Each month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) recalls several vehicles, along with child safety seats, tires, and other auto equipment.
Much of the time, drivers don’t realize their vehicles have been affected.
At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC, we want to take a moment and teach you how to check if your car, truck, or equipment has been recalled.
We also want to make you aware of the most recent recalls, including those made in December 2019 and those that have received local news coverage.
HOW DO I CHECK FOR RECALLS?
The NHTSA oversees automotive recalls across the United States. To check whether or not there are any outstanding recalls on your vehicle, you can enter your 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NTHSA recalls website.
This valuable search tool will show you vehicle safety recalls from the past 15 calendar years, as well as alerts from major automakers, motorcycle manufacturers, and medium/heavy truck manufacturers.
If your vehicle or associated equipment malfunctions and you do not see a recall, you can (and should) report a safety problem to the NTHSA here.
Your vehicle safety complaint is extremely valuable and could save lives! When you report an issue, the NTHSA will conduct an investigation, require manufacturers to provide a solution, and initiate a recall if appropriate.
If the defect led to an injury, we encourage you to contact our attorneys at 918-492-7674, as well.
RECENT RECALLS
The NTHSA has published complete recall reports for November and December 2019.
Newsworthy recalls include:
- Fiat Chrysler Ram ProMaster Vans – vans from 2015 through 2018 equipped with air conditioners pose a fire risk. AC fans can seize, overheat, and cause fires. As of November 17, 2019, 34 complaints had been reported.
- General Motors pickups – GM recalled more than half a million Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups due to a potential fire risk. A gap in the seatbelt bracket can allow hot gases to ignite the trucks’ carpeted floor coverings. Only model years 2019-2020 are affected. The same models, however, were also affected by a recall last year due to incorrectly installed side airbags.
- Ford pickups – all F-250, F-350, and F-450 models made from 2017 through 2019 have been recalled because the heavy-duty pickup trucks’ tailgates can open unexpectedly. The vehicles have electric tailgate latch release switches, which malfunction when water gets into the wiring.
If you drive any of the vehicles listed above, your manufacturer should contact you shortly with solutions or help you arrange a complimentary repair. You can also contact the automakers directly:
For Chrysler customer service, dial 1-800-853-1403 and use the recall number VB2.
For GM/ Chevrolet customer service, dial 1-800-222-1020 and use the recall number N192270600.
For Ford customer service, dial 1-866-436-7332 and use the recall number 19S48.
REMEMBER…
If you have been injured by a recalled vehicle or any recalled equipment, you are entitled to compensation.
Discuss your case with our experienced legal teamat 918-492-7674 or request a free consultation online.