What is a Recall on a Car and What Do I Do

By Larry Anderson and the Mercury Team

Car recalls happen more often than most people realize, and while they’re usually straightforward to handle, it’s normal to want further detail and instruction. Recalls are issued by car manufacturers or government agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) when a vehicle has a safety-related defect or doesn’t meet federal standards.

At Mercury Insurance, we know how important it is to feel confident behind the wheel. That’s why we’re here to help you understand what a recall means, how to handle it, and how your car insurance coverage fits into the picture.

What Is a Recall on a Car?

A car recall happens when a vehicle has a safety issue or doesn’t meet federal safety standards. Recalls can be issued by the manufacturer or the NHTSA and are designed to fix problems that could put drivers at risk.

Common reasons for recalls include faulty airbags, brake failures, electrical issues, and steering or fuel system problems. Even small defects can become serious over time, so it’s important to take recall notices seriously.

Not sure if your car has a recall? It’s easy to check:

Visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Download the SaferCar app to get alerts on your phone
Watch for recall notices by mail or email from the manufacturer

You can also sign up for email updates from NHTSA to stay in the loop. If you’ve moved or bought a used car, double-check that your contact info is up to date so you don’t miss important notifications.

What Do I Do If My Car Has a Recall?

Does your car have a recall? Here’s what you need to do:

Contact the Manufacturer or Dealership

Once you’ve confirmed that your vehicle has an open recall, your next step is to contact your local dealership or the vehicle manufacturer. Recall repairs are performed at no cost to you, as required by federal law. Just provide your VIN and the recall notice (if you have it) when scheduling your appointment.

Dealerships authorized by your vehicle’s brand are usually the best choice. They’ll have access to the correct parts and manufacturer-approved repair procedures.

Follow Safety Precautions

If the recall involves critical safety components—like brakes, steering, or airbags—avoid driving the vehicle until it’s fixed. The recall notice will usually explain whether it’s safe to drive. If needed, make arrangements for a loaner car or alternate transportation in the meantime.

Document Everything

Keep a file of all documents related to the recall, including your appointment confirmation, repair receipts (if any), and written communications. If you experience ongoing issues after the repair, this documentation may help if you need to escalate the problem with the manufacturer or file a complaint with NHTSA.

Insurance Implications

Having a recall on your car usually doesn’t affect your insurance coverage. Your policy stays active even if there’s an open recall. But if a recalled part leads to an accident and you knew about the issue but didn’t get it fixed, it could impact how a claim is handled. That’s why it’s important to act quickly once you receive a recall notice.

For example, if your car is involved in an accident and the recalled part (like faulty brakes) contributed to the crash, your insurance company might take that into account during the claims process. Some insurers could reduce or deny coverage if they determine the vehicle was knowingly unsafe to drive.

While it’s not required, keeping your insurer in the loop ensures they have the most accurate info on file:

“Even though a recall typically doesn’t impact your insurance rates, it’s still important to address it promptly—especially when it’s a safety issue. Taking care of it ensures your car remains safe and could help avoid complications if a claim ever arises.”

- Larry Anderson, Director of Underwriting Operations for Mercury

Navigating the Repair Process

When it comes to recall repairs, it’s best to go through a manufacturer-authorized dealership or service center. They have trained technicians, access to genuine parts, and follow the latest repair guidelines, so you can feel confident the job’s done right.

Repair times can vary based on the issue and whether parts are in stock. Some recalls may involve wait times, especially if there’s high demand or limited inventory.

To keep things moving smoothly:

Schedule your appointment early
Ask if loaner vehicles or shuttles are available
Call ahead to check parts availability

Staying Proactive with Vehicle Maintenance

One of the best automotive maintenance tips is to schedule regular check-ups, even if your car seems fine. Routine inspections can help catch small issues before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road. And be sure to ask your service advisor if there are active recalls each time you bring your car in for service.

It’s also smart to keep your contact info updated with your car’s manufacturer or dealership. If you’ve moved or changed your email, make sure they have your current details so you don’t miss important recall notices.

Additionally, don’t forget to check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) every so often using the NHTSA’s recall tool or the SaferCar app. It only takes a minute and helps you stay on top of any new recalls.

Additional Tips from Mercury Insurance

When a recall happens, it’s a good reminder to take a fresh look at your auto insurance policy. Make sure your coverage matches your needs—especially if you’re concerned about things like rental car expenses or potential downtime while your vehicle is in the shop.

Not sure what’s covered? Reach out to a Mercury Insurance agent. They can walk you through your policy and help you understand what to expect if a recall leads to a repair-related delay. It’s also worth considering a few helpful add-ons, like roadside assistance or rental car coverage, which can make a stressful situation a lot easier to manage.

Conclusion

Car recalls are more common than you might think, and handling them doesn’t have to be stressful. Staying on top of notices, scheduling timely repairs, and keeping up with routine maintenance all play a part in creating a safer, smoother driving experience.

You should also check in with your insurance provider now and then. Whether you’re reviewing your policy or just want to explore your options, Mercury Insurance makes it easy to find the right fit. We offer cheap car insurance that doesn’t cut corners on coverage, so you can drive confidently, no matter what comes your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car while waiting for the recall repair?

It depends on the issue. Some recalls involve minor fixes, while others affect critical safety features like brakes or airbags. Your recall notice should explain whether it’s safe to keep driving. When in doubt, check with your dealership or the manufacturer before getting back on the road.

Will my premium go up if my car is recalled?

No, a recall itself won’t cause your insurance premium to increase. Recalls are about manufacturer defects, not driver behavior or claim history. However, it’s still important to address the recall quickly to avoid potential issues down the line.

What if the dealership doesn’t have the necessary parts right away?

Sometimes, parts are on backorder, especially during large-scale recalls. Schedule your appointment as soon as possible and ask if the dealership offers loaner vehicles or shuttle services in the meantime.

Larry Anderson

Director of Underwriting Operations at Mercury Insurance

Larry Anderson is the Director of Underwriting Operations for Mercury Insurance, where he leads several teams including Audit, Training, and Regulatory Compliance. Anderson has been with Mercury since 2002 when he began as an underwriter. Anderson received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.