What It Means
When a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards, a recall is issued. Manufacturers must notify owners and fix the defect free of charge. Recalls can cover anything from faulty airbags to defective fuel pumps. Since 1966, NHTSA has managed over 25,000 recall campaigns affecting hundreds of millions of vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Vehicle Recall" mean?
A manufacturer-initiated or NHTSA-ordered action to repair a safety-related defect in a group of vehicles.
Why does Vehicle Recall matter for vehicle safety?
When a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards, a recall is issued. Manufacturers must notify owners and fix the defect free of charge. Recalls can cover anything from faulty airbags t...
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About This Data
Definitions based on NHTSA standards, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, and federal enforcement guidance. See our privacy policy.