Does My Car Have a Recall?

Does My Car Have a Recall? This NHTSA App Tells You Right Away

Cars grow more complex all the time, which means there are more parts to potentially fail. Even parts that are supposed to keep us safe, such as airbags, can hurt us if they are defective. Each year, about 25 percent of recalled vehicles are not fixed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA,) which oversees vehicle recalls, requires automakers to mail postcards to notify consumers of such pending recalls. But what if the vehicle owner moves or is otherwise unreachable by mail?

You can now use NHTSA’s redesigned SaferCar app (https://www.nhtsa.gov/safercar-app) for iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android to track recalls for cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, tires, trailers, and child car seats.

The free app allows you to save multiple vehicles in a “virtual garage” by simply scanning the barcode on the dash or b-pillar to input the VIN for recall tracking. According to NHTSA, your privacy is ensured by storing your data only on your device, not on its servers. SaferCar checks for updates each day and alerts you if a recall is announced, allowing you to more quickly get the free recall repairs scheduled with your local dealer.

The app also offers helpful quick links to online resources from www.NHTSA.gov. Consumers can compare vehicles’ safety ratings, select a car seat (input your child’s age, height, and weight to help you find the appropriate-spec car seat), assist with car-seat installation how-tos, locate a car-seat-inspection location, register a car seat for recall notifications, and file a safety complaint for vehicles or equipment. Live chat is also available. (Of course, some of those online features are most easily accessed via a tablet, not a smartphone’s small screen.) It’s a quick download, so try it out today!

About Spirit West Motor CarriageSaferCar users can easily access online features, such as child car-seat selection and installation tips, along with live chat.

Spirit West Motor Carriage Auto Body Repair was founded in April of 1977 and is a family-owned and operated company. We take great pride in our commitment to making sure our team receives training on the latest innovative state-of-the-art equipment and collision repair techniques.

We are pleased to offer you the approval of a growing number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to repair their vehicles to their specifications, using the correct tools, equipment, training and facilities. These programs are an investment by Spirit West Motor Carriage to help ensure your complete satisfaction.

We are proud to say our team is family, and we treat our customers like family, too. Be assured that your car will receive this treatment, and upon completion of the repairs, you will drive away safe and satisfied! Give us a call today to see how we can get your car back into shape and back on the road.