What is a vehicle recall?
A recall is issued when a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds that a vehicle, or a part in it, has a safety defect or doesn’t meet federal safety standards. The manufacturer must notify registered owners and repair the problem for free.
Step 1: Find out if your vehicle has a recall
- By make, model and year: use the search on our home page to see every recall issued for your model year.
- By VIN: our VIN check decodes your vehicle and shows its recalls. Your VIN also tells the manufacturer whether your specific car still needs the repair.
- By mail: manufacturers send recall letters to the registered owner. If you moved or bought the car used, you might not get one.
Step 2: Read the risk
Every recall describes the problem, the safety risk and the remedy. Pay close attention to two special warnings:
- Do not drive: the defect is dangerous enough that the vehicle should not be driven at all. Ask the dealer to tow it or send a mobile technician.
- Park outside: there is a fire risk even when the vehicle is off. Park away from buildings and other vehicles until it’s repaired.
Step 3: Book the free repair
Call any authorized dealer for your brand, give them your VIN, and ask to schedule the recall repair. The fix is free regardless of the vehicle’s age, mileage, warranty status, or whether you’re the first owner. If parts aren’t available yet, ask to be put on a waiting list and whether a loaner car or interim fix is offered.
What if the dealer won’t help?
- Contact the manufacturer’s customer service line, listed in the recall notice and on each recall page here.
- Keep notes: dates, names and what you were told.
- File a complaint with NHTSA at nhtsa.gov or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
Did you already pay for the repair?
If you paid to fix a problem before a recall was announced, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Each manufacturer’s recall notice explains its reimbursement policy. Keep your receipts and contact the manufacturer.
Buying or selling a used car
In most U.S. states, private sellers and many used car dealers are not required to fix open recalls before selling. Always run a VIN check before you buy. If a recall is open, the repair will still be free for you after the purchase.
Recalls vs. complaints vs. investigations
- Complaints are reports filed by owners with NHTSA. They are not verified, but patterns can lead to investigations.
- Investigations are NHTSA reviews of a possible defect, and often lead to recalls.
- Recalls are confirmed safety defects with a required free remedy.
Each vehicle page on CarRecallRecord shows all three where data is available.