Communicating With Mechanic
If a particular model of vehicle has had a defect, or a history of defects—even if the defect does not result in a safety-related recall—you may still receive some help with the required repairs from the manufacturer or dealer.
Know defects may be the subject of a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) and the information in the bulletin may help you. NHSTA maintains a database of safety-related TSBs. Read more about TSBs below.
For a list of the most recent safety recall notices released by NHTSA, see MSN Autos' Monthly Recall Report or the NHTSA site.
Safety Recalls
Federal regulations require a vehicle manufacturer to notify purchasers, owners and dealers if a vehicle is found to have a safety defect or is found to be out of compliance with a federal safety standard.
Manufacturers do their own testing and often issue recalls before any involvement from NHTSA. As vehicles get older and vehicle owners make reports of possible defects, NHTSA investigates the reports to see if a safety defect or noncompliance with federal regulations exists.
NHTSA also publicizes the recalls to inform consumers about safety problems and to encourage consumers to have the safety repairs completed.
Consumers may report safety problems to NHTSA on the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) are issued by vehicle manufacturers to dealers to help technicians diagnose and repair problems with vehicles.
A TSB may contain information about a known issue with a vehicle that is not safety-related and therefore did not result in a recall. But the information in the TSB may point to a known vehicle issue that the manufacturer might be willing to help repair.
"If there is an ongoing issue with a car that didn't result in a safety recall, there may be some help from the manufacturer," Charlie Vogelheim, editor of Kelley Blue Book, told MSN Autos. "There shouldn't be an expectation that the work will be covered, but it is worth asking the question to see if there is a known issue and whether there may be some help available."
NHTSA maintains a database of TSBs on the NHTSA site with a summary of the issue. Although it does not contain every TSB issued by a manufacturer, the TSB summaries may be searched by year, make and model. The search may also be narrowed by vehicle component.
The complete documents may be ordered from NHTSA and research fees will apply.
Doesn't Hurt to Ask
So if you encounter an unusual problem with your vehicle that isn't the result of abuse, neglect or damage—and it isn't the type of repair that you would expect for the age and mileage of your vehicle—take the time to investigate a little further.
You may find it is worth the time if the dealer or the manufacturer is willing to help you with the repair to keep you as a loyal customer.
For the typical repairs you encounter as the vehicle years and miles add up, you should consider an extended warranty that will cover those repairs.
