[connicpu]

Laypeople have an incorrect perception of what a recall actually means, especially when it comes to vehicles. The most important effect that comes along with an official vehicle recall is that the manufacturer has to fix the issue for you for free, or otherwise compensate you in some way for reduced functionality you may have paid for.

[mcguire]

Well, that and the manufacturer has to notify owners of the recall, which is (or should be) tracked by the vehicle's VIN.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls