AAA Northeast Urges Drivers to Check for Open Vehicle Recalls

Providence, RI, March 4, 2024—Safety recalls affected more than 34 million vehicles in 2023 alone, according to new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This includes more than 4.7 million vehicles recalled with advisories urging drivers to park outside away from structures due to risk of fire.

To mark Vehicle Safety Recalls Week this week, AAA Northeast is urging owners to check their vehicles and related equipment–tires and child car seats, for example–for open recalls. Only 64.7% of vehicle recalls issued in 2022 have been completed, and in the last two weeks alone, NHTSA safety recalls affected more than 1.4 million vehicles.

“Every vehicle recall involves a safety-related issue, which means it’s critical to get the repair done as soon as possible,” said Jillian Young, Director of Public Relations for AAA Northeast. “Vehicle owners can help protect themselves and others on the roadways by checking for recalls on their vehicles at least twice a year, and taking advantage of free repairs on all recalls.”

AAA offers the following guidance for vehicle owners:

• Check for open recalls today: Take advantage of free and easy tools like NHTSA’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Look-Up Tool and the SaferCar app to check your vehicles and automotive equipment for open recalls. All you’ll need is your vehicle’s VIN, which can be found on the lower portion of the vehicle’s windshield on the driver’s side and on your registration card. You can also add related equipment like tires, trailers, and child car seats to SaferCar.
• Repair quickly: Millions of recalls go unrepaired every year, putting drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and others on the road at risk. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, visit a local dealership immediately for free repairs.
• Report safety-related defects: If you believe your vehicle may have a safety-related defect that is not included in a current recall, contact NHTSA online at NHTSA.gov or by calling the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.