According to SimplyAutos, as many as 72% of consumers do not pay attention to recall notices. When a recall involves an automobile, the price of ignorance or inattention could be steep.
Per federal law, auto manufacturers must equip their vehicles with parts and equipment that meet certain safety standards. The government put these standards in place to ensure the safe operation of all vehicles on the road. When a part does not meet a safety standard, or when the government increases a safety standard, manufacturers must issue recalls. It is imperative that consumers pay attention to safety recalls, as it could drastically impact their safety.
Consequences of ignoring recall notices
Ignoring a recall notice could have dire safety and financial consequences. The obvious consequence of ignoring a recall is an accident. Though some defects are minor, such as an incorrect information sticker, others can drastically affect the way a vehicle operates. If a person does get into an accident that is the result of a defective car part, the courts may place full liability on him or her as opposed to the manufacturer.
Ignoring a recall notice can also result in an increase in premiums. If an insured fails to get a defect fixed, his or her insurance premiums may spike. On the other hand, if the same vehicle owner takes the vehicle in for repairs, premiums may go down.
How consumers should respond to recall notices
According to Kelly Blue Book, the first thing a person who receives a recall notice should do is thoroughly read the notice. The notice will inform the person of what the recall is about, detail warning signs and explain what to do next.
The next step a vehicle owner should take is bring the vehicle to an authorized dealer that sells that brand. When it comes to recalls, it is important that an authorized dealer, and not a family mechanic, makes the repairs, as if the defect prevails, the vehicle owner could be liable for any damages the defect causes.
Finally, let the dealer make the repairs. Ideally, a vehicle owner should get them fixed as soon as possible.