Knowledge Bank for Drivers: What Voids a Recall?

As a car owner, you must track a couple of things. Aside from routine maintenance tasks, you’ll also need to keep an eye out for announcements that concern your vehicle, which can come in the form of a recall.

What Is a Recall?

A recall is a notice issued by a vehicle manufacturer when certain models are deemed to have safety or emission-related faults or concerns.

Recalls are stated in the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, signed into law in 1966. Automakers could face a hefty fine if they fail to disclose defects and issues with their vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) supervises safety recalls, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees emission-related recalls.

Affected owners don’t have to pay anything when their vehicles are recalled, provided that a local and authorized dealer handles the issue.

What Voids a Recall?

There are generally three reasons why a dealership can refuse to repair your vehicle even when it’s being recalled.

First, the dealership can void a recall if your vehicle has a salvage or flood title.

A salvage title signifies that the vehicle is damaged and that the insurance company considers it a total loss because the repair costs are higher than the car’s actual value.

Dealerships usually refuse to repair salvaged vehicles because they might be held liable if these cars are caught up in an accident.

The next condition that can void your vehicle’s recall is if the state or area where it was purchased isn’t included in the recall list.

For example, there was a case in 2020 where a family from Northern Kentucky purchased a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt that had a gas leak. It was under a safety recall along with thousands of other 2007-2009 Cobalts.

Unfortunately, the family purchased the vehicle in Mississippi, which wasn’t part of the recall list. The vehicle also had a flood title, which only added to the reasons why the dealership refused to repair the damages.

The third reason is that you took your vehicle to a dealer past the recall date. This condition, however, only applies to tire recalls.

Tire recalls usually last up to 60 days. If your vehicle has been recalled for tire problems and you failed to bring it in within the specified time frame, the dealership might refuse to replace your tires.

What Is an Open Recall On a Car?

A vehicle with an open recall means that it hasn’t been taken to the dealership to get the problem fixed. In most cases, a vehicle with an open recall had been involved in an accident before.

What Can Trigger a Recall?

Potential fuel system leakage problems, exhaust leaks, and electrical malfunctions that can result in a fire or cause the vehicle to stall are some of the most common reasons why a vehicle manufacturer can issue a recall.

The Recall Process

A recall notice usually takes effect within 60 days after the automaker has filed it with the NHTSA.

If you received a recall notice from your vehicle’s manufacturer, you’ll need to check your vehicle’s identification number to see if it’s included in the recall list.

You can use a variety of VIN tools and trackers online, or you can use the NHTSA’s website to do a VIN check.

Once you’ve confirmed that the defect affects your vehicle, you must contact a franchised dealership near you to resolve the issue.

The dealership will either repair or replace the damaged part free of charge. But if the damage is too severe, the manufacturer can replace your vehicle with a similar or comparable model.

Refunding a Recall Repair

There are instances where car owners would take matters into their own hands when it comes to repairs. And in some cases, they’ll receive a recall notice right after they’ve paid to get the problem fixed.

Fortunately, these repair costs can be reimbursed, given that the owner can present a receipt or any other form of documentation for the repair.

For example, Ford states that owners are eligible for a refund if they repaired an issue before the notification.

Driving a Vehicle With an Existing Recall

Knowing whether or not your vehicle is safe to drive when it has an existing recall will depend on what the notice says.

A recall notice typically includes a description of the defect and any warnings, risks, or potential problems that could arise if you fail to resolve the defect.

As you read the recall notice, you might come across warnings, such as “do not drive” or “do not park inside.”

The notice might also include restrictions when using features. For example, a vehicle should be parked outdoors if the anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light comes on in case it catches on fire.

But if there aren’t any warnings included in the recall notice, then it’s generally safe to drive to the nearest dealership and get the problem fixed.

Used Car Recalls

Used cars usually have a long paper trail when it comes to recalls.

If you recently bought a used car, make sure to have it registered with your current address. This helps the manufacturer and the Department of Transportation keep track of your vehicle and notify you of any recalls associated with it.

Wrapping Up

Car manufacturers issue a recall when there is a safety or emissions-related defect with a group of vehicles.

If your vehicle is included in the recall list, an authorized dealership will repair the issue for free.

There are, however, some instances where the dealership can refuse to repair your vehicle. These conditions include having an existing salvage or flood title, an out-of-coverage recall notice, and an overdue recall (for tires only).

Repairs are also refundable if you paid for them before the notification about a related recall, but make sure you have supporting documents or an official receipt of the repair.