What happens if a car is recalled in Australia?
If your car is recalled in Australia, the manufacturer will notify you to arrange a free inspection and repair of the identified fault. Recalls are typically for safety defects or non-compliance with Australian Design Rules.
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How it works in practice
Understanding Car Recalls in Australia
In Australia, car recalls are initiated by vehicle manufacturers, often under instruction from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, or in cooperation with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). A recall occurs when a vehicle model is found to have a safety-related defect or does not comply with Australian Design Rules (ADRs), which are national standards for vehicle safety, anti-theft, and emissions. The primary goal is to prevent injury or death to vehicle occupants or other road users.
Your Rights and the Recall Process
When a recall is issued, the manufacturer is legally obligated to notify affected vehicle owners. This notification typically comes via mail or email and will detail the specific fault, potential risks, and instructions on how to arrange a repair. Importantly, all repairs, parts, and labour associated with a safety recall must be provided free of charge to the owner, regardless of whether the vehicle is still under its original warranty. The repairs are usually performed by authorised dealerships.
Important exceptions
Recalls primarily cover manufacturing defects or non-compliance issues. They generally do not cover damage due to normal wear and tear, owner neglect, or accidents. While manufacturers must attempt to contact all registered owners, if you bought a second-hand car and the registration details were not updated, you might not receive direct notification.
Grey imports (vehicles not officially imported or distributed by the manufacturer's authorised channels) may also complicate recall procedures, as manufacturers might not have records or responsibility for these vehicles.
What you should do now
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Check if your vehicle is affected by visiting the Product Safety Australia website (productsafety.gov.au) and entering your vehicle details.
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Do not ignore recall notices; contact your vehicle manufacturer or an authorised dealership as soon as possible to schedule the necessary repairs.
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Keep all correspondence related to the recall, including letters, emails, and repair documentation, for your records.
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If you purchased a used car, ensure your contact details are updated with the vehicle manufacturer to receive future recall notifications directly.
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If you suspect your vehicle has a safety defect that has not been recalled, report it to the manufacturer and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
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