Over 10 million cars have been recalled since January 2010. Toyota recalled over 8.5 million cars; Jaguar recalled 5,000 cars; Honda recalled approximately 384,000 cars and General Motors recalled 1.3 million cars.

If your car has been recalled you should be contacted by mail by the manufacturer. However, if you have not, you can find recall information on the internet at sites such as: Carfax, Environmental Protection Agency or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Most cars that are recalled are repaired free of charge by your local dealership. Here are 5 tips if your car is recalled.

1. Don't panic. Some recalls are not safety hazards but you should take you car to the dealership to have the repairs done just to be safe.

2. Verify notification. If you receive a notice that you car has been recalled take your car to any dealership in your area that sells your particular car make and model. Recall notices are valid as long as the car is less than 10 years old.

3. Get a second opinion. Get a second opinion on repair costs before taking it to the dealer in case they suggest additional repairs that they will not cover.

4. Used Cars. If you bought a used car and repairs were made a sticker will be displayed inside the car.

5. Check annually. If you did not receive a notice that you car was recalled, ask other people who own your same type of car to notify you if they hear about recalls. Also, search the internet periodically to see the list of recent car recalls.