According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), hundreds of vehicle recalls were issued in 2017; those recalls affected millions of vehicles. One way to protect you and your passengers from being harmed by defective vehicle products is to be mindful of vehicle complaints and recalls made against your specific vehicle.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN EFFECTED BY A RECALL?
To check your vehicle for recalls, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls. Once you’re there, enter your 17-character VIN number (located on the lower left portion of your vehicle’s windshield or on your vehicle’s registration card). NHTSA will then indicate recalls, complaints, and overall safety ratings associated with your vehicle.
EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH YOUR VEHICLE THAT AREN’T LISTED ON NHSTA?
NHSA allows automobile users a way to report issues with their vehicles. Follow these steps to initiate a potential recall:
- Complaints – Report your vehicle issues on NHTSA.gov. If these reports are consistent with other users with the same vehicle, this could instigate an investigation.
- Investigations – NHSTA reviews automobile user complaints, analyzes defect investigation petitions, notifies the manufacturer of recall recommendations, and determines the need for investigation.
- Recalls – Once a safety recall is initiated, the vehicle manufacturer is required to announce and remedy the automobile defect either by repair, replacement, refund or, in some cases, repurchasing the vehicle.
The experienced auto defect lawyers at The Potts Law Firm believe in holding automobile manufacturers accountable for the safety of their vehicles. If you or a loved one were harmed in an accident involving an automobile defect, contact The Potts Law Firm to schedule your free consultation with one of our product liability attorneys.