Recalls and TSB's
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 1
From: Dexter, MI
Both address specific problems with a vehicle. The TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) describes a problem an owner may be having with vehicle and offers possible solutions. The factory most likely will not pay for parts or repair. A recall indicates a problem that the owner must return to the dealer and the dealer/factory will pay for parts and labor needed to correct the problem. The part(s) may often be redesigned to correct a design or manufacturing fault. Neither one "expires."
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
As mentioned, TSBs are advisory. TSB repair work will be covered by a manufacturer's warranty, but once the warranty runs out, repairs are done on the vehicle owner's dime.
Like TSBs, recalls are also advisory, but some are also mandatory. Most manufacturer recalls are usually of the advisory type, so for all intents and purposes, they act very similar to a TSB.
A mandatory recall, however, most often involves a safety concern, or some other material issue that has been confirmed as obvious and widespread. Mandatory recalls are most often the result of the NHTSA putting pressure on a manufacturer to address a certain problem.
One important thing to note is that, a mandatory safety recall (as promulgated by the NHTSA) never expires.
Like TSBs, recalls are also advisory, but some are also mandatory. Most manufacturer recalls are usually of the advisory type, so for all intents and purposes, they act very similar to a TSB.
A mandatory recall, however, most often involves a safety concern, or some other material issue that has been confirmed as obvious and widespread. Mandatory recalls are most often the result of the NHTSA putting pressure on a manufacturer to address a certain problem.
One important thing to note is that, a mandatory safety recall (as promulgated by the NHTSA) never expires.
