Vehicle recalls driving you crazy?
By Michelle Warren • Bankrate.com

Those who want to report potential defects can contact the Defect Investigations and Recalls Group, which records the information and, depending on the volume and nature of the allegations, may launch an investigation. One department insider explained the group will go as far as purchasing or renting vehicles or related items to test and try to replicate alleged problems.

The recent recall of an infant car seat, for example, came after the group conducted extensive tests and found the seat often appeared to latch into the base without fully locking. While the manufacturer of the car seat initially suggested consumers were simply installing the seats incorrectly, the group's investigation proved otherwise, and the manufacturer agreed to notify its customers voluntarily.

Note that the government organization works in partnership with manufacturers. It will share its concerns with a manufacturer but does not have the authority to order a mandatory recall. There is no legislation in place that forces automakers to fix recall issues; most do it in the interest of honest business. Issuing a recall is supposed to be a collaborative process in which the two parties sit down and examine safety concerns, but ultimately, it's up to the manufacturer to introduce what's most often referred to as a voluntary recall and, as a result, it's up to consumers to comply.

In turn, the federal group monitors all safety-related recall campaigns and is a central source that publishes all recall information from vehicle manufacturers.

Transport Canada worked closely with Toyota in the lead up to its latest round of recalls. Most recently, for example, Transport Canada received six complaints in two months from Prius drivers who reported that when they braked in rough or slippery conditions, the antilock brake system activated. In response, the group rented a Prius to test and try to replicate the alleged problem.

Is your vehicle the subject of an outstanding recall?
Concerned consumers or anyone buying a used vehicle are encouraged to visit Transport Canada's Road Safety Recalls Database, an online tool that lets you search by make, model and year of vehicle to find out if a vehicle has been the subject of any recalls.

If your vehicle is on the list, you'll want to find out if all repairs, no matter how minor, are up to date. As Wright mentioned, you can start with your local dealership, which should be able to run a check using the VIN. Alternatively, many manufacturers have hotlines or online databases where you can check for outstanding recalls.

Toyota encourages owners of new and used vehicles to log on to one of its websites to register with Club Toyota or Club Lexus, a complimentary service for drivers. "If they choose to sign up, the customer's personalized Club Toyota and Club Lexus page will display the history for the vehicle of all the service and campaign work that was performed within the Toyota/Lexus network regardless of the serving dealer," says Grant, adding vehicles' service history can also be obtained by consulting the company's Consolidated Vehicle Service History, or CVSH, records. When a vehicle is repaired, a label is affixed to the vehicle, and the central database is updated to reflect that the work has been done.

While Honda in the U.S. has an online tool, the Honda Canada website directs drivers, armed with a VIN, to call (888) 946-6329 for details. That's what Harbinson vows to do, once she gets a minute. Keep in mind that it's smart to stay on top of recalls, no matter how minor they seem. In most cases, recall repairs are free, and while a recall notice stays in place for the lifetime of the vehicle, dealers and automakers are only obliged to fix it for up to eight years after the notice is sent out. They will, however, always monitor all end-of-lease vehicles, trade-ins, etc., for recalls and make the necessary repairs before offering those vehicles for sale.

While vehicle recalls are frustrating and inconvenient, they often serve an important safety purpose. Whether you're a driver or in the market for a used vehicle, check the databases and stay on top of recall information. Dealing with outstanding recalls is an important responsibility, legislated or not, for all drivers.

Michelle Warren is a freelance writer living in Toronto.