Plain-English help
Vehicle safety guides
Recalls, complaints, lemon laws and the warning signs of common problems - what they mean and exactly what to do.
Recalls
RecallsHow to check if your car has a recallCheck any vehicle for open safety recalls by VIN or by year, make and model, for free.6 min readRecallsWhat to do if your car has a recallFrom the recall letter to the free repair: loaners, parts delays and dealers that say no.7 min readRecallsDo-not-drive recalls: Park It Now and Park Outside explainedThe two most serious recall warnings, what to do today, and how to get the vehicle towed.6 min readRecallsHow vehicle recalls workHow a defect becomes a recall, what NHTSA investigates, and how to read a recall number.7 min readRecallsAirbag recalls explained: Takata, ARC and what to doTakata and other airbag recalls in plain English, and how to check and fix your vehicle.7 min read
Complaints
Your rights
Your rightsLemon laws: what to do if your car is a lemonWhat makes a car a lemon, the records you need, arbitration and your options.7 min readYour rightsHow to get reimbursed for a repair made before a recallPaid to fix a problem that was later recalled? How to claim your money back from the manufacturer.6 min readYour rightsTechnical service bulletins, warranty extensions and goodwill repairsTSBs, quiet warranty extensions and how to ask the manufacturer to pay for a repair.7 min read
Buying & owning
Tools
Common problems
Common problemsTransmission problems: warning signs and what to doSlipping, harsh shifts, CVT shudder and leaks: what they mean and what to do.7 min readCommon problemsEngine problems: warning signs and what to doStalling, power loss, oil burning, overheating and knocking: how urgent each one is.7 min readCommon problemsBrake problems: warning signs and what to doSpongy pedal, grinding, pulling and warning lights: what they mean and how urgent they are.7 min readCommon problemsCar electrical problems: battery drain, alternators and warning lightsBattery drain, alternator failure, wiring faults, failing modules and warning-light storms.7 min readCommon problemsPhantom braking and driver assist problemsSudden braking for no reason, lane keeping that fights you and cruise control that misreads traffic.7 min readCommon problemsEV and hybrid battery problems: warning signs, recalls and warrantyBattery warnings, fire-risk recalls, charging faults, range loss and battery warranties.7 min readCommon problemsTire safety and tire recalls: how to check your tiresRead your tire's DOT code, check for recalls and spot the signs of a failing tire.7 min read