CONSUMER Alert: Airbag Recall

Subscribe to Commissioner Adam H. Putnam’s Email A recall is issued when a manufacturer or the United States Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. Manufacturers are required to fix the problem by repairing it, replacing the part(s), offering a refund or, in rare cases, repurchasing the vehicle. NHTSA monitors each safety recall to make sure owners receive safe, free and effective remedies from manufacturers. So far, more than eight million vehicles have been repaired under this recall, which now includes more than 60 million airbags. The NHTSA has expanded the recall of Takata airbags. The decision follows the agency's confirmation of the root cause behind the inflators propensity to rupture, which could result in injuries or even death. If you have registered your vehicle, your manufacturer will notify you if there's a safety recall by sending you a letter in the mail. It is important that your vehicle registration is up-to-date, including your current mailing address. If you've been notified of a recall, the first step is to closely read the notification and follow the manufacturer's guidance. Every recall is serious, and the details of all recalls and their remedies vary. Contact your vehicle dealer immediately to receive your free repair. If you haven't received a recall notice, it's still a good idea to check any recall notices by using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA's Recalls Lookup Tool at www.SaferCar.gov/CheckForRecalls.   You can also sign up to receive email notifications from NHTSA about recalls affecting your make and model. Even if you don't think your vehicle is under recall it's best to check twice a year. According to the NHTSA, the following vehicles may be affected: Acura Audi BMW Chevrolet Chrysler Daimler Trucks North America (Sterling Bullet) Daimler Vans USA LLC (Sprinter) Dodge/Ram Ford GMC Honda Infiniti Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mitsubishi Nissan Pontiac Saab Saturn Subaru Toyota Volkswagen (VW) For additional information, or if you feel that you've become a victim of a diploma scam, contact the department at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) en Español, or visit 800helpfla.com.