Dec 22 2008
Recall Definition
If you have a problem with a vehicle that is a safety hazard, check whether the manufacturer has recalled your vehicle. Hazards that aren’t listed should be reported to your dealer, the manufacturer of the vehicle, and NHTSA. There is no set number of reports needed before NHTSA will look into a problem. If a safety-related defect exists, the maker must fix it at no cost to you–even if your warranty has expired. The company may also be asked to conduct a product recall.
If you have a vehicle with a unique problem that just never seems to get fixed, you may have a lemon. Some states have laws concerning lemons. They may require a refund or replacement if a problem is not fixed within a reasonable number of tries or you haven’t been able to use your vehicle for a certain number of days. Contact your state or local consumer protection office to learn whether you have such protections and the steps you must take get your problem solved. If you believe your car is a lemon:
• Give the dealer a list of the problems every time you bring it in for repairs.
• Get and keep copies of the repair orders listing the problems, the work done, and the dates that the car was in the shop.
• Contact the manufacturer, as well as the dealer, to report the problem. Your owner’s manual will list an address for the manufacturer.
• Help other consumers avoid purchasing your lemon