Are recall repairs free?

Yes, in most cases. Federal law (49 U.S.C. § 30120) requires the manufacturer to remedy a recalled defect or noncompliance without charge when the vehicle is presented for the remedy.

The age limit

The no-charge requirement does not apply to a vehicle first purchased more than 15 calendar years before the notice of the defect. NHTSA's own example: for a defect found and recalled in 2023, manufacturers must provide the free correction for vehicles purchased new from 2008 through 2023. Manufacturers may still repair older vehicles for free, and NHTSA urges owners of older vehicles to get recall repairs regardless.

Tires

For tires the limit is five years from the first purchase. NHTSA adds that recalled tires must be brought in within 180 days of receiving the recall letter to get the free replacement or repair.

Repair, replace or refund

The manufacturer chooses the remedy: repair, replacement with an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle, or a refund of the purchase price minus a reasonable allowance for depreciation.

If the repair takes too long

Under § 30120, failing to repair a vehicle adequately within 60 days of presenting it for the remedy is prima facie evidence that the repair was not done within a reasonable time; the manufacturer must then replace the vehicle without charge or refund the price less depreciation. Keep records of when you presented the vehicle.

Paid for the repair before the recall?

Manufacturers must have a plan to reimburse owners who paid for a remedy before the recall notice (49 CFR 573.13). The eligible period starts at the earlier of when NHTSA opened an engineering analysis or one year before the manufacturer's report, and runs to at least 10 days after the last owner letters were mailed. Expect to provide your name and address, the VIN, the recall number, and a receipt for the cost. Manufacturers must respond within 60 days of receiving a claim.

If a dealer refuses

NHTSA's advice is to notify the manufacturer immediately; dealer agreements generally require dealers to perform recall repairs at no charge regardless of where the vehicle was bought. You can also contact NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

This guide summarizes federal rules for general information. It is not legal advice; state laws can add other remedies.