You need to be very careful when a recall is issued for a car that you own. A recall is usually a serious event because you are in danger if you drive the vehicle. It is not always clear what steps to take after finding out. You should know what to do when your car is recalled.

Confirm the Recall Applies to Your Vehicle

The first thing to do is confirm that the recall applies to your vehicle. Ensure that the recall is talking specifically about the exact make and model of your car. If it is talking about a smaller part, then try to confirm that you have that actual part on the car. Confirming that the recall does involve your vehicle will save you time and headaches later.

See if You are Eligible for Help

The reality is that not everyone is going to be eligible for help when a recall is issued. Some manufacturers have detailed requirements for owners before they will do anything about the issue. One example is that cars over ten years old are often excluded from free service. Check if you need to meet any requirements or if you will need to handle the problem on your own.

Talk to an Official Dealership

You will eventually need to speak to an office dealership in your area if the recall does involve your vehicle. The dealership is going to be able to give you all the details about the recall. They are also your portal to getting help, repairs or other remedies. Call the dealership and follow any instructions they have.

Consider Not Driving the Car

You might want to consider not driving the car if the recall seems to be affecting something very serious like the steering, brakes or transmission. Driving the car could put you and other people at risk. If you are concerned about the safety of your recalled vehicle, then arrange for towing or pickup instead of driving it to a garage or dealership.
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