Recall Outreach: How OEMs and Dealerships Drive Roadway Safety and Service Success

Every time a vehicle with an open recall is repaired, our roads become a little safer.

For automakers and dealerships, safety recalls aren't just a service lane opportunity—they’re a public safety responsibility. When left unaddressed, vehicle defects can result in serious injury or even death. Yet, millions of vehicles on U.S. roads today still have unresolved safety recalls. That’s a problem that puts everyone at risk—and one that proactive outreach can solve.

At RecallHQ, we believe that recall communications should be treated as a core safety function, not a marketing afterthought. Our platform was built on the idea that connecting people to free, potentially life-saving repairs should be as easy and effective as possible.

Roadway Safety Starts with Recall Completion

In 2023, nearly 30 million vehicles were affected by open recalls in the United States. While manufacturers issue these recalls to fix defects and comply with federal safety standards, the onus of getting those repairs completed often falls to the consumer—and that’s where the breakdown happens.

Why? Because the traditional approach to recall outreach—typically a paper mailer—isn’t built for today’s communication landscape. Many drivers never see the notice. Others may dismiss it as junk mail or fail to grasp the severity of the risk. And some may simply forget.

But when communication gaps exist, safety gaps follow.

The Risks of Inaction

Open recalls can cover everything from faulty airbags and brake failures to fire risks and engine shutdowns. When unresolved, these defects don't just affect individual vehicles—they compromise the safety of entire roadways.

• A worn seat belt tensioner may go unnoticed—until it fails in a crash.

• A faulty fuel pump may seem like an inconvenience—until it causes a stall on a busy highway.

• A defective airbag inflator might appear harmless—until it explodes and injures a passenger.

Each of these risks has real-world consequences, and each one is preventable. That’s why proactive outreach is so vital.

From Safety Message to Service Drive

Modern recall communications need to bridge the gap between safety intent and service action. RecallHQ’s IDENTIFY – NOTIFY – RECTIFY platform helps OEMs and dealers do just that:

• IDENTIFY vehicles with active safety recalls using VIN-specific data

• NOTIFY owners through targeted, multi-channel messaging (text, email, mail, and more)

• RECTIFY the issue by driving repairs at authorized dealerships

This process ensures that recall communications aren't just sent—they're seen, understood, and acted upon.

And the benefits go beyond safety.

The Service Lane Opportunity

When a vehicle comes in for a recall repair, dealerships have a unique opportunity to reconnect with lapsed customers, inspect for additional issues, and offer exceptional service. While the recall work itself is covered by the OEM, more than 65% of visits result in at least one customer-pay item.

In fact, the average RO for a recall-driven appointment is over $520—making these visits valuable for both the customer and the service department. But again, that opportunity only exists if the customer actually shows up.

That’s where RecallHQ steps in. Our outreach platform ensures higher recall completion rates, more service lane traffic, and ultimately, safer roads.

It’s Time to Rethink Recall Communications

Recalls are not marketing. They’re a matter of public safety. Treating them with urgency, clarity, and compassion can not only improve brand trust—it can save lives.

At RecallHQ, we’re proud to help automakers and dealers close the loop on recalls and reduce risk on the road. We know that behind every completed recall is a safer driver, a safer family, and a safer community.

Ready to turn safety into action?
Learn how RecallHQ can help you boost completion rates and protect lives through smarter recall outreach.

👉 Schedule a Demo or visit recallhq.com to learn more.