A manufacturer recall is a proactive action a car manufacturer takes to address safety-related defects or vehicle issues. When a problem is identified through internal testing, customer complaints, or investigations by regulatory agencies, the manufacturer will usually take the necessary steps to notify vehicle owners and dealerships about the issue. 

Recalls aim to ensure the safety and reliability of vehicles on the road while protecting manufacturers from legal liability if an accident occurs due to an identified fault. The recall process involves many vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, buses, coaches, trailers, agricultural vehicles, motorhomes and caravans.  

What do manufacturer recalls usually involve? 

A recall typically involves the following elements: 

• Faults and defects: The issue around a known defect may be related to components like brakes, airbags, engines, fuel systems, or electronic systems that can pose a safety risk to drivers, passengers and other road users. 

• Repair or replace: The manufacturer is responsible for correcting the problem, usually through repairs, part replacements, or, in extreme cases, replacing the entire vehicle. 

• Covering costs: The repair or replacement is usually done free of charge for the vehicle owner, so you shouldn’t have to worry about expensive repairs. 

Who has overall responsibility for recalls? 

In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) manages the safety recall scheme, including vehicle recalls. The DVSA has a specialist Vehicle Safety Branch (VSB) dedicated to safety recall work. 

Over the past 30 years, millions of vehicles have been recalled for rectification under this scheme. The effectiveness of this system demands close cooperation between DVSA, manufacturers and vehicle Trade Associations. 

What to do if you receive a recall notice 

If you are notified that your vehicle is subject to a manufacturer recall, follow these suggested steps to ensure its safe repair.  

1) Confirm the recall 

The manufacturer will usually send a letter fully explaining the recall details. You can check for recalls online on the DVSA or the manufacturer’s website by entering the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 

2) Contact the manufacturer or dealership 

Call the dealership or the manufacturer’s customer service team. They will provide details about what needs to be done and schedule a repair or inspection. Failing to address a recall can led to safety hazards and may even invalidate certain aspects of vehicle insurance. 

3) Arrange repair work 

Take the vehicle to an authorised dealership for the necessary repairs. The repairs or replacement of faulty parts will be carried out at no cost to you. The dealership will advise on how long the repair process will take. 

4) Avoid using the vehicle if necessary 

For recalls involving serious safety risks (such as faulty brakes, steering or airbags), it may be unsafe to drive the vehicle until it has been repaired. The manufacturer will advise you if the car is safe to drive or should not be used. 

5) Hold on to documentation 

Keep records of the repair or service for future reference, especially if you plan to sell the car. Having a recall issue rectified can improve a vehicle’s resale value. 

What other measures are available to help me deal with a manufacturer recall? 

In a typical year, more than one million cars are affected by a recall, with over 150 recalls issued by vehicle manufacturers. If you are concerned your vehicle is subject to a manufacturer recall, and you can put your mind at ease by carrying out an instant HPI safety recall check. 

The advice from trusted vehicle history check and valuation experts HPI is the quickest and simplest way to check if a manufacturer has recalled a vehicle due to a critical safety defect. It provides accurate, reliable vehicle recall information in seconds. It gives information on a specific vehicle using its number plate alone. 

HPI’s safety recall check is available as a standalone safety check or as part of an HPI Check. It provides a fully comprehensive vehicle check, arming you with vital information and offering protection from motoring scams and fraud.  

And if you are looking to buy a used car, HPI Recall adds another layer to a buyer’s comprehensive vehicle history check, offering further protection against potentially making a costly mistake. 

The HPI Check confirms whether a vehicle is currently recorded as stolen with the police, has outstanding finance against it, or has been written off. It also includes a mileage check against the National Mileage Register as standard. HPI has provided fast, accurate data to support used car buyers who have been making vehicle checks for eight decades.