Vehicle recalls - who's responsible?

If you've recently heard about a recall on your vehicle, it's understandable to feel concerned and want to take action straight away. You might be wondering who's responsible for sorting it out - the manufacturer, dealership, or your finance provider? 

We're here to clear that up!

The short answer: the manufacturer is responsible, not the dealership or finance company.

What is a vehicle recall?

A vehicle recall is issued by the manufacturer when a safety issue or defect is found in a vehicle model. This could involve brakes, airbags, seat belts, or another important part that could affect the car's safety or performance.

Manufacturers issue recalls to make sure all vehicles meet safety standards and repairs are usually done at no cost to the owner.

Who handles the recall?

The vehicle manufacturer is solely responsible for issuing and managing recalls. This includes:

• Identifying the issue 🔍
• Contacting affected vehicle owners 📞
• Providing free repairs or replacements 🔧

Vehicle owners will usually receive a letter, email, or call from the manufacturer with instructions on what to do if their car is subject to a recall.

Top tip

You can check if your vehicle's been recalled by using the GOV.UK recall checker and entering your car's registration number. You can also check if a part of accessory has been recalled too!

What does the finance provider do? 

A vehicle finance provider helps with the financial side of owning a vehicle - such as monthly repayments and finance agreements. They don't build, sell, or repair vehicles, so they are not involved in the recall process.

If a customer has questions about how a recall might affect their finance agreement, they should contact their finance provider directly - and while the provider can't manage the recall itself, they may be able to offer support or guidance if needed.

What should I do if my vehicle is recalled? 

If your car is recalled, you should:

• Check the recall notice: usually sent by the manufacturer or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
• Contact the service centre listed: they'll confirm the details of the recall and arrange the required repairs.

Vehicle recalls are the responsibility of the manufacturer, not the finance provider. While the finance provider plays no role in recall repairs, they may be able to support you with questions about how the situation could affect your finance agreement.

For recall issues, contact the manufacturer or dealership. For finance questions, contact your finance provider.