Daniel Carter | February 3, 2026 | Car Accidents near Fresno, CA
Car recalls can be alarming. You may receive a notice in the mail or see a headline about a defect affecting your vehicle and wonder what it all means.
The sections below answer some of the most common questions drivers have about car recalls.
Who Recalls Cars?
Most vehicle recalls in the U.S. are initiated by automobile manufacturers. When a manufacturer discovers a defect that affects vehicle safety or compliance with federal regulations, it may voluntarily issue a recall.
Recalls can also be prompted or required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA monitors consumer complaints, crash data, and manufacturer reports. If the agency determines that a vehicle or auto part poses an unreasonable safety risk, it can require the manufacturer to issue a recall and provide a remedy at no cost to the consumer.
Why Are Cars Recalled?
Cars are typically recalled when a defect creates a safety risk for drivers and other road users. These defects can affect how a vehicle operates, how it protects occupants in a crash, etc.
Common reasons for car recalls include:
- Faulty airbags that may fail to deploy
- Defective brakes
- Steering system failures
- Electrical system defects
- Fuel system leaks
- Engine or transmission defects that cause stalling
- Seat belt failures
- Software errors affecting critical safety systems
- Tire defects
Some recalls address issues that could cause serious injury or wrongful death, while others involve problems that increase accident risks over time. Even seemingly small defects may still qualify for a recall if they present a foreseeable safety hazard.
Do I Have to Return My Car After a Recall?
In most cases, you do not have to return your car when it is recalled. Instead, the manufacturer must provide a free remedy, typically a repair or replacement of the defective part. In limited cases, a repurchase or refund may be offered.
Typically, the recall process works like this:
- You receive a recall notice explaining the defect and the potential risk.
- The notice instructs you to contact a dealership or authorized repair facility.
- The manufacturer covers the cost of the repair or replacement.
In rare situations involving extremely dangerous defects, manufacturers may advise owners not to drive the vehicle until it is repaired. However, even in those cases, surrendering the vehicle is generally not required.
Importantly, you should never ignore a recall. Unresolved recalls can affect your vehicle’s resale value and may trigger insurance or warranty issues down the line. Additionally, if you get into a car accident with such a vehicle, the other party may blame you for the collision for failing to respond to a recall. This can reduce the compensation you’re entitled to under California law.
Can Car Manufacturers Be Held Liable for a Recalled Car?
Yes. A recall does not automatically shield a car manufacturer from liability for defects. If a recalled car causes an accident or injury due to defective parts, the manufacturer may still be held liable under product liability laws.
Manufacturers can potentially be held responsible when:
- A defect existed before the recall was issued.
- The manufacturer failed to warn consumers in a timely manner.
- The recall remedy was inadequate or ineffective.
- The defect caused injuries before the vehicle was repaired.
In personal injury cases, recalls provide evidence that the manufacturer knew (or should have known) about a safety issue. If successful, these claims offer compensation for an accident victim’s medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact Carter Law Group to Arrange a Free Consultation With a Fresno Product Liability Attorney
If you were injured in a crash involving a recalled vehicle, it is important to seek legal guidance right away. Contact Carter Law Group to schedule a free consultation with a Fresno product liability attorney.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fresno, CA
Carter Law Group
2445 Capitol St #105, Fresno, CA 93721, United States
(559) 485-1212
