What Should I Do if My Car Was Recalled or Has Recalled Parts?

Car recalls are more common than most drivers realize. Each year, millions of vehicles are recalled for defects that could potentially jeopardize the safety of drivers, passengers, and others on the road. 

Whether it's malfunctioning airbags, faulty brakes, or fire risks due to electrical issues, automakers are legally required to notify vehicle owners when a defect has been identified that warrants a recall.

But what should you do if your car is part of a recall, or has parts that have been recalled? 

Many people ignore recall notices, assuming the issue is minor. Others aren’t even aware their car has been recalled until it’s too late. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective vehicle, or you simply want to understand your rights and responsibilities, this guide will walk you through the steps and legal protections available to you.

The Basics of Vehicle Recalls

A vehicle recall is issued when a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle or a specific component poses a safety risk or fails to meet safety standards.

Recalls can be:

• Voluntary, initiated by the manufacturer
• Mandatory, ordered by NHTSA after an investigation
   

Common reasons for car recalls can include:

• Airbag defects (e.g., Takata airbag crisis)
• Steering or suspension failures
• Brake system malfunctions
• Electrical issues that could cause fire
• Fuel system leaks
• Tire defects
• Software errors affecting safety features
   

It’s important to understand that even luxury or new vehicles can be subject to recalls. No brand or model is immune.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If Your Car Was Recalled

1. Verify the Recall

If you’ve received a notice in the mail, seen a news report, or heard through word-of-mouth, don’t panic. Your first step is to confirm the recall.

You can visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (found on your dashboard or inside the driver’s door). Check for any active recalls on your specific car.

Recalls may not affect every model in a lineup, so check for your VIN.

2. Read the Recall Notice Carefully

Your recall notice will explain:

• The nature of the defect
• Safety risks associated with it
• How the issue will be repaired
• Where to take your vehicle
• Your rights as a consumer

Make sure you understand the urgency. Some recalls are precautionary, while others involve serious, immediate safety threats.

3. Schedule the Free Repair

By law, safety recalls must be repaired at no cost to you. Call your local dealership's service department and schedule an appointment.

Be prepared for wait times if parts are back-ordered. You may get a loaner vehicle or rental car reimbursement if the repair is lengthy. You can expect other delays if the recall is widespread.

Be sure to document everything: call logs, repair receipts, and communications with the dealership.

What if the Recall Puts Me at Risk Before It’s Fixed?

This is one of the most frustrating parts of the recall process. If your vehicle is recalled for something serious, like fire risk or loss of braking, and parts are not yet available, you may be left driving a dangerous car.

Here’s What You Can Do:

• Ask for a Loaner Car: Some dealerships will provide a loaner vehicle if your car is unsafe to drive.
• Contact the Manufacturer: Call their customer service line and ask about next steps or temporary solutions.
• File a Complaint with NHTSA: If you feel the dealership or manufacturer isn’t helping, file a formal complaint.
• Avoid Driving if Unsafe: If the recall involves major safety concerns, don’t risk it. Park the vehicle and explore other transportation options.

If you’re injured before the recall repair can be made, or because the recall wasn’t issued fast enough, you may have a legal case.

Legal Liability: Can I Sue if I Was Injured Due to a Recall Issue?

Yes, you may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one was harmed due to a recalled vehicle or recalled vehicle parts, especially if:

• You were never notified of the recall
• The manufacturer delayed issuing a recall
• The dealership failed to repair the defect properly
• You were hurt before the recall notice was issued
  
   

Possible Legal Claims Include:

• Product liability lawsuits: For defective design, manufacturing, or failure to warn
• Negligence claims: Against manufacturers, parts suppliers, or dealerships
• Wrongful death lawsuits: If a loved one died due to a vehicle defect
   

A successful claim can cover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages (in cases of extreme corporate negligence)

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve helped countless clients nationwide hold automakers accountable for dangerous defects, often resulting in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts.

What if the Recalled Part Isn’t Fixed Properly?

Dealerships are legally required to fix safety recalls free of charge, but that doesn’t mean they always get it right. Be sure to watch out for incomplete repairs or a replacement with another defective part. Keep monitoring your vehicle's performance to ensure there aren’t any new issues arising after the repairs.

If your car still isn’t functioning properly or you’ve experienced additional damage or injury due to a botched recall fix, you should document all repairs and symptoms, request a second opinion from another dealership or mechanic, and contact the manufacturer again.

if the issue has caused harm or financial loss, that’s when it’s time to call Morgan & Morgan.

 

What if I Bought a Used Car That Was Recalled?

Many used cars on the road have open recalls that haven’t been fixed.

Unfortunately, used car dealers aren’t legally required under federal law to fix or even disclose recalls (unless local state laws say otherwise).

If you’ve bought a used vehicle, immediately check the VIN on NHTSA.gov/recalls and contact a dealership that services your vehicle’s brand to schedule the repair. Save all documents in case legal action becomes necessary.

If a dealership knowingly sold you a dangerous, recalled car without disclosing the defect and you were hurt or incurred repair costs, you may have a claim.

What Happens If I Ignore a Recall?

Ignoring a recall is not advised, no matter how minor the issue seems. You could be putting yourself, your passengers, and others at serious risk.

Potential consequences include:

• Vehicle malfunction while driving
• Voiding of warranties or future repair coverage
• Loss of vehicle resale value
• Legal liability if the defect causes an accident

Once a recall is issued, get it fixed as soon as possible. Repairs are free, and safety is worth the inconvenience.

How to Stay Informed About Future Recalls

To avoid being caught off guard, take these proactive steps:

1. Register Your Vehicle

Make sure your contact information is up to date with your car’s manufacturer. When recalls are issued, they often mail notices to registered owners.

2. Sign Up for NHTSA Alerts

Go to NHTSA.gov/alerts and sign up for email alerts for your car make and model.

3. Use the NHTSA App

Download the SaferCar app, which notifies you of recalls instantly if your VIN is registered.

4. Ask at Every Service Appointment

When getting oil changes or inspections, ask your dealership or mechanic to check for active recalls.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a recalled vehicle, you don’t have to fight alone. The legal team at Morgan & Morgan is experienced in holding auto manufacturers accountable and filing class action lawsuits on behalf of consumers. As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm, we help individuals pursue compensation for injuries, losses, and emotional trauma when it comes to negligent car manufacturers putting drivers at risk.

We’ve recovered over $25 billion for clients across the country, and we understand the tactics used by large corporations to avoid responsibility. And better yet, we know how to beat them.

Recalls can be urgent red flags that your car has a dangerous flaw. If your vehicle has been recalled, don’t delay. Verify the recall, schedule your free repair, and avoid driving if the defect is hazardous. If the worst has happened and you or a loved one has been harmed because of a recall, know that legal options are available.

You deserve a safe vehicle, and when you are left with a dangerous flaw, you deserve justice.

If your life was disrupted by a defective car or recalled part, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.