Auto Recall FAQs
Has a recall been announced for your used vehicle? Trust us to help. We understand that you might be concerned about what all the recall requires and whether your vehicle is safe to drive. Here at Gettel Kia of Bradenton, we want to be there for you in your automotive journey to ensure that you’re behind the wheel of a safe vehicle that you love. We’re here to assist you in understanding more about what it means when your vehicle is recalled, who is behind the recalling and what steps you can take to ensure that your vehicle is fixed in time for you to enjoy it again. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most frequently asked questions having to do with recalls.
RECALL FAQS
What is a recall and when is it necessary?
A safety recall occurs when a manufacturer or NHTSA makes a call that part of a vehicle is defective. Usually, a safety recall will be issued for a specific model or parts that are frequently used in a number of diverse vehicles. When something is discovered to be less than safe, the manufacturer lets authorized dealers know as well as the owners who have registered the vehicle with the manufacturer. Then the owner is able to take care of the repairs that need to be done.
What is NHTSA?
The NHTSA, or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, is the federal agency that manages vehicle safety standards. Its goal is to lessen the number of vehicle-related crashes as well as prevent potential injuries. The NHTSA imposes regulations relating to vehicle performance and investigates safety defects. Additionally, it’s the agency that we trust to provide crash test ratings for many of our vehicles.
How do I find out if the used vehicle that I am interested in buying is affected by a safety recall?
If you are considering buying a used vehicle, there’s no need to worry. The NHTSA website advantageously permits users to enter any vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into its system to bring up a report that will indicate whether that vehicle has any active safety recalls. The website also provides general information on safety based on a vehicle’s year, make and model. In addition to using the NHTSA website, a CARFAX report will be provided to you before you purchase the vehicle so that you can review the vehicle’s history, plus whether there are any safety recalls reported.*
Does Gettel Kia of Bradenton fix open safety recalls?
With our selection of Certified Plus vehicles, it is our aim to repair any open safety recalls that we have identified before you drive it home. However, that may not always be possible depending on the nature of the recall or the accessibility of parts. Regardless of whether a vehicle is "certified" or not, you will have the chance to look over a CARFAX report prior to sale, which gives you information about the vehicle’s history, including safety recalls reported by CARFAX.
How will I find out if my vehicle is subject to a safety recall after I purchase it?
It is required for manufacturers to notify people who own and have bought their vehicles by first-class mail to let them know about a safety recall. Additionally, they should give an explanation of the recall’s risk to safety and any hazards it could pose. The notice will also give you instructions about what your next steps should be. Because manufacturers receive the names of vehicle owners from state registration offices, we suggest keeping your state registration information up to date to be sure to receive notice of a safety recall. You can also register your vehicle with the manufacturer as soon as you purchase it, so you’ll be sure to receive important information on your vehicle. Most manufacturers also give you the option to look up recalls via your VIN on their sites.
If I find out my vehicle is subject to a safety recall after I buy it, how do I get it fixed?
If your vehicle is affected by a safety recall, it’s a good idea to take it to a manufacturer-authorized repair facility. They are required to fix the problem at no cost to you. If your Kia needs something repaired due to a recall, be sure to schedule a service with a dealer who knows your vehicle inside and out (like us).
If you have any questions, feel free to stop by our dealership. We are conveniently located at 6423 14th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207 and we look forward to seeing our customers from Bradenton, FL, and throughout Venice and Sarasota!
*Please note that we are not affiliated with and do not control the NHTSA website or CARFAX and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information they report. The accuracy of the information available through CARFAX and NHTSA is subject to a number of factors, including but not limited to whether information reported by a manufacturer is up to date.
