Date Published: January 19, 2026 | Last Modified: 1 hour ago | 5 minute read by Mitchell Bazinet at Redwater Dodge

The Importance of Vehicle Safety: Staying Ahead of Vehicle Recalls

The Ultimate Guide to Timing Your Trade-In: Maximizing Your Vehicle's Value

Your Safety, Our Priority: Navigating CDJR Recalls with Confidence

At Redwater Dodge, we believe that transparency is the bedrock of a great relationship between a driver and their dealership. You may have seen our recent updates where our team speaks candidly about vehicle safety, not because we have to, but because we are here under our own fruition to ensure every Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram on our local roads is performing at its peak safety standard.

One of the most frequent questions hitting our service desk is: "Does my truck have a recall?" It is a valid concern. Whether you are hauling heavy loads in a Ram 3500 or commuting with your family in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, knowing your vehicle is free of manufacturing defects is essential for peace of mind.

The CDJR Recall Check: How It Works

We have stripped away the complexity of the recall process. When you "give us a shout," you aren't just calling a hotline; you are accessing the direct Stellantis factory database.

The 2-Minute Safety Audit: Our process is designed to be high-speed and high-accuracy. When you provide us with your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), we "plug it into our computer", a specialized terminal linked directly to Mopar and Stellantis engineering archives.

Within seconds, the system generates a comprehensive report that identifies:

• Open Safety Recalls: Any outstanding repairs mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): Recommended updates that improve vehicle performance, even if they aren't safety-critical.
• Parts Status: Our system "spits out" exactly what is needed. It tells us if the necessary components are sitting on our shelves, if they are in transit, or if the manufacturer is still engineering the remedy.
• Labor Estimates: We’ll know exactly how long your vehicle will be in the bay, allowing you to plan your day without surprises.

Why Proactive Checking Matters

Recalls are not a sign of a "bad" vehicle; they are a sign of a manufacturer that is committed to long-term safety. However, the burden of information often falls on the owner. Mailers can get lost, and second-hand owners might not be in the manufacturer’s primary database.

By calling 780-942-3629, you are taking a proactive step. If your vehicle has a recall, it is fixed at zero cost to you. Stellantis covers the parts and the labor. Our factory-trained technicians perform the work using genuine Mopar parts, ensuring that the fix meets the exact specifications of your vehicle’s original design.

Getting You Scheduled and Back on the Road

If our system identifies a recall that needs immediate attention, we don't just leave you with the news. We transition immediately into solution mode.

1. Diagnosis: We identify the specific recall code.
2. Parts Procurement: If parts are required, we pull them from our inventory or overnight them from the regional Mopar warehouse.
3. Expert Repair: Our technicians, who live and breathe CDJR engineering, perform the update.
4. Verification: We update the global Stellantis database to show the recall as "Closed," protecting your vehicle's resale value and Carfax history.

Don't let an "easy fix" turn into a major headache. Safety is really that simple. Give us a shout, and let's make sure your truck is as tough and safe as the day it rolled off the assembly line.

CDJR Recall Readiness Checklist - Everything You Need Before You Give Us A Shout

A vehicle recall doesn't have to be a hassle. At Redwater Dodge, we make the process really easy. Use this checklist to gather your information so that when you call us at 780-942-3629, we can give you an answer in seconds.

Step 1: Locate Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

Your VIN is a unique 17-character code (letters and numbers) that acts as your vehicle's DNA. We need this to "plug into our computer" for an accurate report.

[ ] Option A: Look at the driver-side corner of your dashboard where it meets the windshield.

[ ] Option B: Look at the sticker on the driver-side door jamb (near the latch).

[ ] Option C: Check your vehicle registration or insurance card.

Step 2: Note Any Symptoms (Optional)

While many recalls are "invisible" (like software updates), some are mechanical. Before you call, note if you’ve noticed:

[ ] Unusual noises or vibrations.

[ ] Warning lights on the dashboard.

[ ] Changes in fuel efficiency or braking feel.

Step 3: Call the Service Hub (780-942-3629)

When you speak with our recall coordinator, we will tell you:

[ ] The Status: Does your truck have an open recall?

[ ] The Parts: Does the fix "need parts or not need parts"?

[ ] The Inventory: Are the parts currently in stock at our dealership?

Step 4: Prepare for Your Appointment

If we find an open recall, we will get you scheduled. To make your visit seamless, remember:

[ ] Recall repairs are FREE: You do not need to bring payment for recall-related parts or labor.

[ ] Documentation: Bring a copy of the recall notice if you received one in the mail (though it’s not required).

[ ] Time: Ask your advisor for the estimated repair time so you can decide to wait in our lounge or use our shuttle service.

Step 5: Document the Fix

Once the repair is done:

[ ] Keep the Receipt: We will provide a service record showing the recall is "Closed."

[ ] Check Your History: It can take a few weeks for the NHTSA and Carfax databases to reflect the update—your receipt is your proof in the meantime!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Recalls

Q1. How do I find out if my Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, or Dodge has a recall?

A1. It is incredibly easy. You can call our dedicated service line at 780-942-3629. We simply "plug it into our computer," and the system spits out a comprehensive report of any outstanding recalls associated with your VIN.

Q2. What information do I need to provide for a recall check?

A2. The most important piece of information is your 17-digit VIN. You can find this on your dashboard (driver’s side, visible through the windshield) or on your vehicle registration documents.

Q3. Does it cost money to have a recall repaired?

A3. No. By law, safety recalls are performed at no cost to the consumer when handled by an authorized CDJR dealership. Stellantis covers both the parts and the labor.

Q4. How long does a recall check take?

A4. The initial check takes less than two minutes. Once we input your VIN, our system instantly identifies what the recalls are, if parts are currently in stock, and the estimated time for repair.

Q5. What if the parts for my recall are not currently available?

A5. As our service experts noted, our system tracks "if they need parts or if they don't." If a part is on backorder, we will add you to our priority notification list and contact you the moment the component arrives.

Q6. Can I drive my vehicle if it has an open recall?

A6. This depends on the severity of the recall. Some recalls are for minor labels or software, while others are "Stop Drive" orders. We recommend calling us immediately at 780-942-3629 so we can advise you on the safety of your specific situation.

Q7. How do I schedule a recall repair?

A7.Once we identify the recall, we can get you scheduled in immediately. You can book via phone or through our online service scheduler.

Q8. Do I need to have purchased my car from this dealership to get recall work done?

A8. Not at all. Any authorized CDJR dealer can perform recall repairs, regardless of where the vehicle was originally purchased.

Q9. Will a recall show up on my vehicle’s Carfax report?

A9. Yes, open recalls appear on vehicle history reports. Having the repair performed and documented by our certified technicians is the best way to maintain your vehicle’s resale value.

Q10. How often should I check for new recalls?

A10. While manufacturers send out notices via mail, these can often be lost or sent to previous owners. We recommend a quick check twice a year—ideally during your seasonal tire swap or oil change.

Q11. Is a "Technical Service Bulletin" (TSB) the same as a recall?

A11. No. A TSB is a recommended procedure for a known issue, but it is not a mandatory safety recall. We can check for both when you call us.

Q12. Why should I choose Redwater Dodge for my recall work?

A12. Our technicians are factory-trained specifically on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram platforms. We use genuine Mopar parts to ensure your vehicle returns to factory specifications.