Does vehicle dealer have to disclose recall information?

All auto dealers have to do is to disclose open recalls to customers and have them sign a form acknowledging that they were notified.

1. Do dealers have to disclose recalls?
2. Do dealerships have to honor recalls?
3. Can a dealership refuse to fix a recall?
4. Can you sell a car that has a recall notice?
5. Does recall affect car value?
6. How can I tell if a recall was performed on my car?
7. Who is responsible for a recall?
8. How long will a dealership honor a recall?
9. Do recalls on cars expire?
10. Is there a time limit on a recall?
11. Does Ford fix recalls for free?
12. What happens if you buy a car with a recall?
13. Do recalls show up on Carfax?
14. Do recalls cover towing?
15. Is there a warranty on recall work?

Do dealers have to disclose recalls?

“They don't even have to inform potential buyers that a recall has been issued for the car they're considering.” That's not the case for new cars, Wallace says. “New-car dealers and rental car companies are specifically required by federal law to fix open defects before offering the car for sale to consumers,” he says.

Do dealerships have to honor recalls?

If your car has a recall for a safety issue, dealers are supposed to fix it for free of charge – but not always! ... If your car has a recall for a safety issue, dealers are supposed to fix it free of charge. It's a federal law.

Can a dealership refuse to fix a recall?

Manufacturers are obligated to attempt to notify owners of recalled products. ... The dealer will fix the recalled part or portion of your car for free. If a dealer refuses to repair your vehicle in accordance with the recall letter, you should notify the manufacturer immediately.

Can you sell a car that has a recall notice?

In short, yes dealerships can sell a car with a unfixed recall, as long as they deem the car “used”. If you're going to buy a new car, though, the dealership is not legally allowed to sell it to you if it has an open recall.

Does recall affect car value?

A dealer may choose to offer you less for a trade-in with an open recall. But a savvy shopper can have most recalls rectified before trading. This way, recalls won't hurt the used car's value. Sometimes, a resolved recall can improve the value of a vehicle on the used car market.

How can I tell if a recall was performed on my car?

The easiest way to check for open recalls on your car is to visit the NHTSA's recall site (nhtsa.gov/recall) and enter your Vehicle Identification Number or VIN. (A car's VIN is usually found in the lower left corner of the windshield and can also be found on your registration.)

Who is responsible for a recall?

National Highway & Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – The NHTSA is responsible for writing and enforcing safety standards in motor vehicles. Automobile recalls are directed from the NHTSA. Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) – The CPSC regulates the sale of more than 15,000 consumer products.

How long will a dealership honor a recall?

The statute of limitations for all no-charge recalls is 8 years from the original sale date of the vehicle. After that time, you may be required to pay if you wish to have the part or parts replaced or corrected.

Do recalls on cars expire?

While car recalls don't have an expiration date, they are only enforced for "reasonable periods," the agency says. Basically, a recall is over if a vehicle's manufacturer goes out of business, or if the parts needed to make the necessary repair are no longer being made.

Is there a time limit on a recall?

There is no time limit on getting a recall fixed, and most dealers should honor the recall and fix your car free of charge. The only exception is if your vehicle is older than ten years at the time of the recall, the dealer may not fix the vehicle for free.

Does Ford fix recalls for free?

Ford Motor Company will conduct specifically designated repairs in a recall announcement at no cost to the owner.

What happens if you buy a car with a recall?

Whether you bought your car new or used, its manufacturer is on the hook for providing repairs related to any outstanding recalls free of charge. The manufacturer's franchised dealerships must provide these recall repairs, and it doesn't matter whether you, or the car's original owner, initially purchased it elsewhere.

Do recalls show up on Carfax?

Carfax has tools that make it easy to see whether a car has an open recall. Our Carfax Vehicle Recall Check lets you search simply by entering a car's vehicle identification number, or VIN. You'll be able to find out when the recall was issued, what the problem is, and if a remedy is available.

Do recalls cover towing?

The dealership should notify you when it has the spare parts in stock. Once an automaker alerts the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to a recall, it has 60 days to notify owners, regardless of whether the spare parts are in stock. ... In that case, it should tow your car to a dealership and provide a loaner.

Is there a warranty on recall work?

Recall Remedy Rights of the Owner

It is through the federal laws that the owner of a product has a right to a free recall remedy such as a repair or replacement of the defective part. The owner does not need to pay for the issue, and the manufacturer will usually explain what type of fix is necessary.