Recalls in the Auto Industry

Every once in a while you hear about recalls in the auto industry, and recently you’ve probably heard something about the GM recalls on some of their vehicle models. Recalls have an adverse effect on auto manufacturers, dealerships, and vehicle owners alike. For manufacturers, recalls mean expense, damaged reputation, and lost sales. Dealerships have to balance the needs of the customers with the solution offered by the auto manufacturer. For vehicle owners, there are fears of malfunctions. Any time you hear about a recall, you need to make sure that your vehicle isn’t one of the cars affected.

Why Recall?

Essentially, a recall means there is a defect on several thousand vehicles that have sold to the public. Most of the time, the manufacturer’s defect can result in injury or death to the person owning that vehicle. In an attempt to keep people safe, manufacturers are required to fix all of the affected vehicles at no cost to the consumer or dealers.

When a recall is in order, a manufacturer has to go through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They must have an identified problem, as well as a solution to this problem. A full-scale recall can take some time, because of the redesigning and manufacturing of new parts, shipping the parts to the dealers, and then installing the parts on the affected vehicles.

What Should You Do in Case of a Recall?

If you hear or read about a recall for the manufacturer of the vehicle you drive, you need to find out if your vehicle needs to go in for a recall. This can be easily achieved by calling into your local dealer. Your dealer will ask you for your vehicle’s VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number. Once they have that number, they’ll be able to look up your specific vehicle, and tell you if it needs to be recalled. If they say your vehicle needs to be recalled, take it in as soon as possible. It will cost you nothing, and your safety could be at risk if you don’t.

Where Do You Take Your Vehicle?

You can’t just take it into your local mechanic’s shop. You have to take it in to a certified dealer. Take your vehicle to the dealer that you called about the recall in the first place. When you call to find out if your vehicle needs to be recalled, you can also set up an appointment to have your vehicle fixed. If you need a car in the meantime, some dealers will be able to give you a loaner car. If they don’t have a car to loan you, they’ll be able to provide you with a shuttle service until your car is finished.

If you have questions about the GM recall, visit drivehubler.com, or give us a call at 877.976.2211.

Posted in GMC, Lifestyle, Safety and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , .