- Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Something that may not always be top of mind when you get behind the wheel is the possibility of vehicle recalls. Vehicle recall notices are important to follow, and each recall could affect your safety. March 2nd marks the start of Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, a time to check for recalls and get any unrepaired ones fixed immediately. All vehicle recalls announced by a manufacturer are repaired free of charge. So, take time this week to respond to notices and set up a time to get your fix completed.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a user-friendly recall look-up tool that also includes equipment such as car seats. Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls. This tool is a great way to learn more about your vehicle, especially for used vehicles where the manufacturer may not know how to inform you of this important notice.
Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your license plate or your vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number, also known as your VIN. In seconds, you'll know if your vehicle has an open safety recall. Look for the VIN on the lower portion of your car's windshield on the driver’s side. Your VIN is also located on your car's registration card.
NHTSA’s VIN or License Plate Look-Up Tool will provide details on any unrepaired recalls on your vehicle for at least the past 15 calendar years. It provides details on unrepaired safety recalls from major automakers, motorcycle manufacturers, and some medium and heavy truck manufacturers.
If you have an open recall, have your vehicle repaired for FREE immediately.
Recalls are also issued for child car seats, tires, and vehicle-related equipment. If any of these items are recalled, manufacturers are required to fix the problem by repairing, replacing, or offering a refund. You can also check for these safety recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls.
Take care of your vehicle and your safety by following up on recall notices or checking your vehicle status at NHTSA.gov/recalls to keep on top of important safety information.
The Mapfre Insurance-sponsored MassDOT Highway Assistance Program is on patrol to help all motorists, including motorcyclists, on the highways. Patrol operators monitor some of the state’s busiest highways around Metro Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cape Cod (seasonal). The Highway Assistance Patrol covers 13 major state roadways and interstates, the Emergency Service Patrol covers the Mass Pike (I-90) from New York to Boston and the Incident Response Operators cover the Metropolitan Highway System and tunnels. The Highway Assistance Patrol is in service Monday–Friday between 6 a.m.–10 a.m. and 3 p.m.–7 p.m. During holidays, there are extended routes in heavy-traffic areas. On I-90, and in Boston’s tunnel system, assistance is provided 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
Written by,
Your friends at Mapfre Insurance
