What is a recall remedy?

Vehicle recalls glossary · 1 primary source

Under 49 U.S.C. 30120 the manufacturer chooses how to remedy a defect or noncompliance (repair, replace with an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle, or refund). The free remedy is not required for a vehicle first sold more than 15 years before the owner notice.

When parts are not ready, owners first get an interim letter and a second letter when the remedy is available. A recall stays open on a VIN until a dealer completes the remedy, even when the vehicle changes hands.

Sources

• 49 U.S.C. 30120 (Cornell LII)

Related terms

• Owner notification letterThe recall letter mailed to registered owners, due no later than 60 days after the manufacturer files its Part 573 report.
• Part 573 Safety Recall ReportThe defect or noncompliance report a manufacturer must file with NHTSA within 5 working days of deciding a safety defect or noncompliance exists.
• Do-not-drive and park-outside advisoriesFlags on the most dangerous recalls: owners are told not to drive the vehicle until it is repaired, or to park it outside and away from buildings because of fire risk.

On this site

• US vehicle recalls by make (last 12 months of NHTSA data)
• Recalls by year, make and model

All vehicle recalls terms · Full glossary