligated to complete these repairs too – also at no cost to you.įor many people, the hardest part is finding a convenient time for the recall-related repairs.

If your family mechanic does the recall repairs, you’ll probably be responsible for the cost.Īt the dealer, you may also discover other open recalls that your car qualifies for. But you DO need to take it to an authorized dealer. It doesn’t have to be the same place where you bought it, and it doesn’t matter if you bought the car new or used. Next, make a service appointment with an authorized dealer who sells that brand. Second: Bring your vehicle to the dealer.

recall-related repairs don’t cost you anything for parts or labor.

the manufacturer has identified the issue and a way to fix it.

And while a recall notice might dredge up feelings of fear and anxiety, focus on two bits of good news: The notice will tell you what the defect is, possible warning signs and what to do next.

So be sure to pay attention when you see an envelope in the mail labelled “Safety Recall Notice”. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only 75% of vehicles involved in a recall are actually repaired. The described inspection and/or repair will be performed at no charge to the vehicle owner provided the Limited Service Campaign has not expired.First: Read the notice carefully and don’t ignore it. Toyota requests that customers take advantage of this service prior to an expiration date. Limited Service Campaigns are programs to inform customers about a product or technical issue for which inspection and/or repair is being offered for a specified period. The described service will be performed at no charge to the vehicle owner. These issues are typically customer satisfaction initiatives. The specified inspection and/or repair will be performed at no charge to the vehicle owner.Ī Special Service Campaign is the Toyota, Lexus, or Scion owner notification program to inform customers about specific product or technical issues for which inspection and/or repair is being offered without an expiration date. In accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, when Toyota, Lexus, or Scion has determined that either a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety or a noncompliance with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard exists in your vehicle, a Safety Recall Campaign is launched. Should you require additional assistance, please refer to the Contact Us section at the bottom of this page. If you have completed a Campaign, but are experiencing concerns with your vehicle, please contact your local Toyota, Lexus, or Scion dealer for an inspection. Campaigns conducted by Toyota can be Safety Recall Campaigns, Special Service Campaigns and/or Limited Service Campaigns.

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