Vehicle maintenance is crucial for safety and can generate financial savings. In addition to problems arising from accidents or daily use, there are manufacturing defects, and this is where the so-called recall comes in.
Vehicle maintenance is crucial for safety and can generate financial savings. In addition to problems arising from accidents or daily use, there are manufacturing defects, and this is where the so-called recall comes in.
In Brazil, there is a direct link between correcting production defects and automotive documentation. Completing a recall is an indispensable requirement for the vehicle to obtain the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Certificate (CRLV). Many owners are unaware of this legal requirement and end up facing difficulties when trying to license their cars.
According to the Ministry of Justice, a recall is the mechanism by which a manufacturer or supplier publicly notifies about risks presented by its product or service, whether they are risks to public safety or the environment. This provision is outlined in Law No. 8.078/90, known as the Consumer Defense Code (CDC).
This initiates a public call, a compulsory process that requires the withdrawal of products, clarification of facts, and the proposal of solutions. By opening a recall, the automaker summons the owners of affected models to go to an authorized dealership or service center. The goal is to replace or repair defective components, preventing serious accidents and mechanical or electrical failures before they cause irreversible damage. It is important to note that this procedure is performed free of charge for the owner.
The CRLV serves as proof that the vehicle is duly registered and licensed to legally circulate in the country. For this document to be issued or renewed, the car must be in full compliance with the safety standards defined by traffic authorities.
If the vehicle has a recall pending, meaning it was summoned by the automaker but the owner did not carry out the repair within the legal deadline, the Department of Traffic (Detran) system imposes restrictions. The blocking of the CRLV issuance occurs after 12 months from the notice and functions as a coercive measure to force the regularization of the vehicle. Without the updated document, the vehicle cannot travel, and the driver will be subject to traffic fines if caught driving. Circulating with an expired CRLV constitutes a very serious infraction, resulting in a fine of R$ 293.47 and 7 points on the National Driver's License (CNH).
The first step is to check if the product is included in the recall campaign. If so, the owner must contact the supplier and go to the location indicated by the manufacturer. Most automakers provide a page on their website with specific instructions regarding recalls.
After the free repair is completed, the automaker registers the clearance of the pending issue in the system, allowing the issuance of the CRLV. There are no restrictions regarding the origin of the product, whether acquired in Brazil or abroad. It is recommended to monitor communications from automakers and official bodies so as not to miss the summoning deadlines. Although notifications are usually sent to the vehicle's registered address, preventive checks are highly advisable.
It is possible to check if the car has any pending recall through several means: