If you’ve thought about selling your car but recently found out it has an open recall, you’re probably wondering what that means for you as the owner—and whether it makes the sale trickier. Don’t stress. An open recall doesn’t automatically stop you from selling your vehicle, but it does come with a few things you’ll need to know and consider.
What Is an Open Recall?
An open recall means the manufacturer has identified a defect or safety issue with your car and has asked owners to bring it in for repairs. These issues can range from small fixes—like faulty wiring or software updates—to bigger concerns, such as airbags, brakes, or fuel system faults.
A well-known example is the Takata airbag recall that affected millions of cars worldwide, including many in Australia. Owners were required to bring their vehicles in for a free replacement because of the potential safety risks.
Can You Sell a Car with an Open Recall?
The short answer is yes—you can sell a car that has an open recall. But there are a few conditions to keep in mind:
- You must disclose it – By law, you’re required to let the buyer know about the recall. Selling without disclosure could cause headaches later.
- It may affect resale value – Buyers might offer less until the recall work is completed, especially if the issue sounds serious.
- Repairs are free – The good news is that recall repairs are carried out at no cost to the owner, so you can book it in at your local dealership and have it sorted before selling.
Should You Fix It Before Selling?
It’s usually in your best interest to take care of the recall before listing your vehicle. Here’s why:
- More Buyer Confidence – Buyers are more likely to pay a fair price if they know the recall has already been fixed.
- Faster Sale – No one wants to deal with the hassle of booking repairs themselves.
- No Cost to You – Since the repairs are free, you’ve got nothing to lose.
For example, if you’re selling a 2012 Honda Civic with an airbag recall, taking it to the dealer and showing the paperwork afterwards could make the difference between a quick, fair sale and low-ball offers.
What If You Don’t Fix It?
If you choose not to fix the recall, you can still sell the car, but:
- You’ll likely get lower offers.
- The pool of interested buyers might shrink.
- Some buyers (especially dealers) may simply refuse to take it until the recall is done.
That’s where cash-for-cars services come in handy. Unlike private buyers, these services will often take cars in any condition—including those with open recalls—and give you a same-day cash offer.
How to Check If Your Car Has a Recall
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle has an open recall, you can:
- Visit the Product Safety Australia website.
- Enter your car’s VIN number on the manufacturer’s site.
- Contact your dealership for confirmation.
It’s quick, free, and worth doing before you put your car up for sale.
The Smart Move
Selling a car with an open recall isn’t the end of the world. In most cases, a quick, free fix at the dealership is all it takes to smooth the process and secure a better sale price. But if you’d rather skip the waiting and paperwork, selling to a cash for cars company can save you time while still putting money back in your pocket.
If you are in Hallam, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
South Eastern Cash For Cars
36 Ellen Rd, Narre Warren South VIC 3805
(03) 7074 2682