Auto Recalls Hit Record High: Here’s What You Can Do if Your Vehicle Has a Recall

Recalls on defective auto parts have hit record highs for the third year in a row. In 2016, 53.2 million vehicles and 927 recall campaigns were enacted. The Takata airbag recall is the largest in U.S. history, responsible for over 42 million recalls. Recalls on Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and General Motors make up the rest of the list. These auto manufacturers are liable for injuries caused by these parts and need to be diligent in repairing the issue. Toyota recently had to pay $1.2 billion to the U.S. Department of Justice for not repairing an accelerator issue. Given that there are more recalls than ever, let’s take a moment to go over some helpful tips for dealing with a recall that involves your vehicle.

Questions to Ask About Your Recall

• How serious is the recall? There may be a long delay in repairing your vehicle depending on how large it is. Many recalls will involve a component that is not fully necessary to the operation of the vehicle. In these cases, it is still safe to drive but your car may not be operating at full efficiency. In other cases, you may receive a recall notice that lets you know you need to stop driving altogether. The manufacturer should provide you a loaner vehicle until the repairs are complete. They are also legally required to notify affected vehicle owners in a timely manner.
• What can be done to fix the issue? The dealer should be replacing the part for free. In some cases, they may ask to repurchase the vehicle or replace the vehicle entirely. If your auto manufacturer is not complying with fixing your recall, you should call the dealer department and show them your recall notice. If you are still experiencing issues, contact the vehicle manufacturer. In some cases, you should file a claim with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA’s website has an online form for car safety reports. This is a great place to report a suspected recall and other vehicle defects.

Cases involving injuries that result from recalls can get complicated, and having an experienced auto accident attorney can help you get the coverage you need from the auto manufacturer. Many times, products that have not been recalled can be proven to be the cause of serious accidents with the help of product liability lawyers and accident reconstruction specialists.Contact a Lufkin product liability attorney at Mike Love & Associates, LLC for more information about defective products and obtaining compensation for your recall related injuries.