How to use this recall check
- Select the model year of your vehicle.
- Choose the make, then the model.
- Review the list of recall campaigns: the affected component, a summary of the defect, the possible consequences and the remedy.
- If a recall looks like it applies to you, confirm with a VIN search and contact a dealer to book the repair.
How the recall search works
A safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or doesn't comply with federal safety standards. Manufacturers file a report with NHTSA and mail a notice to registered owners. This tool queries NHTSA's public recall data for the model year, make and model you choose.
Each campaign has an NHTSA number such as 24V123000. The first two digits are the year it was filed, and the letter shows the type: V for vehicles, E for equipment, T for tires and C for child seats.
Example: suppose a search for your model year returns three campaigns: one for a seat belt sensor, one for a fuel pump and one for a rear camera display. That doesn't mean your car has all three problems. Each recall may cover only vehicles built at certain plants or on certain dates, and earlier owners may already have had the work done. Entering your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls narrows the list to recalls that haven't been repaired on your vehicle.
What to do if your car is recalled
- Call an authorized dealer for your make and give them your VIN. Recall repairs are free, though parts sometimes take time to arrive.
- Read the consequence section carefully. Some recalls advise you to park outside or not to drive the vehicle until it's fixed.
- If you paid for a repair before a recall was announced, ask the manufacturer whether you can be reimbursed.
- Keep your address current with your state's motor vehicle agency so recall letters reach you.
- Check again every few months, and always before buying a used car, since new recalls can be added at any time.
Good to know: NHTSA covers vehicles sold in the US. If your vehicle was sold elsewhere, check your national regulator. In Canada, for example, that's Transport Canada's recall database.
Frequently asked questions
Are recall repairs really free?
Yes. When a safety recall is issued, the manufacturer must provide the remedy at no cost to you, usually as a repair at an authorized dealer. In some cases it offers a replacement or refund instead. You shouldn't be charged for the recall work itself.
What's the difference between a recall and a technical service bulletin?
A recall is issued for a safety defect or a failure to meet federal safety standards, and the fix is free. A technical service bulletin is guidance from the manufacturer to dealers on fixing a known issue, and the repair is typically covered only if your car is still under warranty.
How do I know if my specific car has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows recalls that haven't been repaired on that vehicle. A model search like this one lists every recall for the model, even ones that don't affect your car or have already been fixed.