Guides
Guides to understanding vehicle recalls
Plain language guides that help you understand how vehicle recalls work, how to read National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety data, and how to use recall and complaint information when buying or owning a car.
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How to use Recall Explained: model context → VIN check → authorised dealer
A simple, VIN-first way to use Recall Explained without guesswork: get model-level context, confirm your exact vehicle on the official NHTSA VIN lookup, then take the right next step with an authorised dealer.
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What is a vehicle recall and what should I do about it?
Plain language explainer of what vehicle recalls are in the US, who issues them, how serious they usually are, and what you should actually do if your car is recalled.
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Recalls, complaints and TSBs - how to read NHTSA safety data
Explains the difference between recalls, owner complaints and Technical Service Bulletins, how each signal is created, and how to read the patterns that show up on model pages without overreacting.
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NHTSA complaints: what the numbers mean (and what they don’t)
A calm, plain-language guide to reading NHTSA complaint counts on model pages: what “high” can mean, why “low” can mislead, and how to turn patterns into smart next steps (including a VIN check).
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High complaints, low recalls (and vice versa): how to interpret the pattern (US)
A calm, plain-language guide to reading NHTSA patterns on model pages: what “high complaints but few recalls” can mean, why “many recalls but few complaints” happens, and the VIN-first next step.
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Do recalls expire? Are recall repairs free? What owners should know (US)
A calm, VIN-first explainer of whether recalls “expire”, whether the fix is free, what changes when parts are delayed, and which documents to keep.
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How to book a recall repair (and what to expect) — a VIN-first checklist (US)
A calm, practical guide to scheduling a US recall remedy: confirm by VIN on NHTSA, call the right place, ask the few questions that matter, and leave with completion paperwork you can use later.
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How to use recall and complaint history when buying a used car
Shows how to fold recall history, complaint patterns, VIN checks and a pre purchase inspection into a calm five step checklist when buying a used car.
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Buying a car with open recalls: a VIN-first checklist (and how to handle the hassle)
A calm, practical guide to buying a used vehicle that may have an open recall: confirm status by VIN, tell “open” from “completed”, check whether the remedy is available, and structure the purchase around clear documentation.
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Selling a car with open recalls: what to fix, what to disclose, what paperwork to keep
A calm, practical guide for selling a vehicle that may have an open recall: confirm recall status by VIN, get the free remedy when available, disclose facts without drama, and keep the paperwork that prevents future confusion.
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What to do if your car is recalled (step-by-step)
A practical, VIN-first checklist: confirm the recall for your exact vehicle, understand urgency, book the free remedy, handle parts delays, and keep the paperwork that proves the campaign was completed.
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How the vehicle recall process works (from report to free fix)
A plain-language timeline of how US recalls move from early signals and investigations to an official campaign and a free remedy — including what “remedy available” means and what to do at each stage.
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How to read a vehicle recall notice (and what the wording usually means)
A calm, VIN-first guide to decoding recall letters and notices: what the campaign numbers mean, how to interpret “remedy not yet available”, what to do if you missed a letter, and how to book the free fix.
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How to check if your car has an open recall (VIN lookup) and what to do next
A calm, VIN-first walkthrough of how to check for open recalls in the US, what “open” versus “completed” means, when results can lag, and a simple schedule for re-checking over the life of your car.
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