How to Check for Open Recalls on Any Vehicle

An estimated 25% of recalled vehicles in the United States have never been repaired. That means one in four cars on the road may have an unfixed safety defect that puts drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk. Checking for open recalls is free, takes less than a minute, and could save your life. Here is exactly how to do it.

What Is a Vehicle Recall?

A vehicle recall is issued when a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle, car seat, tire, or piece of equipment creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. Manufacturers are required by federal law to notify owners of the defect and provide a free remedy, which is typically a repair, replacement, or refund. There is no time limit on getting a recall repaired, and the manufacturer must cover the full cost.

Method 1: Check by VIN (Most Accurate)

The most reliable way to check for recalls is by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Your VIN is a unique 17-character code that identifies your specific vehicle. You can find it on the dashboard near the windshield on the driver's side, on the driver's door jamb sticker, on your vehicle registration, and on your insurance card.

Enter your VIN in our Recall Checker to instantly see any open recalls for your exact vehicle. This checks against NHTSA's live database and returns current, accurate results including the recall campaign number, description of the defect, the potential consequence, and the remedy.

Method 2: Check by Make, Model, and Year

If you do not have your VIN handy, you can also browse recalls by make and model. Visit our Makes directory to find your vehicle and see associated recall information. Note that checking by make and model shows all recalls ever issued for that model, while a VIN-specific search shows only recalls that apply to your exact vehicle.

Understanding Recall Results

When a recall is found, the results will include several key pieces of information. The NHTSA Campaign Number is the unique identifier for the recall campaign. The Component describes which part or system is affected. The Summary explains the defect. The Consequence describes what could happen if the defect is not repaired. The Remedy explains how the manufacturer will fix the problem. The Notes may include information about parts availability or interim safety precautions.

What to Do If Your Vehicle Has an Open Recall

Contact your local authorized dealer and provide your VIN. The dealer will check parts availability and schedule the repair. All recall repairs are performed at no cost to you, regardless of mileage or whether you are the original owner. You do not need to go to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. Any authorized dealer for your vehicle's make can perform the repair.

If parts are not immediately available, the manufacturer may provide a loaner vehicle or rental car reimbursement in some cases. For serious safety defects, such as Takata airbag recalls, NHTSA may advise you to stop driving the vehicle until the repair is completed.

Common Types of Recalls

Recalls cover a wide range of safety issues. Airbag defects are among the most common and most serious, as a malfunctioning airbag can cause injury or fail to deploy in a crash. Engine and powertrain recalls address issues like stalling, fire risk, or unexpected acceleration. Brake recalls cover failures that can increase stopping distances. Steering recalls address loss of control scenarios. Electrical recalls cover wiring issues that can cause fires. Software recalls have become increasingly common as vehicles rely more on computer systems for critical functions.

How Often Should You Check?

Check for recalls at least twice a year, or whenever you have your vehicle serviced. New recalls are issued regularly as defects are discovered through owner complaints, crash investigations, and manufacturer testing. Set a reminder to check every six months using our free Recall Checker. You can also sign up for recall alerts directly from NHTSA to receive notifications when a new recall is issued for your specific vehicle.

Recalls When Buying a Used Car

Always check for open recalls before purchasing any used vehicle. Dealers are required to complete all open recalls on used cars before selling them, but private sellers have no such obligation. Use our VIN Decoder to verify the vehicle's identity and our Recall Checker to identify any outstanding recalls. An open recall can be a negotiating tool, as it needs to be addressed before the vehicle is safe to drive.

Your Rights Under Federal Law

Federal law requires manufacturers to notify owners of safety defects by mail and to repair the defect at no charge. If you paid for a repair that was later covered by a recall, you may be entitled to reimbursement from the manufacturer. There is no expiration date on recall repairs. Even if a recall is decades old, the manufacturer must still perform the repair for free. If a dealer refuses to perform a recall repair or charges you for it, report the issue to NHTSA and your state's attorney general.