• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / Automotive News / Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.

Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.

August 31, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Consumers have heard plenty these past few years about automotive recalls, especially those involving airbags supplied by Takata. Tens of millions of cars are currently affected by airbags that may release dangerous projectiles on deployment.

But the Takata mess is just the tip of a recall iceberg involving vehicles, car seats, tires, and other equipment. With as many as thousands of parts and accessories present in many modern vehicles, something is bound to go wrong. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracks this information and now supplies a tool to help vehicle owners stay on top of it all.

That tool is none other than a new SaferCar app that’s easily downloadable to most any cell phone. So, why this app? Because as important as it is to stay on top of recalls, many are going unheeded. Notably, the NHTSA says that one in four vehicles currently in use has a safety recall. That’s a risk to the driver, passengers, other vehicles, and pedestrians, and is something that can and should be tracked and fixed as soon as possible.

How well does this app work? Well, we headed to the Apple App Store (Google Play Store for Android) and downloaded a copy to our iPhone and found the process straightforward. Once downloaded, you’ll be prompted to respond to a request to expedite notifications. If you “allow” notifications, then you may receive alerts, sounds, and icon badges for notifying a recall. You can control these requests in your cell phone’s settings.

Registering your vehicle is as easy as identifying it by its make, model, and year. You may find various versions of your vehicle listed, depending on the body style and drivetrain. Choose the one that most accurately describes your vehicle.

The app makes it easy to identify your vehicle. To help the app “understand” what you own, either scan or input the 17 alphanumeric sequence that represents your ride. I would love to say it scanned mine, but it did not. Instead, I took a photo of the VIN and then inputted the information to the app. The easiest way, of course, would have been to simply add that sequence while standing in front of the VIN.

Once the app has your information, it’ll issue you an update for your car. Mine returned the following statement: “This vehicle has no unrepaired recalls.”

What’s especially helpful about the app is what it can do. You can enter as many vehicles you like, thereby setting up your “virtual garage” for tracking those details. Besides your vehicles, there’s room to add tire, car seat, and information about the many accessories you may have. If there is a recall notification for anything listed, it will appear. Importantly, the NHTSA issues prompt notifications once it publishes its findings. This means that allowing notifications may be the best way to go. Otherwise, you’ll need to check your app regularly for updates.

What the app cannot do is arrange a recall fix. Instead, once you discover your vehicle is under recall, reach out to your local dealer’s repair shop for guidance. If a part must be replaced, the shop will tell you whether it is in stock or not. Moreover, you’ll need to make an appointment to have the recall handled.

The good news about a recall, is that they’re typically covered by the manufacturer. This means the repairs are made at the dealership level and the dealer bills the manufacturer. The same goes for recalls covering tires, car seats, and vehicle accessories. If you’re not sure a cost is involved, just ask.

We haven’t used the app much since its launch. There are bound to be some bugs present early on, so expect updates along the way. With this in mind, respond accordingly to keep the app current to ensure all recall notifications are delivered immediately.


Photo copyright NHTSA.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: ACCESSORIES, APPLE, car seats, GOOGLE, NHTSA, RECALLS, SaferCar app, tires

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport.
  • Introducing the Kia Carnival MPV
  • Goodyear, Cooper Tire to Join Forces
  • Highlights of the 2021 Nissan Rogue
  • 7 Facts About the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt

Recent Comments

  • At a Glance: 2021 Lexus IS — Auto Trends Magazine on Luxury Performance Sedan: Lexus GS F
  • At a Glance: 2021 Lexus IS — Auto Trends Magazine on Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport.
  • Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport. — Auto Trends Magazine on What’s Up With Mitsubishi?
  • Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport. — Auto Trends Magazine on Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport. — Auto Trends Magazine on Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line

Archives

  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Models
  • New Vehicle Reviews
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport.
  • Introducing the Kia Carnival MPV
  • Goodyear, Cooper Tire to Join Forces
  • Highlights of the 2021 Nissan Rogue
  • 7 Facts About the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
  • Introducing the All-New
    2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV
  • What’s the Future for Chrysler and Dodge Under Stellantis?
  • All About Sobriety Checkpoints
  • Plug It In: Toyota RAV4 Prime
  • About the Volkswagen Taos
  • All-Wheel Drive Finally Comes to the Toyota Camry and We Like It!
  • Growing EV Industry Leaves Countries and Businesses Racing to Meet Increasing Lithium Demand
  • Introducing the All-New 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Crossover SUV
  • At Last! The All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier Revealed.
  • In Photos: 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor!
  • Cadillac V-Series Blackwing Preview!
  • Cost-Effective Crossover: Nissan Kicks
  • 10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Car
  • All-New Acura TLX Takes Charge
  • The Golden Years: 6 Memorable Models From the Original Era of Muscle Cars
  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
August 2020
S M T W T F S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  
« Jul   Sep »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in