Cars are recalled for many reasons. Defective parts, dangerous failures, and other issues may cause an auto manufacturer to put out a recall notice for specific vehicles that are deemed dangerous to consumers. Unfortunately, these recall notices do not always make their way to the owners of these cars. There are ways car owners can find out on their own if their car is safe to drive, however. According to the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHSTA), approximately 51 million cars were recalled in 2015 alone. Out of these millions, about 25% were never repaired. Defective autos are not only a danger to the occupants of the vehicle, but they can also cause accidents and endanger others on the road.
Check the Internet
The internet is a powerful tool, and there are a number of websites that can help you identify if your vehicle has a recall notice that applies to it. You will need a few pieces of information, and the site will search for recall notices for similar vehicles. Sites you can use include:
- SaferCar.Gov by NHSTA
- Check to Protect by the National Safety Council
- Cars.com
You can also check the website of your car’s manufacturer, which will have information about any recalls that are current. Another option is to call a dealership for your car’s maker, and ask if they have information about any recalls. If there is a recall for your vehicle, they can help you get the information you need to have the defect repaired. Defective vehicles are a threat to many vehicle owners, but the danger may not always be so apparent. It also possible that the defect hasn’t been announced by automakers, and your car is unsafe without your knowledge. Auto recalls are important to protect consumers, but many drivers and passengers may be injured by a defective vehicle or deceived by false advertising. If you have been injured by a defective vehicle, suffered financially due to a defective vehicle, or experienced considerable inconvenience due to a defective vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. At Williams DeClark Tuschman Co., L.P.A., we have more than a century of shared legal experience helping car owners protect themselves and defend their rights after owning a recalled vehicle. Don’t hesitate to learn how our Toledo auto recall lawyers can help you.
Schedule a no-cost consultation to learn more. Contact our firm by calling (419) 719-5195.