Service Brakes, Air
If the brakes drag and overheat there is an increased risk of a wheel end fire.
open safety recalls on record
If the brakes drag and overheat there is an increased risk of a wheel end fire.
If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering, raises the risk of a crash.
engine that stalls without warning raises the risk of a crash.
If the stack tail pipe separates from the exhaust pipe it can fall into the roadway possibly hitting another vehicle, raises the risk of a crash.
Low visibility or obstructed back up lights may not alert other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, raises the risk of a crash.
Safety systems that depend on the ECU, such as Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System, may have diminished or lost functionality, raises the risk of a crash.
Not usually. NHTSA issues a "do not drive" or "park outside" advisory when a defect is dangerous enough to keep you out of the car — those are flagged Critical above. Everything else should be repaired promptly but is not an immediate stop-driving order.
No. Federal law requires the manufacturer to fix a safety recall free of charge, including parts and labour, whether or not you are the original owner.
Complaints are unverified reports filed by owners. They can prompt an investigation, but many never become recalls — either the fault isn't safety-related or it isn't widespread.