Get exclusive money-saving offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
By signing up, you agree to the Finder Privacy & Cookies Policy and Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.
Types
Car Reviews
Guides
What you need to know about car safety recalls
Who initiates vehicle recalls? What are your legal rights if your car has a safety alert or recall issued?
We’re committed to our readers and editorial independence. We don’t compare all products in the market and may receive compensation when we refer you to our partners, but this does not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn more about Finder .
According to the World Health Organization, vehicles sold in 80% of the world’s countries fail to meet basic safety standards. Probably more so than any of your possessions, a car has the potential to inflict serious injury or worse on you, your passengers and fellow road users if something malfunctions.
It’s therefore incredibly important to make sure your car is as safe as
possible, by maintaining it well, but also keeping up-to-date on product safety alerts and recalls.
What is a car recall or safety alert?
A safety recall is a request to the car owner to contact their car manufacturer and arrange for a defective and safety critical component to be replaced, or for the problem to be rectified. Recalls can also be created if a motor vehicle fails to meet Australian Design Rules as well as other legal motor vehicle standards.
A safety alert is often issued before a recall, notifying members of the public that their vehicle is under investigation and has a possible safety defect. The alerts warn of the possible risks that arise from using the car.
Are car safety recalls common?
There have been several high profile car safety recalls making news headlines over the last few years. But safety recalls happen all the time. In fact, in May 2018 alone, there were 20 automotive recalls issued.
Who is responsible for issuing vehicle recalls?
Product safety regulation in Australia is administered by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in partnership with states and territories. The ACCC focuses on identifying and resolving severe injury risks and fatalities that result from the use of a product. Its responsibilities include transportation.
How does the ACCC find out about safety defects in cars?
Using a variety of data sources, including legally required safety reports that arise after cases of serious illness, injury or death, the ACCC will issue a product recall. It may also extend an international recall to cover Australia. Car manufacturers can also issue voluntary recalls, and government ministries may initiate a compulsory recall if needed. The ACCC additionally monitors the media and uses market surveys to identify non-compliant products.
How can I check if my car is under recall?
Automotive builders should contact you by letter to inform you of a recall that’s active on your car, but if you’re not the first owner, they might have problems tracking you down. Therefore, it’s best to take a proactive approach. If you buy a used car, inform the manufacturer that you are now the legal owner, as they may experience problems tracking the car once it changes hands.
Likewise, second-hand car sellers can also help. If you receive a letter relating to a recall for a car you’ve sold, contact the manufacturer to let them know. You can also supply them with the new owner’s details. Even if the car was previously stolen or scrapped, you should still inform them.
To check if there is an active recall on your car, consult the Product Safety Australia recall list.
If you’re concerned that your car might be part of the Takata airbag recall, the largest vehicle-related recall in Australian history, check out the Takata recall list. You can also enter your vehicle’s VIN (the car’s unique identifying serial number) to see if your vehicle is on the register.
How quickly will my car be fixed?
The responsible car manufacturer or component supplier agrees with the ACCC on a timescale for replacing and fixing defective parts. In the case of the Takata airbag recall, a particular generation of the airbag was deemed the highest priority.
Car makers have to replace these within five days of receiving a replacement, though part and technician availability may delay the replacement.
Cars over six years old receive the next highest level of priority, then finally models under six-years-old have the lowest priority. The airbags on these models must be swapped by 2020.
If the deadline for replacements isn’t met, brands face a possible fine of $1.1 million.
Can a business sell a car with an active recall
In some instances, no, a car dealership cannot sell a car if it has an active compulsory recall in effect. For example, with the Takata airbag recall, companies have to replace the defective airbag before it can be offered for sale. There are penalties for failing to comply with this regulation.
If the car is under investigation, and the dealer knows that the car will be subject to recall down the line, they must tell you. The information has to be given both in writing and verbally.
Private sellers are not required to tell you about the recall.
Car recall tips
- Contact your manufacturer. If your car has an outstanding recall placed upon it and you have questions, contact your vehicle manufacturer. There should be staff trained to answer questions about a recall. Also, by law, manufacturers must have a complaints handling procedure in place.
- Don’t ignore the recall. If you ignore a product recall, you could face an increased and significant safety risk. Don’t delay in contacting the manufacturer.
- Pass on new owner details. In some cases, you might receive a letter addressed to you as the owner of one of your previously sold or stolen vehicles. Perhaps you’ve moved home and received contact intended for the previous house owner. Make sure to contact the manufacturer to help them update their records and contact the current driver.
- Check if you’ve had previous work done on the car. If you’ve had work done on your car, perhaps after an accident where the airbags deployed, the dealership or garage may have installed airbags or other components that are now affected by a safety recall. You should contact them to find out the best course of action.
- Rights under a compulsory recall. You may also have additional rights if your car is under a mandatory recall. For example, the ACCC website states that owners of Takata airbag-affected cars have the right to loan/hire transportation if the replacement procedure takes more than 24 hours. Drivers who are elderly, infirm or disabled, living on an island with no dealer or living 250km from the nearest dealership may qualify for special arrangements.
Need a new car? Compare the finance options below
More guides on Finder
-
INEOS Grenadier 4×4: Everything you need to know
Described as a spiritual successor to the Land Rover Defender, the INEOS Grenadier is a utilitarian 4x4 due in Australia and New Zealand by 2022.
-
Coronavirus: What to do if you can’t afford your car repayments
Can't afford your car loan repayments because of the COVID-19 pandemic? Here's what to do.
-
Coronavirus: What you need to know about life insurance
The outbreak of covid-19 has many people wondering about their insurance options. This guide helps answer all you life insurance question during the coronavirus outbreak.
-
Three car brands issue voluntary recalls
18,000 cars, built between 1996 and 1999, recalled due to Takata airbag inflator.
-
Australian bushfire donation scams: What you need to know before donating
Here's how to make sure your money goes to people who really need it during the Australian bushfire crisis.
-
BMW owners warned of urgent recall for faulty airbags
A new recall has been issued for BMWs containing potentially lethal Takata airbags.
-
Drivers warned of urgent vehicle recall for “critical” faulty airbags
A number of car manufacturers are warning drivers of the dangerous airbags and urging them to check their vehicles.
-
Total recall: Rise in car defects putting Aussie drivers at risk
Australia has experienced an alarming increase in car recalls over the past five years according to Finder, Australia’s most visited comparison site. Car manufacturers have issued 135 recalls in the first half of 2019 alone, with the overall number of recalls skyrocketing by 176% since 2014.
-
Tax and the gig economy: What you need to know
Mark Chapman goes through the tax requirements you need to know about if you're an Uber driver, Airbnb host or do other work in the gig economy.
-
Best small cars
There are dozens of different makes and models to choose from and then about five different trim levels on average, per carmaker. This guide will help you cut through the sales banter.
Car Loan Offers
Important Information*
Ask an Expert