Every year millions of cars recalled are sold to unsuspecting buyers without repairs. Vehicle history Fax auto site just completed a study that shows that in 2012 recalled vehicles repaired not only over 2 million were offered for sale online.
But that is only online and only sites CARFAX listed, so the actual number is probably higher. CARFAX singled out Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan because the data shows that the number of vehicles recalled for the sale of those States went the 25 per cent last year.
How CARFAX can say that vehicles have been recalled but not repaired? Why the Feds do recall notices for some brands and models available. And producers and traders track the VIN numbers of the individual vehicles that are brought to the required correction.
The fact that recalled vehicles are offered for sale is bad news, if I do not know, but it could be good news if you do first, the bad: the definition of a federal vehicle recall is that there is a security problem with the make, model and year. Buying a vehicle subject to a recall open could mean that you are endangering yourself and your family. Two examples from just the last month: an SUV was recalled due to a problem that may cause you to roll away when parked. Another dress was recalled because a faulty sensor could cause the passenger airbag to failback to deploy.
On the other hand, if you know the car you're looking for has been recorded, you can use that as a bargaining chip in negotiations. You'll be able to get the free repair at a dealership, but can bargain over time that you are going to spend. "Before a car changes hands, there are a lot of opportunities for all concerned to check the open calls," said Larry Gamache, Director of communications at CARFAX. "However these figures are evidence that not enough is happening."
Fortunately, it is easy to control. You can try the NHTSA Web site, although it is notoriously difficult to navigate. Here is where NHTSA recall post summaries from the past six months. Government Portal for further information vehicle safety is www.SaferCar.gov. However, easier resource is itself offers the fax free auto recall: recall.carfax.com. Another free resource on auto safety recalls and is the Web site of the Institute for nonprofit insurance for highway safety.
Some legislators in California — the State with the largest population and most cars-are introducing legislation that would require sellers of recalled vehicles repaired before selling them. And last year, Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, California sponsored federal legislation to require car rental company to repair the recalled vehicles before putting them back on the road.
All this is a good reminder that if you own a vehicle, should not ignore recall notices-if you are selling or for your love. If you are the second owner, you may receive these communications, so that is another reason to use the resources above to check up on your vehicle. It only takes a few minutes but it could save a life of anguish.
