Texas Vehicle Recall Process : And What You Can Do

Michael S. Callahan | | Defective Products
car on highway

How a Texas car gets a recall and what to do if you’re affected.

Ever wonder exactly what it takes to get a vehicle in Texas recalled?

Considering the large number of vehicles recalled in the last couple of years, you may have wondered what it takes for a vehicle to get recalled. Is it a simple process? Is it something that a government agency forces the manufacturer to do, or is it something that happens automatically after multiple car accidents or injuries caused by a defect?

The recall of a defective vehicle or vehicle part that threatens the safety of Texans can be instigated by either the vehicle manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Regardless of who initiates the safety recall, the manufacturer must file a public report describing:

  1. The safety related defect or noncompliance with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard
  2. The vehicle or part involved
  3. The major events that led to the recall determination
  4. A description of how this issue will be fixed
  5. A schedule for the recall

What Happens After a Recall Decision?

After a recall has been put in place, the vehicle manufacturer is then required to attempt to notify owners of the recalled vehicle or vehicle component. The notification will include information about the recall and where the owner can take the vehicle to get the issue resolved. Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 and federal regulations, safety problems must be fixed with no cost to consumers.

What Texas Consumers Can Do

To protect themselves, consumers should stay updated on safety recall campaigns and information on the recall history of a particular make and model of car, truck, motorcycle, or child safety seat. You can do so by calling the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or by visiting their website at https://www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

NBC 5 (in Dallas) also shared that The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has free cell apps for both Apple and Android devices that will let you look up vehicle recall information with a vehicle identification number.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC9eduQ2CRc

If you have suffered a serious injury or are grieving the loss of a loved one as a result of a car accident that happened because of a defective vehicle, contact The Callahan Law Firm today.

Schedule a Free case evaluation today.