Are Recall Repairs Really Free? What Dealers Can and Cannot Charge

Under the federal Safety Act, a manufacturer must fix a safety recall at no charge to the owner. That is the general rule, and it is the reason recall notices say the repair is “free of charge.” There are a few details worth knowing so you are not caught out at the service desk.

What “free” covers

• Parts and labor for the recall repair itself.
• Any dealer of that brand that is authorized to perform the work. You do not have to use the dealer where you bought the vehicle.
• Vehicles that are out of warranty, previously owned, or bought used. A recall follows the vehicle, not the original buyer.

What a dealer can still charge for

The free remedy covers only the recall repair. If the technician finds an unrelated problem, such as worn brakes or a leaking gasket, the dealer may quote you for that work. You are free to decline it. If you are booking a recall visit, it helps to say up front that you are there only for the recall, and ask for any additional work to be quoted in writing before it begins.

The 15-year rule

Under the Safety Act, the obligation to provide a free remedy does not apply to a vehicle that was first sold to a customer more than 15 calendar years before the owner is notified of the defect. Some manufacturers repair older vehicles anyway, so it is worth asking even if your car is older than that. See our guide on whether recalls expire for more detail.

If you paid for the repair before the recall

If you paid to fix the same problem before the recall was announced, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Manufacturers are required to have a reimbursement plan for owners who paid for a repair related to the recalled defect. Keep your receipts and any repair orders, check the recall notice for instructions, and contact the manufacturer’s customer service. Reimbursement rules have conditions, such as the dates the repair was made, so read the notice carefully.

If the remedy is not available yet

Sometimes the manufacturer announces a recall before the parts or software fix is ready. You will usually receive an interim letter describing the risk and any steps to take, followed by a second letter when you can book the repair. In the meantime, follow any guidance in the notice. For recalls with a park outside or do not drive advisory, take that guidance seriously. See our guide to those advisories.

Loaner vehicles and towing

Federal law does not generally require a manufacturer to provide a loaner vehicle for a recall repair. Many manufacturers offer one or arrange towing, especially for serious safety issues or long repair times, but it varies by manufacturer and recall. Ask the dealer or the manufacturer’s customer service, and ask for any commitment to be put in writing.

Rental cars

Under the Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act, large rental companies (those with a fleet of 35 or more vehicles) may not rent or loan out vehicles with an open, unrepaired safety recall. If you are given a rental, you can check its VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup.

If a dealer refuses or charges you

1. Ask the service manager to confirm in writing why the recall repair is being refused or charged.
2. Contact the manufacturer’s customer service. The number is printed in the recall notice.
3. If it is not resolved, report the problem to NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or through nhtsa.gov.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change and some details depend on your state. For a specific dispute, consider speaking with a consumer-protection agency or an attorney.