automobile recalls - a question

[BlueCollar]

I purchased a used vehicle. Recently the airbag light has come on and stayed on. After doing a little research I have found that this condition is caused by corrosion on the sending unit and was the subject of a recall.

My question is this...How can I find out if the dealer is obligated to repair this condition, or if the condition was previously repaired? Is there a database out there somewhere that lists vehicle ID numbers or something like that?

[dhuss]

1. 1)yes 2)doubt it

if it is the subject of a recall then the dealer is obligated to fix it (at free for that I'm pretty sure) even if you aren't the original owner. I doubt there is a database that lists what has been fixed but the dealer or his mechanic should be able to tell you if it has been fixed or not (They might even do that for free).

D.H.

[BlueCollar]

4. Thanks for your thoughts on the subject

I'll be calling Monday and I'll let you know what I find out..

[GOPisEvil]

2. If the dealer did the maintenance, I bet there is a record of it.

Dealers use computerized records to generate notices of upcoming service. This may be limited to the individual dealer, but I'm guessing that with a recall, the feds require the manufacturer to keep records of compliance.

I'd call a service manager at a dealer and ask him or her to check the car for you.

[BlueCollar]

3. Hi

Thanks for the input. I'll give the dealer a ring on Monday. Since I only have the one vehicle, it's a matter of timing...

Glad I got a chance to see you at Demfest...even if only for a minute.

How bout them Spurs?

[GOPisEvil]

5. Hey there.

It was good seeing you both last week.

I'm really happy about the Spurs. The Pistons are hell of a team.

[DelawareValleyDem]

6. Call the manufacturer's support line

give them the VIN, and ask if there are any outstanding recalls for your particular car. They can tell if your car was part of the recall in question, and may also be to tell if it has been addressed.

If the recall applies to your car, the dealer is obligated to repair it. It is unlikely that they will attempt to charge you, but if they do pay with a credit card and then dispute the charge with both the card company and the vehicle manufacturer.

Finally, you can look up information about recalls on NHTSA's web site. Although it will not have the details you are seeking, there is other useful information available.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm

[BlueCollar]

7. Update -

The recall on this unit was previously accomplished.

The problem appears to be corrosion on terminals under the dash cluster. I used the information you guys have provided to research the problem further and found and downloaded the Technical Service bulletin that seems to address the problem

The dealership has the parts in stock. Essentially I have to remove the dash cluster and replace the harness terminal and replace it with a newer versio...about 30.00 bucks for the part.

Unfortunately, removing the dash cluster appears to involve dissassembling half of the dash board.

The dealer quoted about $180.00 to do the job. Will take approximately half a day...

I have the tools and the technical ability to do it based upon what I've seen so far...just hate the idea of spending a weekend in a hot garage doing this...

Thanks for the input guys...

[MindPilot]

8. You may want to check with the car-maker's hotline again

It's a known issue that renders a federally-mandated safety item inoperative; the subject of a recall that shouldn't have to be fixed a second time.

I'm going to guess there may be a "hidden" warranty on this one. Worst case, you should be able to get the manufacturer to help; they may give you a 50-50 split on the labor and cover the part or something like that.