Vehicle Recall Database

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues vehicle safety recalls when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. In 2024, NHTSA issued over 900 recall campaigns affecting more than 53 million vehicles.

When a recall is issued, the manufacturer is required to notify registered vehicle owners by first-class mail. The repair, replacement, or refund must be provided at no cost to the vehicle owner. There is generally no expiration date for safety recalls on motor vehicles.

Common recall categories include airbag defects, brake system failures, engine and fuel system issues, electrical system malfunctions, steering component failures, seatbelt problems, and software and technology glitches in modern vehicles.

How Vehicle Recalls Work

Vehicle recalls begin when either a manufacturer discovers a safety-related defect or when NHTSA opens an investigation based on consumer complaints, crash data, or other reports. The manufacturer must then notify NHTSA, develop a remedy, and contact all affected vehicle owners within 60 days of the recall decision.

Once notified, vehicle owners can schedule a free repair at any authorized dealership for their vehicle's brand. Dealers are required to perform the repair even if the vehicle was not originally purchased from them. If parts are not immediately available, the manufacturer may provide interim remedies such as loaner vehicles or temporary fixes while permanent parts are produced.

Why Recalls Matter for Vehicle Owners

Despite the safety implications, NHTSA estimates that approximately 25% of recalled vehicles are never repaired. Many owners never receive the recall notice due to outdated registration information, while others underestimate the severity of the defect. Some of the most dangerous recalls in history involved components that could cause fires even while parked, sudden loss of steering or braking, and airbags that deployed with lethal force.

Checking your vehicle for recalls regularly is one of the most impactful safety actions you can take as a vehicle owner. We recommend running a recall check at least every six months, as new campaigns are issued continuously throughout the year.

Your Rights as a Vehicle Owner

Federal law protects vehicle owners during recalls. Manufacturers must repair your vehicle free of charge, including parts and labor. If you already paid for a recall-related repair before the recall was announced, you may be entitled to reimbursement. If a manufacturer fails to remedy a recalled vehicle within a reasonable time, you may have additional legal remedies under your state's lemon law.