Is a Technical Service Bulletin a Recall?
No. Problems that are not safety related do not fall under a recall. Items such as a radio or air-conditioner failure are considered warranty items and would be covered under the normal manufacturer’s warranty. Technical Service Bulletins are issued to cover repair techniques or procedures on specific problems or defects and include guidelines for warranty repairs. On occasion, a manufacturer will repair an out of warranty problem at no cost or reduced cost if they consider it a defect just to keep you as a loyal customer. The guidelines for these types of repairs are issued as Technical Service Bulletins to the dealers. Vehicle owners are not notified of Technical Service Bulletins. If you need a repair it is a good idea to call the dealer’s service department, explain the problem and ask if a service bulletin has been issued. This could save you considerable headaches and money. To research recalls and complaints on your vehicle, links to the NHTSA and Office of Defects Investigation
