Dan Powell, the Editor of Honest John Vans, tells you everything you need to know about van recalls.
Each year thousands of vans and pick-ups are recalled for important safety checks. The problems themselves can range from something as minor as a wonky windscreen wiper to a serious fire risk. How can you find out if your van is affected by one?
How will I know if my van has been recalled?
DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) safety recalls are issued when a safety problem has been identified with a vehicle. The process is quite straightforward, with the van or pick-up manufacturer being asked to issue a national recall for all affected models.
In most cases, you’ll get a letter from the van manufacturer that will ask you to book an appointment at your local dealer so your vehicle can be checked and, if necessary, the problem part replaced. Only approved van dealers can carry out DVSA recall work, so don’t expect your local mechanic to deal with it.
How can I check if my van or pick-up has been recalled?
If your vehicle is second-hand or if your contact details aren’t up to date then the manufacturer might not be able to reach you. That’s why the DVSA has a handy online recall checker www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall that lets you look up your van and see if any recalls are outstanding.
You will be asked for your van’s registration plate number and possibly its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – which is usually found on the bottom left corner of the windscreen and on the engine.
Will a van recall cost me anything?
The recall is completely free of charge. You will not be asked to pay anything. The dealer should repair the van or replace it if the problem is so serious that it cannot be fixed.
In rare cases, your van may be off the road for a few days if the dealer doesn’t have the necessary parts or workshop capacity to complete the recall straight away. If this happens then you should ask for a loan vehicle from the dealer.
Do van recalls have a time limit?
No, the manufacturer is required to carry out the work as instructed by the DVSA. It isn’t uncommon for some builders to find a recall from two or three years ago that’s been missed because the letter has been sent to the wrong address or lost in the post. If your van has a recall from several years ago, the manufacturer is legally obliged to check/fix the problem.
Will a recall affect the resale value of my van?
No, the recall shouldn’t affect the value of your van. You will be given paperwork that confirms the work has been completed and you should store this in your van’s history folder, which should contain all of the maintenance and servicing receipts for your vehicle.
Can I complain about a recall?
If you are unhappy with the level of service at the dealership then you should make a complaint in writing (via email or post). Address it to the dealer service manager and make it clear why you feel the level of service is unsatisfactory.
You can also complain to the vehicle manufacturer direct and/or the DVSA if your complaint goes beyond a general customer service issue.
