PHOENIX -- Roma Rodgers recently bought a 1999 Ford Explorer.

"I love driving it. It's fun to drive," Rodgers said.

The sport utility vehicle has low mileage and is in great condition, but how does the Tempe mom know if the previous owner took care of all the SUV's design defects?

"With the SUVs, you always have the concern of the rollovers because they're so high off the ground," Rodgers said.

Every year, car manufacturers issue dozens of recalls because of something they've found that can put drivers in danger.

Original owners get letters in the mail advising them to fix the problem.

"You just hope the previous owners took care of her," Rodgers said.

But what happens to folks like Rodgers who have no idea whether their used cars have any defects, and if they were ever addressed?

5 Investigates uncovered 11 recalls on Rodgers' SUV since 1999, including a faulty fuse and circuit breaker and a questionable speed control cable.

With the help of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site, Rodgers was able to look up the details for every recall issued for her SUV.

"It's actually a little bit concerning because I was not aware of all the recalls that were on the vehicle," Rodgers said.

Rodgers called her local Ford dealership and gave them her vehicle identification number to see how many recalls had been taken care of by previous owners. The Valley mom felt much better when she learned that all 11 recalls had been addressed.

"Even if it needs a little nut or bolt that needs to be replaced, it's just having that peace of mind," Rodgers said.

Auto dealers should take care of any outstanding recalls if car owners call and give their vehicle identification numbers.