HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to ensure there are no active safety recalls on their vehicles.
According to HDOT, over 1,000 different national safety recalls impacted over 35 million vehicles and essential equipment, ranging from minor fixes to major safety concerns.
During a manufacturer recall, repairs to vehicles can be made at no cost to the owner. Yet, according to a report by CARFAX, one in five vehicles has an unresolved recall issue.
This statistic means that approximately 280,000 vehicles on the islands could have at least one active safety recall, causing potential danger for drivers and passengers alike, HDOT said.
Drivers can check the status of their vehicles by using the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s recalls website, using their license plate number or VIN to see if there are any outstanding recalls.
Should your vehicle have an active recall, contact your local dealership and schedule a free repair. Recalls that involve tires, car seats or types of external equipment may require contacting the manufacturer of the recalled item.
“Checking if your vehicle has an open safety recall is a simple and smart step every car owner can take to reduce the risk of vehicle failure or a breakdown on road that could cause a serious crash,” said HDOT Director Ed Sniffen.
The NHTSA says it is best practice to check for recalls at least twice a year, and drivers can sign up to receive recall notifications online.