Here is How to Check for Car Recalls in Australia: Is Your Vehicle Affected?

Buying a car can be exciting, but it also comes with important responsibilities. One crucial step that is often overlooked is checking for any outstanding recalls on the car. Car recalls are issued when a manufacturer identifies a defect or safety-related issue that requires attention. These issues can affect the car's reliability and compromise the safety of passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. Ignoring a recall notice can lead to serious consequences, but the good news is that recall-related repairs are typically handled free of charge.

This guide will walk you through how to check for recalls on a car, how to identify if your vehicle’s VIN is linked to a recall, and what to do if you find your car has been recalled.

Why It’s Important to Check for Recalls Before Buying a Car

Before buying a car, especially a second-hand one, it’s essential to check for recalls. This simple step can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Here’s why you should prioritise it:

• Safety First: Safety recalls often relate to critical components like brakes, airbags, and fuel systems. If you ignore a recall, you risk driving an unsafe vehicle.
• Manufacturer Responsibility: If a recall is issued, the manufacturer will offer recall-related repairs free of charge. This can save you from unexpected repair costs.
• Resale Value: If the car still has an outstanding recall, it may affect its resale value, as buyers may be reluctant to purchase a car with unresolved issues.
• Compliance with Australian Standards: Cars in Australia must comply with ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) regulations. Ensuring that any recalls are resolved keeps your vehicle compliant with these standards.

If you’re planning to buy a used car, it’s also a good idea to understand How to Properly Test Drive a Car. A test drive can reveal potential defects that aren’t captured by a recall notice, like alignment issues or unusual engine noises.

How to Check for Recalls on a Vehicle

You may be wondering, "How do I check if my car is affected by a recall?" The process is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to check for recalls and make sure your car is safe.

Locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The first step is to find the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is a unique 17-character code that serves as the car’s fingerprint. It helps track everything from ownership to recalls. Here’s where you can find it:

• On the dashboard, visible through the windscreen on the driver’s side
• Inside the driver’s door frame or on the door jamb
• On the car's registration papers or owner’s manual
• On insurance policy documents

Accurately copy down the 17-character VIN as even a small mistake can affect your recall search.

Use an Online Recall Check Tool

Once you have the VIN, you can check for recalls online. Here are some of the most reliable sources:

Government Websites

The Australian Government provides a free tool via Product Safety Australia. Here’s how to use it:

1. Visit the Product Safety Australia website.
2. Enter the vehicle’s VIN into the recall search field.
3. Check if the car is listed as an affected vehicle.

Manufacturer Websites

Major manufacturers like Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Subaru, and Mitsubishi have their own recall pages. Simply visit the manufacturer’s website, go to the "Recalls" section, enter your VIN, and you’ll be able to see if any recalls are active for your car.

Third-Party Tools and Apps

There are several apps available for Android and iOS devices that can help track recalls on your car. These tools can provide notifications for future recalls and updates for any unresolved issues.

Contact the Manufacturer or Local Dealer

If the online tools don’t provide clear answers, the next step is to contact the manufacturer directly. Most manufacturers, like Toyota, Nissan, Kia, and Mitsubishi, have customer support lines for recall queries.

Alternatively, you can visit your local authorised dealer. These dealerships have access to up-to-date databases with information on affected vehicles. If your car is affected, they’ll help you arrange a service appointment for any required repairs.

Request a Vehicle History Report

If you’re buying a second-hand car, you can request a vehicle history report. This report contains information about the car’s previous owners, accident history, and any recalls specific to that make and model. Services like PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) in Australia offer these reports for a small fee.

What to Do If Your Car Has Been Recalled

If you discover that your car has an outstanding recall, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:

Contact the Manufacturer or Dealer

Contact the manufacturer or the nearest authorised dealer. This step is crucial, especially if you’ve bought the car recently. The dealer will be able to check if your car is affected and guide you through the next steps.

Schedule a Service Appointment

After confirming that your car is affected, you’ll need to schedule a service appointment with a dealership. This is important because the recall issue must be resolved to ensure the car’s compliance with safety standards.

Keep Records of the Repairs

Once the recall repairs are complete, ask for proof of repair. Keep a copy of the invoice or work order. This documentation will be useful if you plan to sell the car later.

Can You Buy a Car With an Outstanding Recall?

Yes, you can buy a car with an active recall, but it requires some extra caution. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Negotiate on Price: If the car has unresolved recalls, you may be able to negotiate a lower price.
• Check for Free Repairs: If a recall has been issued, you can likely have the repairs done free of charge.
• Inspect the Vehicle: When test driving a car with an active recall, make sure to follow the steps outlined in How to Properly Test Drive a Car. This will help you spot other issues that might not be covered under the recall.

How Often Should You Check for Recalls?

It’s important to check for future recalls even after buying a car. Recalls can be issued years after the vehicle was manufactured. For example, the Takata airbag recall affected millions of cars globally. It’s a good idea to check once a year or whenever major recall news is announced.

How Do Recalls Affect the Value of a Car?

Unresolved recalls can impact the car’s resale value. Buyers are often wary of cars with open recalls, and dealers may offer a lower trade-in price. If you plan to sell your car, make sure it’s recall-free to avoid potential issues.

Common Recall Issues to Look For

Certain vehicle components are more prone to recalls than others. Here are the most common recall-related issues:

• Airbag defects: Issues with airbags, such as the Takata airbag recall, can cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly, leading to serious injuries.
• Braking systems: Defective brakes can affect the car’s stopping power, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Wipers and lights: Faulty wipers can reduce visibility during rain, while lighting issues affect night driving.

Conclusion

Checking for outstanding recalls is essential for anyone buying a car. You can quickly check if a recall is issued by using the Australian Government recall page, a manufacturer’s recall page, or by contacting your local dealer.

Once a recall notice is issued, you can have the necessary repairs done free of charge. Make sure to keep proof of any recall-related repairs so you can prove your car complies with Australian safety standards.

If you’re buying a used car, don’t forget to check for recalls as part of your inspection process. To be extra cautious, you should also read How to Properly Test Drive a Car, as a test drive can help you spot issues that might not be captured in a recall notice.

On the other hand, If you’re ready to buy a safe, reliable car, contact us through our New car Buying Page. There, you’ll get unbiased expert opinions completely free and without hassle.