Car Recalls

What Is a Recall?

So, first things first—what exactly is a car recall, and what are your next steps? Car recalls are issued either by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the vehicle manufacturer itself. Typically, a recall affects components of your vehicle that can severely impact your ride, such as safety features, seatbelts, brake systems, and other important elements of your vehicle. Simply put, anything that could affect safety could be susceptible to a recall. This requires action by both you and the manufacturer, who will either offer a replacement part or repair or, in extreme cases, a return of the vehicle.

Your role lies in bringing your car into a certified dealership to ensure that this issue is handled accordingly, but how are you supposed to know that a part has been recalled? Utilizing a sophisticated VIN lookup tool, the NHTSA or the manufacturer can pinpoint who is affected, targeting these drivers and alerting them to the recall. As the consumer, you will receive correspondence from the brand, usually by mail, alerting you to the recall and informing you of the next steps. The first part of the correspondence usually explains the recall in question, how it affects you, and the planned recall schedule. You will then receive a follow-up correspondence informing you that it's time to bring your car into the dealership to address the issue.

When a vehicle component is recalled, it's important to note that this isn't your fault by any means. Dealerships will prioritize getting you in to fix the issue, and you won't be charged for the replacement part or repair. Overall, the vehicle recall process is straightforward and easy, especially when working with a skilled team who will help you get back on the road safely.

Why Do Recalls Happen?

Many drivers wonder how recalls could possibly occur. After all, aren't there protocols and procedures in place to ensure the quality of every single vehicle and part that leaves the assembly line? Absolutely, but sometimes, issues can slip through the cracks or arise on the road. Typically, recalls are issued by the NHTSA, which receives reports from drivers that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. More often than not, if an issue arises frequently and enough travelers have been affected by a certain problem, the NHTSA will issue a recall.

In some cases, the manufacturer will voluntarily issue the recall, choosing to recall a part or vehicle component of its own volition before it makes its way to the NHTSA. Although parts are tested, and vehicles are evaluated before being delivered to dealerships, sometimes a part can become problematic after a period of use that the automaker would have no way of knowing about prior to releasing its vehicles. Some main culprits tend to be affected by recalls the most, which include seatbelts, door latches, airbags, gas pedals, and steering systems; however, a recall could affect any component of your vehicle, jeopardizing its safety, which is why it's critical to get it handled accordingly.

It's important to note that recalls don't typically happen because a manufacturer isn't diligent about the quality of its vehicles. You can test a component out on test tracks for miles, but until it's in the elements, being put through traffic, work tasks, daily errands, and every other type of driving scenario, you may not know the extent to which it can perform. The crucial element of car recalls is that there is a fix, and manufacturers work diligently to ensure that the issue is fixed so that drivers can travel with the peace of mind they deserve on the open road.

We Can Handle Any Recalls Regarding Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram Vehicles

No brand is immune to recalls, and if you've been alerted to a recall of a certain part on your vehicle, the Spirit team can help. We specialize in a number of top-performing brands in the industry, so if you have a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or Ram model that has issued a recall, we're your place to trust to help you through the process with ease. Not only do we staff our service department with experienced and highly trained professionals, but we also know how important it is to get your recall taken care of in a timely manner. We work with the manufacturer to ensure that car recalls are taken care of properly so that you never have to worry about your safety behind the wheel.

With convenient scheduling and a friendly staff, you'll be able to get your recall taken care of quickly and easily with us. We prioritize getting your vehicle on our schedule and fixing any issues, allowing you to return to more important aspects of your day. We offer early-bird hours, online scheduling, Saturday service, and more to help you find time to get your recall handled. We also make it easy to relax in our comfortable waiting area as your vehicle is being serviced by the pros.

Were You Notified of a Vehicle Recall? Schedule With Us Today to Get Your Vehicle Fixed

Now that you know that car recalls are a part of the industry and that they are easily fixed by professionals, if you've received an alert that your vehicle needs to be brought in for a recall, we can help. Spirit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is well-versed in working on any Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicle, and when you have a recall, we make it easy to bring your vehicle in so that you can travel with absolute certainty. Whether you'd rather utilize our easy online scheduling tool or you feel more comfortable giving us a call, we can get you set up with an appointment to get your vehicle fixed at a time that works for you.

Spirit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram wants to see our area drivers traveling with confidence, and if you've been affected by a recall, don't let it impact your journey. Get it handled with the certified team here and be on your way to your destination safely. Remember, car recalls are common, and fixing them shouldn't be stressful. When you partner with a team like ours, you won't have to worry about your recall because we have your best interests in mind and are ready to get you back out on the road again.