The car company has recalled your vehicle, what next? Here's the complete process

If you suddenly receive a message or call from your car company informing you that your car has been recalled, most people panic. They think there's a major problem with the car or that it's now unsafe to drive. 

But the reality is that recalls are nothing to be afraid of. They're a responsible step taken by companies to ensure that any minor or major technical issues with the car are fixed in a timely manner.

Meaning of recall

A recall means that the company has identified a potential defect in a part, software, system, or safety feature in your car and requires you to visit the service center for a free repair. This defect doesn't affect every vehicle, but all cars in the batch that are likely to have the problem are recalled.

Nowadays, almost every major car company issues recalls for its vehicles from time to time. If your car has been recalled, there's no need to panic. Let's understand what happens next and how the entire process works.

Why is a recall done?

A recall is issued when the company discovers that a model has—

A safety issue, whether minor or major, could be a malfunctioning part. Additionally, a sensor, meter, or electronic unit is suspected to be defective, or a defect has been confirmed by government agencies. The purpose of a recall is to prioritize customer safety and provide a free repair.

How do you know if a car is included in a recall?

Registered dealerships also contact you directly by entering the VIN number (VIN means Vehicle Unique Identification Number) on the company's official website, through email, via SMS or call
If your car is on the recall list, you are clearly told why the vehicle is being recalled.

What happens at the dealership?

When you take your vehicle to a service center, the following process is followed:

1. Complete Inspection

The technician first examines the specified part thoroughly.

2. Replacement in case of defect

If any problem is found in the part, it is replaced completely free of cost.

You won't be charged any fees—no matter how expensive or time-consuming the part is.

3. Update or Re-Programming

Sometimes the problem is software-related, and in such cases, the car's system unit is updated.

4. Safety Check

Finally, the vehicle is tested to ensure that everything is working properly.

Does the recall affect the vehicle warranty?

If you're wondering whether a recall affects your car's warranty, the answer is absolutely not. A recall is an official, consumer-friendly process. It does not affect your car's warranty.