Carl Anthony, based in Detroit, is the automotive lead at How-to-Geek. He also hosts AutoVision News Radio a podcast focusing on the future of vehicle technology. This includes next-generation ADAS innovation, electrification and software-defined vehicles. He has been a broadcaster for years, appearing on radio and podcasts such as Wrench Nation and Cars Yeah. Carl has been a popular resource to car enthusiasts for the past decade, thanks to his frequent appearances at MotorMouth Radio (90.3FM) and the AutoSens Insights Series. Former roles included serving as a dealer trainer and new vehicle launcher for Ford, Honda and Mercedes-Benz. Carl served as a product specialist for Chevy’s National Truck Team (an experiential marketing team that tours the United States) and was also a member of FCA’s national auto show, serving as a resident expert on Dodge Chargers and Challengers. Carl worked as a DJ, Producer, and Programmer at popular Midwest Radio Stations, such as KIWR KEZO KJAN and KELO FM, before entering the automotive industry. Carl is a recent graduate from Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs. He earned an Associate in Applied Science degree for both television and radio broadcasting. The National Vehicle Safety Recalls Week is from March 2 to 8 in the United States. This week aims at raising public awareness about the importance of checking open recalls for our cars. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration organizes this campaign which is timed to coincide with spring cleaning season. However, it is a good idea to keep an eye on recalls all year round. NHTSA statistics show that in 2024, 1,073 recalls will affect over 35,000,000 vehicles. Check for recalls open on your car using the following method. This can be done at home or on your smartphone. This only takes a few seconds and doesn’t require you to visit the dealer.
NHTSA database and website
You only need your VIN
to access the NHTSA database. Enter your VIN on the website and you will see all information about your vehicle. You can find your VIN (17 characters) in three different places. It is located near the bottom of the windshield on the driver’s side or dashboard, either on your registration or insurance card. The NHTSA also allows you to enter your license plate into their database. The NHTSA website clarifies, however
that while some recalls announced recently may not be visible immediately, the law requires automakers to notify any defects or recalls. NHTSA urges car owners to keep checking back for any recalls that are ongoing.
SaferCar App
Download the SaferCar free app for iOS or Android devices if you are concerned that you may forget to check your database regularly. This app is an official NHTSA one that notifies you when a recall has been issued. You can enter your VIN in the app, just like you do on the database online to check if your car is under recall.
When car shopping, the NHTSA database is a great resource. You can search by year, model, or make to find a complete list of complaints, recalls and investigations. The NHTSA database also allows users to search for recalls by name, whether they are searching for new tires or car seats.
Reporting
You can report any safety related defect or issue with your car, seat or tires through the NHTSA’s website. You can submit your report in several different ways, such as through an online form or a phone hotline. It is possible that if other people report the same concerns or are similar to you, this could lead to a wider safety recall.
Related to
Check To Protect Coalition (19459018)
Closing the “knowledge gap” to consumers
National Safety Council maintains a site with similar functionality as the NHTSA Database. The Check To Protect Coalition is part of a larger effort by the NSC, including campaign partners like BMW, Toyota and the Big Three. Many state governments, national organizations and the U.S. Armed Forces, including NASCAR support this measure. You can use the Check To Protect site to check for open recalls on your car by entering your license plate or VIN number. There is also a FAQ about recalls. Check To Protect, launched by NSC in 2017, aimed to educate consumers on recalls.
What you should do in the event of a vehicle recall
It is simple and completely free.
AZ-BLT/Envato Elements.
Contact the dealer and make an appointment if you discover that your vehicle still has an active recall. By law, all safety recalls are completely free, and that includes replacement parts as well as labor. Safety recalls do not care if you vehicle has been out of warranty. You, as a consumer, will not be paying the service fee to the dealership. Instead it is the manufacturer. The vehicle doesn’t need to be in your name. You can, for example, take a neighbor’s or grandparent’s car to the dealer on behalf of them if they are elderly. Although it may not always be the case, service advisors will check for recalls when your car is at a dealership for regular maintenance. They can sometimes do recalls on the same day. This saves you a trip. Ask the dealer to look for any open recalls if you are scheduled for an oil change.
Related to
What is the real need for a recall
?
There are hidden dangers
AFGreen/Envato Elements.
If your car appears to run fine, you should still address any safety recall. Takata’s airbag recall was one of the most notable examples, as it affected over 20 car manufacturers. Consumer Reports (19459030)states that the Takata airbag recall affected 67,000,000 airbags in more than 42,000,000 vehicles. However, there may be many other vehicle owners who are still at risk. Metal fragments from the airbag can be ejected into the car’s interior after deployment. The car appears normal in this case. Safety recalls should be addressed as quickly as possible as dangers may not become apparent until too late.
Open Safety Recall Checklist
- Locate Your VIN: The 17-character Vehicle Identification Number is located on the lower driver’s side dashboard/windshield, your vehicle registration, or your insurance card.
- Access an official database: Go to NHTSA’s website, or Check To Protect maintained by National Safety Council. You can enter either your VIN number or your license plate in order to view any recalls that are specific to your car. SaferCar is available for iOS or Android. To get a more “set it and forget it” -like approach, download the SaferCar iOS app. This is an official NHTSA app that notifies you automatically via phone when a safety recall for your car has been issued.
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Book Your Free Repair: By law, all safety recalls are free of charge. It doesn’t matter if you are not the original owner or if your car is no longer under warranty.