For many consumers, the word "recall" dredges up feelings of fear and anxiety. It may help if you try to think of a recall as an extension of the manufacturer's continued commitment to the consumer's safety—even years after the warranty period has expired. In most cases a recall of your car does not mean that it is destined to breakdown, but rather that a problem in the manufacturing process has been identified in a number of similar models and therefore has the potential to surface in yours. Usually, the manufacturer has engineered a fix and the dealer can install the new part or parts at no cost to you. Some recalls are prompted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration while others are completely voluntary on the part of the manufacturer.
