How do vehicle part recalls work?

[LeanMachine]

My wife drives and 07 VW Passat. Her dad bought it for her (used) when she was in college. When we got married, i somehow inherited the payments. But thats a whole different discussion! It has been idling rough for a while now and the check engine light has been on. I finally got around to taking a look at it today. Put a code reader on and it said P0171. Researched that and basically means its running lean. So then i researched the causes and started sorting through them. MAF valve looks brand new and all hoses and valves, that i can find, look to be in good shape. Next on the this is the PCV valve. So i research it a little and find that the part was recalled on this year model. So how does that work? Do i just take it to a dealer and say fix it? Is it free? Does it matter that i am not the original owner?

[BowSlayer]

If it was recalled call a dealer. Shouldn't cost you anything.

[Miodetx]

Call your nearest VW dealer with the VIN, & he can tell you if it has the recall or any other recall

[bwssr]

but print out the info you found on-line....back up, if they say yours aint on the list...yes this happens....a lot

[DJM]

It depends on if the recall is still active.Recalls like that do expire.A pvc valve shouldn't cost very much,it may be easier to just replace it yourself.


DJ

[Boomerang]

Usually dealers install at no cost.

[clintb]

Its a free charge. Just take it to a dealer