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Automakers issue recalls for new cars and used cars every day. While it is costly, automakers ideally like to get ahead of major problems by issuing a recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is one of the major companies working to do that. What is the new SaferCar App, and why should you download it for your family?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to keep everyone safe

The NHTSA SaferCar App is helpful for recalls
In a long exposure image, cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) drive on the 405 Freeway during rush hour traffic | Patrick. T Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

The NHTSA issued more than 34 million recalls last year for vehicles, car seats, tires, and equipment. The NHTSA issued 55 million recalls in 2020 and 53 million in 2019. The point of this organization is to enforce better vehicle performance and safety standards to keep drivers safe. In conjunction with state and local governments, the NHTSA aims to reduce deaths and injuries on the roads.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is another organization dedicated to reducing injuries and deaths on the roads due to vehicle crashes. The IIHS uses research, evaluation, and education to help consumers and safety professionals stay safe on the roads. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) is a partner organization that focuses on using scientific studies and data to help educate people.

The new SaferCar app from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration created a new app to help with these car recalls.

“Cars. Trucks. Vans. Motorcycles. Car Seats. Whatever you’re driving, or whatever equipment you’re using, nothing is more important than safety – yours and everyone else’s. At NHTSA, ensuring safety is our most important mission.”

NHTSA

The NHTSA says that safer roads begin with safer cars complying with the standards set by the company. When an automaker issues a recall, it goes through the NHTSA. That ensures people can get back on the road faster than before.

By downloading the SaferCar app, drivers can enter the vehicle information so the NHTSA can identify it. Then, you scan or add the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and any additional equipment like car seats or tires. If any issues arise with the equipment or car, the NHTSA will alert you on your phone.

Keep an eye out for vehicle recalls even if you don’t have the app

The NHTSA also has new car safety ratings and ways to report an issue with a new car if you have one. The SaferCar app can also help you find a car seat and get it inspected once it is in the car. If there are any issues related to the vehicles or equipment, the NHTSA will send a notification right away. There is no limit on the number of cars you can add.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to get vehicles repaired and back on the road quickly. It is good to keep an eye on social media or even regular snail mail for a recall notification. The issue will be fixed most of the time free of charge at a local dealership. If you own a Bugatti Chiron, sometimes the repairs will come to you. Either way, the process of fixing a recall has come a long way in the last few years.

If you are curious, you can enter a VIN on the NHTSA website to see if any vehicle recalls are associated with the number.

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