US Car Check

Safety

Check open recalls by VIN, for free

Millions of vehicles on US roads have an unrepaired safety recall. Checking one takes a minute, costs nothing and should be part of every used-car purchase.

The free official lookup

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) runs a free recall search at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Enter the 17-character VIN and it shows any safety recall that hasn't been repaired on that vehicle. You don't need an account, and nobody should charge you for this check.

The search covers recalls issued in roughly the past 15 calendar years by major vehicle and motorcycle manufacturers. For anything older, or for a brand not covered, check the manufacturer's own website or a franchised dealer.

Reading the result

ResultWhat it means
0 unrepaired recallsNo open recall is recorded for that VIN. Recalls are added over time, so check again before you buy and every few months after.
Recall incompleteA recall applies and the manufacturer has no record of the repair. The listing explains the safety risk and the remedy.
Recall incomplete, remedy not yet availableThe recall is announced but parts or a fix aren't ready. The manufacturer will contact registered owners when they are.

Recalls cover safety defects only. Technical service bulletins for non-safety problems don't appear in this search; a dealer can tell you about those.

Getting a recall fixed

  1. Note the recall number and description.
  2. Call a franchised dealer for that brand and book the recall repair.
  3. Safety recall repairs are normally done free of charge by the manufacturer's dealers. Some limits apply to very old vehicles, so ask when you book.
  4. Keep the repair order. It's proof for the next owner.

Recalls and used-car buying

Don't assume a used car has had its recalls done. Sellers aren't always aware of them, and the rules on selling used vehicles with open recalls are limited. Before you hand over money:

  • Run the VIN through the NHTSA lookup yourself.
  • If a recall is open, ask the seller to have it repaired first, or factor in the time to get it done.
  • Be especially careful with recalls that carry a "park outside" or "do not drive" warning. Those are serious.

After you buy

Manufacturers send recall notices to the registered owner. Once you've registered the car in your name, notices should reach you, but it's worth checking the VIN yourself a few times a year. NHTSA also offers free recall alerts by email for vehicles you choose.

Other checks to pair it with

The recall search knows nothing about theft, accidents or title brands. Next, run the free NICB VINCheck and look at the NMVTIS title history.