Fire related auto defects are scary and headline grabbing, and the need to fix them should be real obvious.
So why don't fire risk recalls get owner's full attention?
Well US car owners an't real good about bringing their cars in for recall work period.
On average, 65% of recalled cars are ever brought in for the work.
According to a Government Accounting Office study of recalls from 2000 to 2008.
Wheels, tires and brakes seem to get customers' attention the most.
Cruise control, seats and amazingly, airbag issues have lower compliance levels.
[MUSIC]
Compare that to Germany, where you can't register a car that isn't up on its recall repair.
Air compliance rate is 100%.
Now a fire related recall may actually center on something like an electrical switch, or a hose clamp, or a seal, so don't try to guess if a recall is serious.
It really pays to double check if there are any fire, or other open recalls on your car.
And tend to it.
Because we also differ from Germany in another useful way.
Here, the car maker's on the hook to pay for the recall.
More realities of modern driving revealed now at CNETOnCars.com.
Click on smarter driver.
