Once you find out the recall applies to your vehicle or parts, getting it fixed should be a priority. According to the NHTSA, by law the manufacturer must choose one of three options for correcting the issue:

Repair: The vehicle or part will be repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you.
Replacement: If the problem cannot be fixed, the manufacturer can provide you with another identical vehicle or a similar model.
Refund: The manufacturer can choose to refund the purchase price of the vehicle, minus a reasonable amount for depreciation.

The same options generally apply to manufacturers of vehicle accessories, such as car seats. Additionally, if you had already paid for repairs for a problem that is recalled, the NHTSA says you may also be able to get refunded for the cost of service.

No matter what the issue, if you think your vehicle is part of a safety recall, contact your manufacturer or service center right away to find out what your options are. The recall may simply be a precaution, but it may require immediate action. Either way, it's a good safety measure to make sure the repair is made as soon as possible.