For Immediate Release:

August 22, 2014

 

Is there a recall on your car? Now you can check

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Division of Consumer Affairs announced that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a website with a free online search tool that tells drivers if a specific car has been recalled and why.

 

The website www.safercar.gov was created under a federal program that mandates car companies to provide at least 15 years of data for the tool and update their information every seven days.

 

“Whether you are looking to purchase a car or want to check up on your current vehicle, this website provides valuable information,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Division. “All you need is the vehicle’s VIN number to check for recalls and make sure the car you own, or are looking to buy, is safe to drive.”

 

In order to check on a car, you first need to get the vehicle's 17-digit VIN. It can be found where the windshield meets the dashboard in the left corner, on the driver's door post and on insurance and registration documents.

 

“Informing consumers of the tools and resources available to them is one of the services that Monmouth County’s Division of Consumer Affairs offers to residents,” said Burry. “Every day the Division helps consumers resolve disputes with local businesses, but educating consumers about their rights and what to look for when signing a home improvement contract, looking at a credit report or buying a car is equally important.”

 

The County’s Consumer Affairs office is located in the Hall of Records Annex at One East Main St. in Freehold. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Information about the department can also be found on the County website at www.visitmonmouth.com or by calling 732-431-7900.

 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, millions of vehicles are recalled every year in the United States due to safety defects or noncompliance with federal safety standards and this free online tool was created to help car buyers, owners and renters know that their vehicles are safe and their safety defects have been addressed.

 

The Consumer Affairs department is a law enforcement agency, created and funded by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. It protects against consumer fraud and dishonest and unscrupulous business practices by enforcing the state Consumer Fraud Act and other regulations. This is one of the many important ways the County is able to assist residents.

 

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