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3 min read published September 27 2022
The song was 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 writing and editing for Bankrate since late 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to manage their finances with precise, well-researched and comprehensive facts that break down complicated subjects into digestible pieces. The Bankrate promises
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This compensation could affect the way, location and when products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law. This is the case for our mortgage or home equity products, as well as other products for home loans. Other elements, like our own rules for our website and whether or not a product is offered in your area or at your own personal credit score may also influence how and where products appear on this website. We strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include specific information on each financial or credit item or service. If you’re considering buying a used vehicle it is essential to determine if there is an open recall of the used car — and, if so then whether it’s been repaired. Recalls for used cars are usually issued because of a problem or potential problem related to safety issues. Unrepaired recalls could lead to a car accident or fire which could cause injury to the occupants of the vehicle or leading to a fall . Dealers have to perform repairs on new cars. In many states dealers aren’t required repair old vehicles or inform consumers of recalls. They might not even know there’s a recall. You are the one responsible for researching the history of the car. What can you do to determine if a used car is part of recalls To determine whether a car has been subject to recalls and you are able to search the . The database can be searched using a car’s , found on the windshield of a car’s lower left, or the make, model and year in the absence of the VIN. The NHTSA database includes information about not repaired vehicles that were affected in the last 15 years of calendar. The database contains recalls that were that were issued by major manufacturers of motorcycles, automakers as well as some medium and heavy-duty truck makers. While it is a valuable resource however, the NHTSA database is not able to give information on vehicles that have been repaired in response to a safety recall. It also does not have any information about international vehicles. Check defect investigations If there are no recalls, you can also look through the NHTSA’s monthly investigation reports, which contain information about active defect investigations. Recalls typically begin by conducting an investigation. It is possible that the vehicle you wish to purchase is under investigation. If so, keep up-to-date with the latest developments to be aware of any recalls announced. 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, don’t give up on the possibility of getting it. Repairs won’t cost the seller or buyer anything since the manufacturer is responsible for recall repairs. Find the car’s VIN If you don’t have it. If you notice a recall on the car’s make, model and year, you can get the car’s VIN at the time of purchase from the vendor. You can enter it into the section for recalls on the site of the manufacturer. With the VIN you will be able to determine whether the vehicle is included in the recall. On some manufacturer websites, you can also see whether the vehicle has been repaired. Get the car repaired Manufacturers are required to repair vehicles under a safety recall at no cost. Also, while independent dealers aren’t obliged to conduct an open recall as per the federal laws, they should be free to fix the car. Recall laws vary by state, which means dealers in your area could be legally required to perform repairs prior to selling you a vehicle. You can also request the seller to fix the car before you purchase it. Request receipts from the seller. If the car you are buying has already been repaired and is in need of repairs, ask the seller to provide documentation and read it thoroughly. Only dealers that carry the car brand are authorized to carry out recall repairs. Independent mechanics are able to perform certain recall repairs for owners at their own expense. If the dealer didn’t complete the repairs, you might need to ask a dealer to confirm that the work was completed properly and thoroughly. The bottom line Before purchasing a used car, research if the vehicle has been part of any safety recalls and whether the repairs needed were completed. The NHTSA is usually the best place to determine whether a recall affected the vehicle you’d like to purchase. To protect yourself after you’ve signed up, think about signing up for recall alerts issued through the NHTSA. You can opt to receive these alerts by email, or use the NHTSA’s SaferCar app on your phone to receive recall notifications. 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 from late 2021. They are dedicated to helping readers gain confidence to take control of their finances by providing clear, well-researched information that breaks down complex topics into manageable bites.
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