Introduction:
Recalls are a common occurrence in the automotive industry, and electric vehicles (EVs) are no exception. However, EVs are statistically more likely to experience recalls compared to traditional gas-engine vehicles. While EV recalls can be concerning, they are often more of an inconvenience than a safety threat. In this article, we will explore the basics of car recalls, why EVs are more recall-prone, how to check for recalls, and what to do if your vehicle is affected.
The Basics of Car Recalls:
Car recalls, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), are primarily focused on addressing safety issues that could potentially lead to accidents or injuries. In extreme cases, a “do not drive” warning accompanies a recall, requiring immediate attention. However, if this warning is not present, it is generally safe to drive the vehicle to a service center for repairs. Recalls can range from minor software-related issues to more significant hardware problems. Despite the negative connotation associated with recalls, automakers often proactively address potential issues to ensure customer satisfaction and safety.
Why EVs are More Recall-Prone:
Recent studies have shown that EVs have a higher likelihood of experiencing recall issues compared to gas-engine vehicles. This can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, EVs are often manufactured by new companies or utilize new technologies that may not have undergone extensive testing and refinement. Additionally, certain recalls may not be related to driving safety but rather affect non-essential components like entertainment systems or door-handle designs. Notable examples of high-profile EV recalls include GM’s Chevrolet Bolts, Lucid’s sedans, Jaguar’s I-Pace cars, and Tesla’s warning-light recall.
How to Check for EV Recalls:
Automakers are required to notify owners about recalls and offer solutions. However, the notification process may not always be perfect due to outdated contact information or changes in ownership. To find out if your vehicle is affected by a recall, you can utilize the NHTSA’s searchable database or the NHTSA SaferCar app. Consumer Reports also provides a car recall tracker that highlights relevant recalls based on your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Additionally, websites like InsideEVs offer news feeds dedicated to EV and hybrid recalls.
Getting Your Vehicle Fixed:
Despite the efforts made by automakers and the NHTSA to inform owners about recalls, a significant number of vehicles are not repaired. In 2018, only around 69% of passenger vehicles recalled were fixed by the following year. Some repairs can be done through over-the-air software updates or flash updates at service centers. However, certain physical repairs may take longer, potentially spanning weeks or even months. It is crucial for owners to be patient and persistent in getting their recalled vehicles fixed. If an issue has already been addressed before a recall, owners are typically entitled to reimbursement from the automaker.
Conclusion:
While EV recalls may initially cause concern, they are often precautionary measures taken by automakers to ensure customer safety and satisfaction. EVs are statistically more likely to experience recalls due to new technologies and the absence of decades of refinement seen in gas-engine vehicles. Owners can proactively check for recalls using the NHTSA database, Consumer Reports’ recall tracker, or dedicated EV news feeds. When facing a recall, it is important to follow the necessary steps to address the problem promptly and remain patient throughout the repair process. Automakers have learned from past mistakes and are less likely to delay or avoid recalls due to the increased liability risk and widespread information sharing among owners.
