Brake Recalls: What Should Owners Know?

Are there recalls for brakes?

Yes. Recalls are tracked by the affected component, and brake-related systems such as the service brakes, the hydraulic parts and anti-lock braking (ABS) are among the systems that can appear in a recall. Each recall is specific to certain vehicles, so one vehicle can be included while a similar one is not.

This post stays general on purpose. The only reliable way to know about your own vehicle is to look it up by its VIN.

How is a brake recall different from ordinary brake wear?

• Wear: pads and rotors are designed to wear with use and need replacing over time. That is routine maintenance and the owner pays for it.
• Recall: a defect or standards problem that the manufacturer or NHTSA has determined affects safety, tied to a defined group of vehicles. The remedy is provided by the manufacturer at no charge through its dealers.

A vehicle can have a recall and also need new pads, and the two are separate issues.

What should I do if my vehicle has an open brake recall?

Read the notice, follow any interim instructions from the manufacturer, and contact a dealership for your vehicle brand to schedule the repair. Do not ignore a brake or ABS warning light while you wait. A warning light is the vehicle asking for attention.

Should I still get brake symptoms inspected?

Yes. A clear recall check does not rule out a worn part, and an open recall does not explain every noise or vibration. If the pedal feels soft, the car pulls to one side, or you hear grinding, have the brakes looked at.

Our brake inspection looks at pad thickness, rotors, calipers and fluid, and tells you what we find. It checks wear and condition. It is not a recall repair, and it does not replace checking your VIN with the lookup page.