The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is urging vehicle owners to enhance safety by checking for recalls online and addressing any necessary repairs. In the previous year, over 1,073 safety recalls affected more than 35 million vehicles and equipment across the nation. These recalls can vary from minor software issues to significant safety concerns like faulty airbags and brake failures.
Despite manufacturers’ notifications and the availability of free repairs, a CARFAX report indicates that one in five vehicles has an unresolved recall issue. This suggests that out of approximately 1.4 million vehicles on Hawaii’s roads, around 280,000 could have at least one outstanding safety recall, posing potential risks to drivers and passengers.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a free tool for checking open manufacturer recalls on vehicles, car seats, tires, and other equipment. By visiting www.NHTSA.gov/Recalls and entering a license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN), owners can check for open recalls. If an open vehicle recall exists, owners should contact their local dealership for a free repair. For recalls involving tires or other equipment, contacting the manufacturer may be necessary.
“Checking if your vehicle has an open safety recall is a simple and smart step every car owner can take to reduce the risk of vehicle failure or a breakdown on road that could cause a serious crash,” stated HDOT Director Ed Sniffen.
NHTSA advises checking for recalls at least twice annually. Vehicle owners can also subscribe to receive email notifications about future safety recalls at www.NHTSA.gov/Alerts.
