say that we did not know, because we can access recalls for our same line of motor vehicles. For vehicles outside your primary franchise, the same principle applies: safety first. If the recall is minor (such as a simple software update or a non-critical label), many dealers move forward — but with full transparency. The West Virginia Automobile Dealers Association has a ready-made disclosure form for this situation. (If you don’t have it, reach out to WVADA or me, and we will get it to you right away.) A quick signature from the buyer confirming they were aware of the open recall goes a long way toward keeping things clean and building trust. THE EASIEST WAY TO STAY AHEAD: OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT TOOLS You don’t have to guess or wait for manufacturer notices. The federal government makes it incredibly simple to check any vehicle for open recalls — and you should be doing it on every car that comes across your lot. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s official site at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and search for recalls by the 17-digit VIN or, in many cases, by license plate. In seconds, you’ll see every open recall that applies to that specific vehicle, along with what the fix involves. It’s free, updated regularly, and works for both new and used inventory. Bookmark it on every computer in your sales and service departments — it takes less than a minute and gives you peace of mind. NHTSA also offers a free SaferCar app if your team prefers checking on the go, but the website should be your go-to resource for quick, reliable lookups. BEST PRACTICES THAT KEEP YOU PROTECTED Check for recalls on every vehicle (new or used) the moment it hits your lot — and again before delivery. Document the check and any repairs or disclosures. For new vehicles, lean on your manufacturer’s recall portal or notices — they’ll walk you through the process and reimbursement. For used vehicles: When in doubt, talk to your GM or fixed-ops manager and consider that WVADA disclosure form. Remember, even when the law gives you flexibility on used cars, customers appreciate honesty, and it can help shield you from any “I didn’t know” conversations down the road. CONCLUSION Taking care of recalls the right way isn’t just about staying out of trouble — it’s about serving our customers who trust us with their safety on West Virginia roads with the vehicles we sell them. New cars have a bright-line rule: fix before you sell. Used cars give you more options, but smart dealers combine good judgment with clear communication. Make the NHTSA recall check part of your daily routine, grab that disclosure form from WVADA, and you’ll sleep better knowing you’re handling the issue in a professional manner. If you ever have questions, the team at WVADA is just a call away. You can also email me at jbrown@pffwv.com. Drive safe, sell safe and keep our customers coming back. WVADA NEWS 17 Learn more at BankWithUnited.com Member FDIC / Subject to credit and underwriting approval. United Bank specializes in tailoring a combination of financial products and auto-dealer services to best meet the specific needs and goals of your automotive dealership. Floor Plan Line of Credit Term Financing Indirect Financing Cash Management Services GET MORE BANK FOR YOUR DEALERSHIP
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