The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the power to demand that manufacturers recall certain vehicles that do not meet safety standards put in place by the U.S. government. But this isn’t the only way vehicles are recalled. Manufacturers can also voluntarily recall vehicles when they are made aware of a widespread defect. Regardless of how the recall is issued, the real question is: how will you find out about it? Here are the ways you may find out your car has been recalled:

1) The manufacturer will notify you.

If you purchased your car directly from a dealer, the manufacturer will be able to access your contact information and get in touch with you either by mail or phone to let you know about the vehicle recall. However, many people do not purchase cars from a dealership, which means the manufacturer will not have updated contact information for the current owner of the vehicle.

2) Look it up by the VIN.

What do you do if you hear on the radio or news about a vehicle recall, but aren’t sure if yours is affected? One option is to look it up by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The NHTSA allows consumers to search by VIN for any recalls that have occurred over the last 15 years.

3) Sign up for email alerts.

The NHTSA also gives vehicle owners the option of signing up for email alerts so they will be the first to know about any future car recalls. The email alert will include information on the exact make and model of the vehicle, as well as a description of what issue has been identified. It will also tell you how to get in touch with the manufacturer to receive more information or arrange for repairs. This is helpful if you have found an issue on your vehicle that you believe will eventually lead to a recall, or if you just want to stay in-the-know to avoid driving an unsafe vehicle.

4) Search through Consumer Reports.

Vehicle owners can visit Consumer Reports to search for current recalls; however, you are only able to search by the year, make, and model of your vehicle. This is not as accurate as searching by the VIN, but it will help you find more information on any safety issues that may be plaguing your vehicle.

Remember, if you’re buying a used vehicle, you should always check these sources to ensure there are no outstanding recalls.

Unfortunately, many people are completely unaware their vehicle has been recalled, which means they wind up driving a car that can malfunction while in use. If you have been injured because of a defective vehicle, it’s imperative you contact skilled Georgia personal injury attorney Frank Harris. These cases can be complex, so you shouldn’t take any chances by working with an inexperienced attorney. Call Frank Harris today at 678-483-8655 or email info@FrankHarrisLaw.com to schedule a consultation. You can also get in touch with us by filling out a brief contact form on our website, www.FrankHarrisLaw.com.