raytseng

The cost of the work to perform the recall are valid for the life of the car,

However if the defect kicks in and causes damages to the car, or causes you to crash, don't expect any or all of that damage to be compensated.

Lexus and Toyota often put in their recall announcements that they will reimburse costs caused by the defect if you bring in the receipts, this is beyond what the Law requires. But this is typically for past damages, not future damages. Don't expect them to cover future damages if you choose not to repair the defect within a reasonable amount of time after the announcement campaign.


Here are the rules on recalls from the NHTSA:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...llproblems.cfm

Remedy without charge means the repair, replacement, or repurchase of the vehicle or item of equipment that will correct the safety defect or noncompliance. The manufacturer initially decides what the remedy will be, but it may be changed if it is not effective. Owners should have the recall work completed as soon as possible. Recalls involving tires are specifically limited in the Safety Act such that the owner must have the recall work completed within 60 days of receiving notification that it must be done. All other safety recalls are in effect for the life of the product.

The Safety Act does not provide for reimbursement for damages that the defect or noncompliance may have caused. However, owners may be able to recover such expenses privately. Historically, most manufacturers will reimburse owners for the costs of repair incurred before the safety recall, if the owner has kept the receipts for service.