Why do parts for recall repairs take so long?

You hear about automotive recalls all the time — on the evening news, on the radio during your commute, or in newspaper stories. Automotive recalls are common, and whether their causes are untested new technology, design or production errors, or litigation-shy execs, you can’t argue that recalls are part of car ownership.

If automakers are really interested in customer satisfaction, why does it take so long from the time we first learn about a recall before any required replacement parts are available? And why does it take so long to make an appointment with a dealership?

First, consider that there are different types of recalls. Some are voluntary, others are government-mandated, a few involve critical safety issues, and some are merely cosmetic. When it comes to safety issues, whether voluntary or ordered, Transport Canada has a very specific set of rules and regulations to follow, including how customers are notified.

In some safety recalls, notices are sent out even before a fix has been finalized by the automaker. If you receive notice of one of these, you know you’ll be in for a wait before replacement parts arrive and tech bulletins are issued. The purpose of these early notices is to make sure vehicle owners are aware of the problem and the risks, and so they can take any precautions suggested by the carmaker to lessen the chances of something going wrong.

Because most automotive media types scour various websites and news feeds for this info, often the first place you’ll hear of a recall is through your preferred news channels. If you receive this type of notice in the mail, and it was correctly addressed, then you can have some assurance that the next notice — indicating parts and/or repair availability — will get to you.

When it comes to the waiting time for parts, consider the recent Takata airbag scandal that affected millions of vehicles from various manufacturers worldwide. Even after the initial problem (in this case, a faulty and dangerous airbag inflator) has been diagnosed, it takes time to retool and produce the parts to cover the affected vehicles. So the wait times are dependant on the number of new parts that have to be manufactured.

When you get this notice and call your dealer, make sure you have the document in your hand or know the recall number. This will shorten the call substantially.

Also, take the time to research your repair bills to make sure you haven’t already paid for a related repair. If so, your dealership should be able to guide you to where you need to send a copy of that bill and if it would earn you a refund.

Certain recalls involve inspections first to determine if a specific replacement or repair is required. Make this appointment as soon as possible; this gets you on a waiting list for parts if they’re in short supply or back-ordered.

If mandatory replacement is required and parts are not in stock, ask again if you can be put on a waiting list and provide contact info for a quick and easy connection when things are ready to go.