How to learn about your vehicle is affected by a recall
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains a public database of all vehicle recalls issued in the United States. You can search this database for free using your vehicle identification number (VIN) — a 17-character code unique to your car — or by entering your vehicle's year, make, and model. The NHTSA website does not require you to create an account or provide personal information beyond what you choose to enter in the search.
A recall means the manufacturer has identified a safety defect or non-compliance with federal safety standards and is required by law to fix it at no cost to you. Recalls cover everything from airbag failures to brake problems to software issues. Finding out whether your specific vehicle is subject to a recall takes about five minutes and can alert you to problems you may not have noticed yet.
Key Takeaways
- You can search the NHTSA recall database at safercar.gov using either your VIN or your vehicle's year, make, and model.
- A VIN is printed on your vehicle registration, insurance card, and the dashboard near the windshield, and it gives you the most precise results.
- If a recall is found, the results page will show the defect, the risk it poses, and whether the recall has been completed or is still open.
- If a recall is open, you can contact your vehicle's manufacturer or dealer to schedule a repair appointment at no cost.
- You can also sign up for NHTSA email notifications so you are informed if a new recall is issued for your vehicle.
Where to find your VIN and why it matters
Your VIN is the most reliable way to search because it is specific to your exact vehicle, including its production year and features. A VIN search will show only recalls that explore to your car, whereas a year-make-model search may return recalls for some trim levels or engine types but not others.
You can find your VIN in three places: on your vehicle registration or title document, on your insurance card, and on the lower left corner of your dashboard visible through the windshield from outside the car. If you are checking a vehicle you do not own — for instance, before buying a used car — ask the seller or dealer for the VIN or look at the window sticker if the car is still on a lot.
How to search the NHTSA database
Go to safercar.gov and look for the "Check for Recalls" section on the homepage. You will see two search options: one for VIN and one for year, make, and model.
If you have the VIN, enter all 17 characters in the VIN field and click search. If you do not have the VIN handy, select your vehicle's year from the dropdown, then its make, then its model. Some searches will ask you to narrow further by engine type or body style. Click search when you have entered all available information.
The results page will list any open recalls, any recalls that have already been completed, and any investigations that have not yet resulted in a recall. Each recall entry shows the component affected, a description of the defect, the potential safety risk, and the manufacturer's remedy.
What the results mean
An open recall means the manufacturer has issued the recall but you have not yet had the repair done. The results page will tell you whether the recall is affecting a large number of vehicles or a smaller subset. It will also show the date the recall was issued and, in some cases, how many vehicles are affected nationwide.
A completed recall means you have already taken your vehicle to a dealer or authorized repair facility and the defect has been fixed. If you see a completed recall listed, no further action is needed. If you are unsure whether you had a recall repaired, contact your vehicle's dealer with your VIN and they can check their service records.
An investigation is different from a recall. It means NHTSA is looking into a potential safety issue but has not yet determined whether a defect exists or how widespread it is. Investigations can take months or years, and they may or may not result in a recall. You do not need to take action on an investigation, but you can check back periodically to see if it has been resolved.
What to do if you find an open recall
Contact your vehicle's manufacturer or an authorized dealer and provide your VIN. Tell them you have found an open recall and would like to schedule a repair. Recalls are performed at no cost to you — you should never be charged for recall work, even if your vehicle is out of warranty.
Repair times vary depending on the defect and parts availability. Some recalls can be completed in an hour; others may take longer. Ask the dealer how long the repair typically takes and whether you can drop off your vehicle or need to wait. Many dealers will provide a loaner car or arrange transportation while your vehicle is being serviced.
If you prefer not to go to a dealer, some recalls can be performed by independent repair shops. Ask the manufacturer or dealer whether an independent shop in your area is authorized to perform the specific recall work.
Setting up recall notifications
NHTSA allows you to sign up for email notifications about recalls for your vehicle. On the safercar.gov homepage, look for the option to create a "My Vehicles" account or sign up for recall alerts. You will enter your VIN and email address. When a new recall is issued for your vehicle, NHTSA will send you an email notification.
This is useful if you own your vehicle for several years, because recalls can be issued long after a vehicle leaves the dealership. Setting up notifications means you will not have to remember to check the database manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for recalls on a vehicle I do not own yet?
Yes. If you are considering buying a used car, ask the seller or dealer for the VIN and search it before you purchase. This will show you any open recalls the vehicle has. You can then ask the seller to have the recalls completed before the sale, or factor the cost of repairs into your offer.
What if the search shows no recalls?
No recalls found means NHTSA has not issued any recalls for your specific vehicle as of the search date. This does not mean the vehicle is defect-free — it means no safety defect has been identified and issued as a recall by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
Do I have to get a recall fixed right away?
Recalls are not legally mandatory for the owner to complete, but they address safety defects. If a recall affects a critical system like brakes or airbags, it is wise to have it repaired as soon as you can schedule an appointment. Less urgent recalls can often wait a few weeks if the dealer is busy.
What if my dealer says they cannot get parts for the recall?
Parts shortages can delay recall repairs. Ask the dealer for an estimated timeframe and whether they can add you to a waiting list. You can also contact the manufacturer directly to ask about parts availability or whether another dealer in your area has the parts in stock.
Will a recall show up if I search by year, make, and model instead of VIN?
A year-make-model search will show recalls that explore to that vehicle type, but it may include recalls for trim levels or engine options you do not have. A VIN search is more accurate because it reflects your exact vehicle configuration.