Auto Recall FAQS in Punta Gorda, FL
Having a recall on your vehicle can be disconcerting. You may be concerned about what all the recall requires and whether your vehicle is safe or not. That's where we come in. Here at Gettel Lincoln, we want to be there for you every step of the way to make sure that you're driving a safe vehicle that you love. We're here to help you understand more about what it means when your vehicle is recalled, who is doing the recalling and what steps you can take to ensure that your vehicle is repaired in a timely manner. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most frequently asked questions related to recalls.
RECALL FAQS
What is a recall and when is it necessary?
When something in a vehicle is recognized as faulty, a recall occurs. Recalls can affect specific vehicles or parts that come in many different vehicles. When a part or system is found to be less than safe, the manufacturer notifies authorized dealers as well as the owners who have registered the vehicle with the manufacturer. Then those owners are easily 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. Their objective is to reduce the number of vehicle-related accidents as well as prevent possible injuries. The NHTSA enforces regulations relating to vehicle performance and looks into safety flaws. 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?
Considering buying a pre-owned vehicle? There's no reason to worry. The NHTSA website lets users enter any vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into its system to bring up a report that will show if 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 you can review the vehicle's history, plus whether there are any safety recalls reported.*
Does Gettel Lincoln fix open safety recalls?
When you choose a vehicle from our Certified Pre-Owned inventory, you'll know that we will have fixed any recalls available. 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 should give you more insight into the vehicle's history and any open recalls.
How will I find out if my vehicle is subject to a safety recall after I purchase it?
Manufacturers have to inform people affected about a safety recall by first-class mail. Additionally, they will usually give a description of the recall's risk to safety and any hazards it could pose. The notice will also give you instructions about what to do for next steps. 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, take it to a manufacturer-authorized repair facility. They are required to fix the problem at no cost to you. If your Lincoln needs something repaired or replaced due to a recall, be sure to schedule your 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 2021 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 and we look forward to seeing our customers from Punta Gorda, FL, and throughout Port Charlotte, North Port, Venice and Fort Myers!
*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.