Most auto recalls are handled without issue in Canada

A recent article in Wheels (The cold, hard facts about recalls, Aug. 2) makes an argument that automotive recalls in Canada could pose a problem for many motorists.

The article correctly states that automakers and car dealerships in Canada are not required by law to repair any defects identified in a recall notice. But it's a little disingenuous to suggest that motorists risk not being covered for the cost of repairs just because there is no law in place.

The article describes two separate incidents in which car owners faced difficulties in getting dealerships and automakers to underwrite the cost of repairs relating to "recall" issues. Both car owners had bad experiences, and I'm not suggesting that their complaints are without merit.

But the cold, hard reality is that 99.9 per cent of all recalled vehicles in Canada are repaired without any costs to car owners. That's not the law; it's just good business.

Despite the improvements in design and performance of today's automobiles, recall notices are a reality, and they are routinely addressed without incident.

The only complaints I receive about recalls concern motorists who resent the inconvenience of bringing their vehicles into a dealership to get the repairs made.

I agree that car repairs are an inconvenience. But if a recall notice identifies a safety-related problem, getting your vehicle fixed is a small price to pay for the sake of ensuring your safety and that of your family.

Here's how the recall system works in Canada.

An automaker decides that a recall notice should be issued on a particular model – voluntary or mandatory. The automaker then notifies Transport Canada, all dealerships selling the model, and all relevant car owners.

The recall notice will specify what type of repair is required, and where the car owner should go to get the problem fixed.

Recall notices are classified as safety-related or non safety-related. Safety-related items include faulty wiring, steering components, air bags and child restraints. Non safety-related items include air conditioning systems, rust, radios, blemishes, etc.

If you receive a recall notice on your vehicle, don't ignore it. Although a recall notice stays in effect for the life of the vehicle, dealers and automakers are only obligated to fix problems up to eight years after the notice has been issued.

I've known customers who are occasionally tempted to ignore recall notices because they are driving leased vehicles. I recommend that all drivers address recall notices as soon as possible, especially if it's a safety-related issue.

When a lease customer returns the vehicle to a dealership after a lease has expired, a new-car dealership will automatically check for any outstanding recall notices and make the necessary repairs.

All outstanding recall issues will be fixed before a vehicle is offered for resale. That's one of the benefits of buying a used vehicle from a new-car dealership.

Motorists play a role in the auto recall process, other than being notified that their vehicles are being recalled. They can report any problem that is either defect- or safety-related to Transport Canada. Call 1-800-333-0510.

The information you provide is recorded, and then forwarded to the manufacturer. If enough complaints about a specific problem are received, the manufacturer could investigate the problem further and, if necessary, issue a recall notice.

To check out possible recall notices on your vehicle, visit www.tc.gc.ca and click on the "vehicle recalls" link.

We don't have legislation in Canada that forces automakers and dealerships to fix recall problems. But, based on our industry's track record in dealing with this issue, I'm not convinced we need it.

This column represents the views of TADA. Email: president@tada.ca or visit www.tada.ca.

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