Vehicle Recall Lookup
Find safety recalls on any vehicle
Why Recalls Matter
Recalls cover defects that can cause a crash or an injury: airbags that may deploy with too much force, brakes that can fail, wiring that can catch fire. Millions of vehicles on U.S. roads are driving around with a recall that was never repaired, often because the car changed hands and the notice went to a previous owner.
Enter a VIN above to see every recall issued for that year, make and model, what the defect is, the risk it poses and the free fix the manufacturer offers.
Recalls in Three Steps
- 1
Look it up
Enter the VIN to see the recalls issued for that vehicle's year, make and model.
- 2
Call a dealer
Any franchised dealer for the brand can confirm whether the repair is still open on your VIN.
- 3
Get it fixed free
Safety recall repairs cost nothing, whoever owns the car and wherever it was bought.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Recalls
What is a vehicle recall?
A recall is issued when a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds that a vehicle or part has a safety defect or doesn't meet a federal safety standard. The manufacturer must notify owners and fix the problem for free.
How much does a recall repair cost?
Nothing. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at a franchised dealer for the brand, no matter who owns the car now or where it was bought.
Does this tool show whether the recall was already fixed on my car?
No. Recalls are published for a year, make and model, so this lookup lists every recall that applies to vehicles like yours. A franchised dealer, or the manufacturer's own recall site, can tell you whether the work has been done on your exact VIN.
How will I know if my car is recalled?
The manufacturer mails a notice to the registered owner. If you bought the car used or moved, the letter may not reach you, which is why it's worth checking the VIN yourself before and after you buy.
Can a dealer sell a used car with an open recall?
Federal law stops new-car dealers from selling new vehicles with open recalls, but in most states used cars can still be sold with recalls unrepaired. Check before you buy.
What should I do if my car has an open recall?
Call a franchised dealer for the brand, give them your VIN and book the repair. Read the recall's risk description: some recalls advise not driving the vehicle or not letting anyone sit in a particular seat until it's fixed.
Recalls are one part of the story.
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