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The Driver’s Guide to Having a Car Recalled


A car recall affects hundreds of thousands of cars on our roads each year and is often a great source of stress for drivers who are unaware of how to handle them. While a car can be recalled for a number of reasons, ranging from minor issues to serious safety defects, it’s vital that all impacted vehicles are repaired.


Read ahead as we answer all of your most pertinent questions on car recalls, and how to maintain your vehicle’s safety with premium car servicing and safety checks at Gino’s Panel and Paint.

 

What Is a Car Recall?

A car recall is implemented when a car manufacturer identifies a flaw within a vehicle or its components. The defect may be related to the vehicle’s design, parts used within the car, or even the car’s software. While some car recalls are put in place due to a serious safety concern, such as the Takata airbag recall in late 2019, others are simply a matter of correcting an issue that impacts the normal operation of the car.

 

How Will I Know If My Car Is Recalled?

In the event your car is included in a recall, the car manufacturer will attempt to contact you by mail. The letter will notify you of the recall and provide instructions on what action to take. As the manufacturer usually obtains your address through the dealership the car was purchased from, there is a chance you may not receive the letter if you have since moved or bought the vehicle second-hand. However, if your details are currently registered to the car’s registration plate and VIN number then this is unlikely to be an issue.


If you have not received a recall notice and would like to confirm if your vehicle is involved, you can check the Australian Product Safety website. While the information that will be used to identify the vehicles impacted is dependent on the size of the recall, it is a good idea to have information such as your VIN, build date, and model year handy. Certain car manufacturers have also established dedicated recall websites you can check, or you can contact your local dealership.

What Do I Do If My Car Is Recalled?

Once you have determined that your car is affected by the recall, you should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to have it repaired. This will be outlined in the letter from the manufacturer, or listed on the Product Safety website and any recall website the manufacturer may have set up. In most cases, you will be advised to contact your local dealership to arrange an appointment to have the defect corrected.

 

Will I Have to Pay to Have My Car Repaired?

All recall work performed, and parts supplied must be provided to the owner free of charge, with the only cost being your time in taking the vehicle in for repair. Owners of an affected vehicle typically won’t receive any monetary compensation for their involvement in the recall. It’s also important to ensure you have the repairs handled by the designated dealership, instead of an independent mechanic.

 

How Long Does a Car Recall Take to Repair?

The length of time your vehicle will need to be with the dealership for repair will depend on the nature of the flaw and can range from just a few hours to a few days. While it is vital that you take your car for repair as soon as possible, it’s important for drivers to note that in most cases a recall is effective for the car’s entire life.

 

At Gino’s Panel and Paint, keeping you and your passengers safe with regular car servicing and safety checks is our top priority. At our Fremantle-based workshop, our qualified technicians service all makes and models with the highest quality products.


Contact our friendly team today to learn more about our quality car servicing, and to find out how you can receive a lifetime guarantee on all work performed.

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