Does your car need a recall?

[Zak33]

Well.... here you can find out what's logged with VOSA for nearly every car you might come across for m 1992 onward

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/default.asp?tx

It doesn't tell you if it's done on your car.. just whether you should ask the question.

Happy hunting. It's v interesting

I spotted some Porsche 911 from 2004 that needed new seats:
"Concern : SEAT BACKS DO NOT MEET THE RIGIDITY OF PORCHE SPECIFICATION
Description : Front seats are fitted with seat backs that do not meet the rigidity Porsche AG demands.
Remedial Action : Recall affected vehicles, and replace the front seats with those which meet all the appropriate requirements. "

and some Caterhams that need the throttle fitting checking
"Concern : THROTTLE PEDAL MAY DETACH
Description : There is a small possibility that the throttle pedal securing bolt may work loose. This can only occur if, as a minimum, the securing bolt is not tightened sufficiently to completely flatten the spring washer. The bolt may work free during pedal operation. This will result in the throttle pedal coming free from its chassis anchor point causing an inability to operate the throttle pedal and an immediate reduction in engine speed.
Remedial Action : Recall the affected vehicles and check that the throttle pedal Cable Post is not in contact with the head of the throttle pedal securing bolt, ensure that the bolt is tightened to 25Nm and that the throttle pedal is free to operate to the full extent of its travel in both directions. "

It's an immense database and it's v fast.

Enjoy.

[Butcher]

Huh, mine's not in there. Guess there are no recalls then.

[peterb]

Mine was, but the problem was fixed at the last dealer service, and I expect any other relevant recalls would have been dealt with during routine servicing.

[Biscuit]

Nothing for the Honda

[wazzickle]

My Y-reg fiat seicento just 'miserably' failed its MOT today and is due for the scrapyard

[Xlucine]

The list for alfa romeos is huge! It's also worth having a look for tyre makers on that search, there's been a few recalls for dodgy tyres

[Zak33]

it's a VAST database

[listy]

our zafaira b is a fire risk... do to water ingresse to blower motor

[g8ina]

8609 Search Results - yep, it really is huge !!

[Apex]

Zak, might sound dumb but how do you tell if your car should have had the recall work done ?

[kalniel]

Zak, might sound dumb but how do you tell if your car should have had the recall work done ?

You can tell if it *should* have had recall work done by checking the database. You can check if it *did* have recall work done by calling a dealer and giving them your VIN - they'll have it on a central database somewhere.

[Knoxville]

Too old to recall

The Defender shows 12 recalls over 24 years though. Mostly for cheerful things like brittle seat belt fastenings and hand brakes that don't work properly. My favourite however, from the Ford/JLR era is this -

Concern : FRONT WHEEL MAY DETACH

Description : It has been established that in extreme cases the front axle tube could fracture over a period of time. If not identified, this could result in the detachment of the wheel and hub assembly.

Remedial Action : Recall all affected vehicles and fit additional brackets to hold the hub/tube assembly in place should the tube fracture.

So... A wheel might fall off when I least expect it. Rather than redesign/replace the affected axles the solution is to put some brackets on so my wheel can't fall all the way off. Gee, thanks JLR

[Saracen]

it's a VAST database

Not vast enough. I had a car subject to a recall. I know, because I got the notice. But that database shows "no results".

[listy]

now zaferia recal stage 3.....

[peterb]

Too old to recall

The Defender shows 12 recalls over 24 years though. Mostly for cheerful things like brittle seat belt fastenings and hand brakes that don't work properly. My favourite however, from the Ford/JLR era is this -

Concern : FRONT WHEEL MAY DETACH

Description : It has been established that in extreme cases the front axle tube could fracture over a period of time. If not identified, this could result in the detachment of the wheel and hub assembly.

Remedial Action : Recall all affected vehicles and fit additional brackets to hold the hub/tube assembly in place should the tube fracture.

So... A wheel might fall off when I least expect it. Rather than redesign/replace the affected axles the solution is to put some brackets on so my wheel can't fall all the way off. Gee, thanks JLR

That is a bit like the Ford Pinto case in the States, where the fuel tank was mounted in a place where it could fracture in a rear end collision and spill fuel over a hot exhaust.

The company reckoned it was cheaper to pay out the occasional law suit than re-design the layout! Until the details became public.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1971-1...rd-pinto12.htm

[hb904460]

The Ford Pinto was included in a documentary i watched a few years ago about poor car design, most examples from 50s/60s USA.
Glove box doors consisting of just a sheet of metal, which in an accident would drop open and cut into the passenger legs. Steering wheels with a central metal emblem and weak rim that would split off in an accident leaving the driver impaled on the steering column.
H&S has come a long way in a short space of time and altered the thought processes of many designers..