Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, raises the risk of a fire.
open safety recalls on record
If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, raises the risk of a fire.
As water leaks in, the wiper may cease to function on the 'intermittent' setting, reducing the driver's visibility and raises the risk of a crash.
The improper operation of the sensor could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, raises the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.
If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
If the hazard warning lamps are overridden by the DRL, oncoming vehicles may fail to be warned, raises the risk of a crash.
If the weld fails causing a loss of power to the rear wheels, the vehicle operator may be unable to move the vehicle, or may experience deceleration if the vehicle is in motion, raises the risk of a vehicle crash.
If the parking brake is on the non-driven axle the vehicle could roll away when the parking brakes are set, resulting in an increased risk of a crash.
If the stop/tail/turn light is not illuminated, the driver's intentions would not be communicated, which raises the risk of a crash.
Unintended engine startup could cause injury to a person working in the engine compartment.
If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would raises the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.
Insufficient air volume can reduce braking performance and 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.