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3 minutes read. Published September 27, 2022
Written by Tara Mello Written by Tara Mello Driving for Dollars
Tara Mello Edited by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since the end of 2021. They are committed to helping readers gain confidence to manage their finances through providing clear, well-researched information that breaks down otherwise complicated topics into bite-sized pieces. The Bankrate promise
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So, this compensation can impact how, where and in what order items appear in listing categories and categories, unless it is prohibited by law. We also offer mortgage home equity, mortgage and other products for home loans. Other factors, such as our own rules for our website and whether a product is available in the area you reside in or is within your own personal credit score may also influence how and where products appear on this website. While we strive to provide the most diverse selection of products, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. If you’re thinking about purchasing a car used It is crucial to find out if there’s an open recall for the car you’re considering purchasing and, if there is then whether it’s been repaired. Used car recalls are typically caused by a malfunction or potential problem related to safety issues. Unrepaired recalls could lead to a car fire or collision which could cause injury to the occupants of the vehicle or even causing a crash . Dealers must only complete repairs on brand new vehicles. In most states dealers aren’t required repair used vehicles or notify customers of recalls. They might not even be aware of a recall. You are the one responsible for researching the history of your car. What can you do to determine whether a car that you own is a subject of a recall To find out whether a vehicle has been subject to recalls and you are able to search the . The database can be searched using a car’s , found on a car’s windshield lower left, or the make, model and year if you don’t have the VIN. The NHTSA database provides information about unrepaired vehicles affected by within the past 15 years of calendar. The database includes recalls issued by major automobile manufacturers, motorcycle manufacturers as well as some heavy and medium-duty truck producers. While it is a valuable resource however, the NHTSA database does not contain information about vehicles that have already been repaired as a result of an safety recall. The database also doesn’t have any information about international vehicles. Check defect investigations If you do not find any recalls, you can also look through the NHTSA’s monthly investigation reports, which contain information about active defect investigations. Recalls usually begin with an inquiry. You might find that the car you’re looking to purchase is being investigated. If so, keep abreast of the investigation to find out whether a recall on the car has been or is issued. What do you do if a used car you’re interested in is a part of a recall If your desired used car is part of recall and you aren’t sure about it, don’t lose hope of the possibility of getting it. Repairs won’t cost the seller or the buyer anything since the manufacturer will cover recall fixes. Find the vehicle’s VIN If you don’t have it. If you find a recall for the car’s make, model and year of manufacture, obtain the car’s VIN by contacting the dealer. Enter it in the recall section on the site of the manufacturer. By using the VIN you will be able to determine whether the vehicle is part of the recall. Some manufacturer websites also note whether the vehicle has been repaired. Repair the car Manufacturers must repair vehicles under a safety recall at no cost. So while independent dealers are not obliged to conduct an open recall in accordance with Federal law, this should not cost anything to repair the vehicle. The laws regarding recalls vary from state to state, meaning that dealerships in your area may be legally required to make repairs before selling you a car. You can also request the seller to repair the car before you purchase it. Ask the owner for receipts If the car you’re buying has been repaired and is in need of repairs, ask the seller to provide documentation and read it thoroughly. Only dealers that carry the model are allowed to perform recall repairs. Independent mechanics are able to do some recall repairs for owners at their own expense. If the dealer didn’t complete the repairs, you might require a mechanic to verify the work was done properly and thoroughly. When you are looking to purchase an used vehicle, you should research whether the car has been part of any safety recalls and whether the necessary repairs were made. The NHTSA is often the most reliable way to determine whether a recall has impacted a car you’d like to purchase. To protect yourself after the recall, you should sign to receive recall alerts sent through the NHTSA. You can opt to receive these alerts by email or install the NHTSA’s SaferCar app for your phone to receive recall alerts. Related Articles: SHARE
Written by Tara Mello Driving for Dollars Edited by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since the end of 2021. They are dedicated to helping readers gain the confidence to control their finances with concise, well-studied information that breaks down complicated topics into bite-sized pieces.
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