---
id: guide-0043
title: "What's the difference between a recall and a technical service bulletin?"
category: guide
subtopic: recall-vs-tsb
page_type: guide
source_url: "https://www.boballenmotormall.com"
tags: ["warranty", "service", "recalls", "guide"]
questions:
  - "What's a recall?"
  - "What's a TSB?"
  - "Do I have to fix a recall?"
  - "Are recalls covered by warranty?"
related: [service-plans, first-100-days]
dealer: Bob Allen Motor Mall
---

A recall is a manufacturer-mandated fix for a safety defect that affects many vehicles. It's free, required by law, and your dealership must perform it. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) is optional guidance from the manufacturer for known issues-not always a safety problem, often a comfort or performance tweak. Dealers use TSBs to diagnose and fix quirks quickly.

## When to act

Recalls are urgent: check NHTSA.gov (search by VIN) to see if your car is affected. Bring it to a dealership right away-they won't charge you. TSBs are useful if you experience a specific problem; your technician may find a known fix in the bulletin and apply it quickly, sometimes free or discounted.

## Stay informed

Register your car with the manufacturer to get recall notices by mail. At Bob Allen, we monitor recalls and contact owners; our service team applies fixes promptly and at no cost to you. If you ever notice something odd, call (877) 331-4442 and describe it-we'll check the TSB database and help solve it fast.