Auto Recall FAQs | Punta Gorda FL
Have you recently learned of a recall for your used vehicle? We’re here to help. We get it — you’re concerned about what all a recall requires and whether your vehicle is safe to drive. Here at Gettel Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, our goal is to help everyone get behind the wheel of a vehicle they love as well as safe for the road ahead. We’re here to make sure you understand what it means when your vehicle is recalled, who does the recalling and what things you can do to make certain that your vehicle is repaired just in time for you to enjoy it again. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most frequently asked questions having to do with recalls.
RECALL FAQS
What is a recall and when is it necessary?
A safety recall happens when a manufacturer or NHTSA decides that something in a vehicle is faulty. Normally, a safety recall is provided for a specific model or part that is commonly utilized in many different vehicles. When a part or system is found to be less than safe, the manufacturer tells authorized dealers as well as the owners who have registered the vehicle with the manufacturer. Then those owners are easily able to take care of the repairs that need to be done.
What is NHTSA?
The NHTSA, or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, is the federal agency that manages vehicle safety standards. Their objective is to reduce the number of vehicle-related accidents as well as prevent possible injuries. The NHTSA enforces regulations relating to vehicle performance and looks into safety flaws. Additionally, it’s the agency that we trust to provide crash test ratings for many of our vehicles.
How do I find out if the used vehicle that I am interested in buying is affected by a safety recall?
If you are thinking of buying a used vehicle, there’s no need to worry. The NHTSA website lets users enter any vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into its system to bring up a report that will show if that vehicle has any active safety recalls. The website also provides general information on safety based on a vehicle’s year, make and model. In addition to using the NHTSA website, a CARFAX report will be provided to you before you purchase the vehicle so you can review the vehicle’s history, plus whether there are any safety recalls reported.*
Does Gettel Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM fix open safety recalls?
With our selection of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, it is our aim to repair any open safety recalls that we have spotted before you drive it home. However, that may not always be possible depending on the nature of the recall or the accessibility of parts. Regardless of whether a vehicle is "certified" or not, you will have the chance to look over a CARFAX report prior to sale, which gives you information about the vehicle’s history, including safety recalls reported by CARFAX.
How will I find out if my vehicle is subject to a safety recall after I purchase it?
It is required for manufacturers to inform people who own and have bought their vehicles by first-class mail to let them know about a safety recall. Additionally, they should give a description of the recall’s risk to safety and any hazards it could pose. The notice will also give you instructions about what your next steps should be. Because manufacturers receive the names of vehicle owners from state registration offices, we suggest keeping your state registration information up to date to be sure to receive notice of a safety recall. You can also register your vehicle with the manufacturer as soon as you purchase it, so you’ll be sure to receive important information on your vehicle. Most manufacturers also give you the option to look up recalls via your VIN on their sites.
If I find out my vehicle is subject to a safety recall after I buy it, how do I get it fixed?
If your vehicle is affected by a safety recall, take it to a manufacturer-authorized repair facility. They are required to fix the problem at no cost to you. If your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM needs something repaired due to a recall, be sure to schedule your service with a dealer who knows your vehicle inside and out (like us).
If you have any questions, feel free to stop by our dealership. We are conveniently located at 2323 Tamiami Trl, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 and we look forward to seeing our customers from Punta Gorda, FL, and throughout Port Charlotte, North Port, Venice and Fort Myers!
*Please note that we are not affiliated with and do not control the NHTSA website or CARFAX and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information they report. The accuracy of the information available through CARFAX and NHTSA is subject to a number of factors, including but not limited to whether information reported by a manufacturer is up to date.