Recalls may sound bad at first but they may actually make you safer. They are simply an action by the manufacturer to remedy a safety or emissions-related concern regarding a vehicle defect or regulatory requirement. It may require that you return your vehicle to the dealer for service. If your vehicle is not affected, it may be because it was built at a different time or using a different part than the affected vehicles.
A safety recall can be issued on either a whole vehicle or on a piece of equipment within a vehicle, when the manufacturer uncovers a “noncompliance with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard.” In people-speak, that means when a piece of equipment in a specific line of vehicles shows a defect.
In most cases, the remedy is as simple as repairing or replacing the equipment in question. It is usually covered by the vehicle’s warranty, or the manufacturer may extend the vehicle’s warranty for the recalled part. Naturally, the sooner you have the recalled item replaced or repaired, the less you have to worry about the performance of your vehicle.