When purchasing a used car, it is important that you do more than just “kick the tires.” Even vehicles that appear to be in perfect condition may have dangerous safety issues that have never been fixed. Before purchasing a used car in Oklahoma, it is advisable to run a vehicle history report to see if it has been involved in a major collision or if it has defective parts that should have been replaced.
A recent study by Carfax.com found that more than two million used cars were for sale nationwide in the year 2012 with open safety recalls. This means that they had parts that were recalled by the manufacturer, but the defects were not fixed. While some used car dealers provide buyers with a vehicle history report, they often fail to mention if the car was recalled. There is no current federal law requiring car dealers to identify or fix vehicles with an open recall before selling it.
This puts the responsibility for researching auto recalls on the consumer. If you are looking to purchase a used car from a dealer or from an individual, it is important that you perform a recall search. You can also call the auto manufacturer directly with the Vehicle Identification Number. Not all vehicle history reports include safety recall information. Carfax includes recalls in their vehicle searches and an app called Snafu Scan can inform you of vehicle recalls as well. The vehicle you are purchasing could have brakes that suddenly fail, airbags that do not operate properly, or a gas pedal that sticks and forces it to accelerate beyond your control.
If you are involved in an Oklahoma car accident that was caused by a defective car, it is important that you preserve your vehicle for a complete inspection by an expert. The experienced car accident attorneys at Maples Law Firm will analyze all aspects of the case and ensure that your rights are protected. Please contact us at (405) 705-5050 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
