GM is launching a smartphone app this summer that will allow its vehicle owners to check whether their vehicles are subject to any open recalls. It’s the latest move by automakers to redouble efforts to get owners to comply with vehicle callbacks, a task that has taken on greater importance amid the unfolding Takata airbag recall that now covers nearly 70 million vehicles.
The app includes a simple “Check For Recalls” tab at the bottom of the “Vehicle Status” section. Clicking on it pulls up information on any open recalls affecting the vehicle, directing the users to their preferred dealership to inquire about repairs.
GM delved deep into the mechanics of recall response during 2014, amid the recall of 2.6 million older cars to fix a faulty ignition switch linked to at least 124 deaths. That effort included a digital marketing campaign that sought to reach affected owners through ads on Facebook and other social media sites.
The recall notification will be among a number of new features included in the smartphone app, which will be offered starting July 18 under each of GM’s four brands, as myGMC, myChevrolet, myBuick and myCadillac. The branded offerings will replace OnStar’s RemoteLink app, which has attracted more than 3 million users since it was launched in 2011. It allows owners to remotely lock or start their cars, manage their vehicles’ wireless-data plans and find local merchants, for example. RemoteLink will remain in place as GM tries to transition customers to the branded apps.
