Decode VIN

Vehicle Recall Checker

Look up open safety recalls for any vehicle — search by VIN, or pick a make, model, and year.

A safety recall is issued when a vehicle or part fails to meet safety standards or develops a defect that poses a risk. Use the checker above to see every open recall reported to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for your car, truck, or SUV — by VIN, or by make, model, and year.

What is a vehicle safety recall?

A recall is issued when a vehicle, part, or piece of equipment has a safety-related defect or does not meet a federal safety standard. The manufacturer must fix the problem free of charge, usually by repairing or replacing the affected part. A recall stays on a vehicle's record until the repair is completed, even after the car is resold.

How to check your vehicle for recalls

There are two ways to look up recalls with this tool:

  1. Enter your 17-character VIN to open the full decoded report, including any recalls for that exact vehicle.
  2. Or choose the make, model, and model year to see all recalls reported for that vehicle.
  3. Review each recall's affected component, risk, and remedy, then contact a dealer to schedule the free repair.

What to do if your vehicle has a recall

If a recall appears, do not ignore it. Note the NHTSA campaign number and contact an authorized dealer to arrange the free remedy. If a recall is marked 'Park Outside' or 'Do Not Drive', follow that guidance right away, as those defects carry a higher fire or crash risk. Recall repairs are free regardless of the vehicle's age or owner.

Want the full picture? Run a complete free VIN decode for engine, body, and plant details alongside recalls.

Recall check FAQ

Is checking for recalls free?
Yes. This recall checker and the official NHTSA data behind it are completely free, with no signup required.
How often is recall data updated?
Recall results come directly from NHTSA and are refreshed regularly. New recalls can be added at any time, so it is worth checking back periodically.
Do I need the VIN to check for recalls?
No. You can search by make, model, and year. A VIN gives the most precise result because some recalls apply only to specific build dates.
Who pays for a recall repair?
The manufacturer. Federal law requires recall repairs to be performed free of charge, even for used vehicles, usually at a franchised dealer.