The death of actor Anton Yelchin showed just how devastating a vehicle recall can be if there is no appropriate fix or if you fail to take the vehicle to your dealership as soon as possible. In the same week that Yelchin passed away, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles started sending information about a software repair for the 800,000 recalled vehicles, believed to have problems with the electronic shifter. This is just the latest in a string of many vehicle recalls, the worst of which have led to victim deaths.

If you get a recall notice in the mail, it’s something you should pay attention to. An alarming number of drivers throw these recall notices away and forget about it, but this could put you in harm’s way if you’re not careful.

According to representatives from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it is a major priority to have defected vehicles off the road, but until investigations have been conducted, it can be difficult to let consumers know about a problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration currently does not have government authority to require that an automaker provide loaner vehicles to individuals impacted by a recall. If you are waiting for a fix after your vehicle has been recalled, but are concerned about driving your car, take the following steps:

  • Pay attention to any recall notices, which may detail what to do from the manufacturer
  • Contact your dealership regularly about parts or repair
  • Keep an eye on news stories about potential recalls