Automakers work with NHTSA and other policymakers to enhance the efficacy of the motor vehicle recall program and to maximize recall participation rates. Investment in improved recall practices demonstrates the industry’s commitment to ensuring increased awareness of vehicle recalls and customer safety.
Committed to Customer Safety

Consumer Action
The average completion rate for passenger vehicle recalls is 75 percent. However, that rate varies remarkably depending on the age of the vehicle recalled. For newer vehicles, the completion rate averages 83 percent, while that rate falls almost in half to 44 percent for vehicles 5-10 years old. The completion rate drops again by 15 percent for vehicles older than 10 years. Today’s average vehicle age is 11.4 years. While 93 percent of those who had heard about a safety recall on their vehicle learned about it from the automaker and new vehicle dealer communications, the research shows many consumers are doing their own risk assessments after receiving a notice and deciding if the recall seems important enough for a response.

Automakers Stand Behind Their Products
Automakers monitor field performance of the vehicles they make and sell, investigate when performance doesn’t meet design intent and take appropriate action when needed, including performing recalls. Recall efforts demonstrate an ongoing commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. Automakers want all recalled vehicles repaired quickly. Automakers encourage consumers who have received a recall notice to service the recalled vehicles as soon as possible.
Download Recall Awareness Media Kit
The communications kit includes graphics that can be printed and used as mail inserts in envelopes, stickers on envelops or online banner ads.