What to Do If Your Car Has a “Park Outside” or “Do Not Drive” Recall

Most recalls can be handled by booking a repair when convenient. A small number carry an urgent advisory: owners are told to park the vehicle outside, or to stop driving it altogether until it is fixed. These warnings are used when the risk is immediate. If you have received one, act on it.

What the advisories mean

• Park outside: usually issued when a defect could cause a fire, including while the vehicle is parked and switched off. Owners are advised to park outdoors and away from buildings, garages and other vehicles until the repair is done.
• Do not drive: issued when the risk of continuing to drive is considered too high, for example where a component could fail without warning. Owners are advised to stop driving the vehicle until it has been repaired. Certain recalls involving older air bag inflators have carried this type of warning.

CheckCarFault shows a “Park Outside Advisory” or “Do Not Drive Advisory” badge on a recall when NHTSA’s data flags it that way.

Steps to take straight away

1. Read the recall notice or the recall details to confirm exactly what is advised for your vehicle. Advisories can apply to certain trims, build dates or engines only.
2. Follow the advice. For a park outside advisory, move the vehicle outdoors away from structures. For a do not drive advisory, stop driving it.
3. Contact an authorized dealer for your brand and give them your VIN. Ask whether the repair is available and when you can be booked.
4. If the repair is not available yet, ask the dealer and the manufacturer’s customer service about interim options.

Ask about towing and a loaner

For a vehicle you have been told not to drive, many manufacturers will arrange towing to a dealer and may offer a loaner or rental. This is not guaranteed by federal law in every case, so ask directly and request the arrangement in writing. Keep receipts for any reasonable expenses in case reimbursement is available.

What not to do

• Do not ignore the notice. These advisories are used for risks that can lead to a crash or fire.
• Do not attempt to repair air bag, fuel or high-voltage battery systems yourself.
• Do not assume the advisory has been lifted because time has passed. Wait for confirmation that the repair has been completed.

Keep records

Keep a copy of the recall notice, the repair order showing the work was completed, and any correspondence with the dealer or manufacturer. If the vehicle is sold later, the paperwork shows the recall was addressed.

If you cannot get help

If the dealer cannot or will not help, contact the manufacturer’s customer service using the number in the recall notice. If that does not resolve it, you can contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.