What is the difference between a “TSB” or technical service bulletin, a “campaign” and a recall.
A TSB is an updated revision or repair that has been noted by testing and greatly reduces the time need to repair this fault, thus costing the consumer less. There are times when the manufacturer will supply parts kits at a reduced rate to help keep the cost of these repairs in check. If the vehicle is still under warranty when the repair is done there will be no charge to the consumer, if the vehicle is out of warranty the owner is required to pay for said repairs.
A recall is when a vehicle has a safety related defect by the NHSTA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). This vehicle must be brought back to the dealer, regardless of the vehicles mileage or the age of the vehicle. Repairs are then made by the manufacturer free of charge to you the consumer.
A campaign is when a manufacturer voluntarily recalls NON-SAFETY related issues and either repair’s them free of charge or at a reduced rate. Many times there are either time or mileage limitations.
The best way to determine if your vehicle is involved in an ongoing recall is to provide the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and the easiest place to find it is on the registration. We can usually check for most of these at E.S.P.
