Question about recalls

[flobiwan]

I brought my 2011 Ford Fiesta to the dealer yesterday afternoon because i was getting an Engine Malfunction alert on it. The service tech told me that there was a recall on it for the door latches so they were going to replace them. I said i didn't want that taking up time that could be spent diagnosing my problem. She said it wouldn't be an issue.

Well, i just called them at 1:45 this afternoon and they hadn't even started diagnosing the actual problem because they're working on the door latches. That is exactly what i DIDN'T want to happen. The man i spoke to over the phone said that because it's a safety issue, they have to do it.

My question is, are they legally required to perform the recall repairs or can i say no to them? I'm quite annoyed that i brought my car in for one thing and they decided to waste my time doing something else with it.

[Stealthee]

You're not paying for the recall work and yes they are required to do it since it is a liability issue.

[flobiwan]

yeah, i didn't have to pay for it in money. But i did in time. They basically held my car hostage for a day. I guess i'm not going to the dealer anymore.