Safety is a major concern when it comes to car recalls. Recalls happen, and they can be large, small, significant, and less significant. Honda, one of the most trusted brands in the automotive industry, has recalls from time to time.
In most cases, manufacturers issue recalls, but owners who receive a notification that their vehicle is subject to a recall might have concerns and questions about it. How should you handle such a letter? Why do manufacturers issue recalls? What are the chances of car makers issuing a recall for a known problem?
Vehicle recalls happen when the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) or their manufacturer deems them unsafe for American highways. Most of the time, this is due to a defective part that can be repaired or replaced for free by the vehicle owner. Here are two simple steps to follow if you get a notification of a Honda vehicle recall.
First, check to see if your vehicle is involved in the recall. There are two ways to do this.
Check for car recall notifications. The manufacturer will notify you if your vehicle was purchased from an authorized dealer like Bob Brady Honda. Alternatively, you may get notifications via email or the Honda Connect app. Additionally, you can inquire about recent recalls by contacting your dealership or the manufacturer.
Check with the NHTSA. The NHTSA maintains online recall records. You can check if your Honda has a recall using your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or license plate. The NHTSA also has a free app to update you on past and recent recalls.
You can check car recalls using your VIN. Click on the NHTSA website and enter the VIN — this is a 17-character identification number you can find in your owner’s manual. You can also check your VIN inside the door jamb on the driver’s side or the windshield’s lower left section.
You can also enter your license plate and state on the NHTSA’s website. Then, determine if your Honda is subject to an open safety recall. If it is, you can send your vehicle to the dealership’s service center for repair.
Furthermore, the NHTSA’s free SaferCar app allows you to receive recall information. Download it to your device and enter your vehicle details and equipment.
Upon confirming your vehicle is being recalled, contact your local dealership to arrange repairs. Depending on the severity of the problem, the recall may include more instructions you must follow before getting the vehicle fixed.
If you bought your vehicle from Bob Brady Honda, you can contact or visit our dealership. We can answer your questions and provide information about the recalled part and any necessary recall repairs. We will arrange for free repairs at our certified service center. Ensure you file your receipts and all recall documentation after completing the repairs.
If you cannot fix your car recall, you may have a few options. To begin with, you can contact the manufacturer and ask what they can do for you. The manufacturer may offer reimbursement or help find a better solution. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may be possible to keep driving your Honda. However, you should only do this if it is safe for you and other drivers.
Several factors contribute to the answer, including the repair complexity and parts availability. For example, a software-related recall may only take a couple of hours to fix, while full engine work can take several days.
With years of experience, Bob Brady Honda’s service department has a team of certified technicians. Our state-of-the-art facility in Decatur, IL, uses the latest automotive technology to complete everything from wheel alignments to engine repairs. With our recall repair services, you can be assured that the defect will be fixed quickly, and you can return safely to the road.