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3 minutes read. Published September 27, 2022

Music written by Tara Mello Written by Tara Mello Driving for Dollars

Tara Mello Edited by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate from late 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to manage their finances through providing concise, well-researched, and well-understood facts that break down complicated subjects into digestible pieces. The Bankrate promises

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So, this compensation can influence the manner, place and in what order products appear within listing categories in the event that they are not permitted by law. This is the case for our mortgage home equity, mortgage and other products for home loans. Other elements, like our own website rules and whether or not a product is available within your area or at your personal credit score may also influence the way and place products are listed on this site. Although we try to offer an array of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. If you’re considering buying a used vehicle it is essential to determine if there is an open recall on the used car — and, if so the extent to which it has been repaired. Recalls for used cars are usually caused by a malfunction or potential problem that is related to safety concerns. Unrepaired recalls could lead to a car fire or collision that could injure the passengers or even causing a crash . Dealers must only make repairs on brand new vehicles. In most states, dealers aren’t required to repair used vehicles or notify buyers of recalls. They may not even know there’s a recall. It is your responsibility to research the car’s history. How to find out whether a car that you own is subject to a recall To find out whether a vehicle is part of a recall or not, you can look up the . This database is searchable using the VIN number, which can be found on the car’s windshield to the lower left or year, model, and make in the absence of the VIN. The NHTSA database includes information about not repaired vehicles that were affected in the last 15 calendar years. The database includes recalls from major automakers, motorcycle manufacturers as well as a few medium and heavy-duty truck makers. While it is a valuable source, the NHTSA database does not provide information on vehicles that have already been repaired as a result of the safety recall. Also, it doesn’t contain any information about international vehicles. Check defect investigations If you do not find any recalls, review the NHTSA’s monthly investigation reports, which contain information about active defect investigations. Recalls typically begin as an investigation. It is possible that the car you’re looking to buy is under investigation. If so, keep abreast of the investigation to know of any recalls announced. What should you do if the used car you’re interested in is part of recalls If you want to purchase a used car is part of a recall and you aren’t sure about it, don’t lose hope of the possibility of getting it. Repairs won’t cost the seller or buyer any money since the manufacturer will cover recall fixes. Get the car’s VIN If you don’t have it If you do find a recall for the vehicle’s model, make and year of manufacture, obtain the vehicle’s VIN by contacting the dealer. In the recall section on the website of the manufacturer. With the VIN you can find out whether your car is included in the recall. Some manufacturer websites also note if the car has been fixed. Get the car repaired Manufacturers are required to fix cars that are subject to a safety recall for free. Therefore, even though independent dealers are not required to with an open recall in accordance with federal law, it should be free to fix the vehicle. Recall laws differ by state, meaning that dealers in your area could be legally required to perform repairs prior to selling you a car. You can also request the seller to repair the vehicle before you buy it. Request receipts from the seller. If the car you are purchasing has been repaired Ask the owner to provide documentation and read it thoroughly. Only dealers who carry that model are allowed to complete recall repairs. However, independent mechanics can complete some car recall repairs at the owner’s expense. If a dealer failed to complete the repairs, you might need to ask a dealer to confirm that the work was completed in a professional and thorough manner. The most important thing to consider before purchasing a used car, research if the vehicle has been part of any safety recalls and if the required repairs were made. The NHTSA is usually the most reliable way to determine whether a recall affected the vehicle you’d like to buy. To ensure your safety after a recall you’ve signed up, think about signing to receive recall alerts sent through the NHTSA. You can opt to receive these notifications via email or download the NHTSA’s SaferCar application for your smartphone to be alerted of recalls. Related Articles: SHARE:

The author, Tara Mello Driving for Dollars Edited by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor Rhys has been writing and editing for Bankrate since the end of 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain confidence to take control of their finances through providing precise, well-researched and well-sourced information that breaks down otherwise complicated topics into bite-sized pieces.

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