If there has been a pretty obvious through-line for the automotive industry in the last decade or so, it’s been that recalls are more common than ever. This doesn’t necessarily mean that cars aren’t being built with less quality than before; rather, it simply means that there is more oversight than there has ever been. This added oversight has made it more common for there to be fixes after the point of purchase, and we do many of these fixes right here at Avondale Nissan. So, what should you know when your car is recalled?
What to Know about Vehicle Recalls
First, what is a recall? Well, here is what a recall is not: you bring your car in, and you get a new car in return. (You wouldn’t believe how many people think this, actually.) Instead, a recall simply means that there is a vehicle issue that stems from the vehicle’s manufacturing and needs to be remedied. Recalls generally occur because the issue has occurred on enough vehicles to merit fixing by the manufacturer, and basically act as a way for automakers to protect drivers even after warranties have expired.
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How do I know if I’m under a recall? If you’re the person who purchased your vehicle new, then the manufacturer likely has your name and address under file. In this case, the manufacturer will generally get ahold of you themselves. However, sometimes you may hear of the recall online or in the news before you hear from the automaker, in which case it’s fine to contact the manufacturer yourself. You can contact the manufacturer directly, or you can contact us at Avondale Nissan with your VIN and we’ll initiate the recall for you.
What if I didn’t buy my vehicle when it was new? This happens a lot, obviously. However, recalls still apply to the current owner of a recalled vehicle, and in most cases they’re even eligible for recalls that happened before they were their current car’s owner. However, you will want to contact the manufacturer with the VIN and let them know that you’re the current owner for future correspondence. Also, recalls have a statute of limitations of eight years for no-charge recalls, so you’ll want to take this into account as well.
We hope that this helps to inform you of what to do if you’re under a vehicle recall, and that you’ll come see us to check if there are ways we can help. Hope to see you soon at Avondale Nissan!
