Vehicle Recalls
Millions of vehicles on the road have open safety recalls that were never fixed, from defective airbags to fire risks. Checking takes a minute, and recall repairs are free.
- All drivers
- Fleet managers
Photo: driver looking up their VIN on a phone, with the VIN visible on the dashboard through the windshield
How to check
- Find your VIN (17-character vehicle identification number): on the dashboard at the bottom of the windshield, the driver’s door jamb, or your registration and insurance card.
- Search it on NHTSA’s recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or on your maker’s website.
- Call a dealer for your brand to schedule the free repair.
Check at least twice a year, and before buying a used car.
What recalls cover
- Recall repairs are done free by the maker’s dealers, no matter who owns the car now.
- Recalls also cover tires, car seats and some equipment; register car seats and tires so you’re notified.
- Sign up for NHTSA recall alerts or the SaferCar app to get notices.
“Do not drive” recalls: some recalls, such as certain older defective airbag inflators that can explode and send metal fragments into the car, come with warnings to stop driving the vehicle until it’s fixed. Many makers offer free towing or loaner cars. Take these warnings seriously.
Used cars and rentals
- Check the VIN for open recalls before buying any used car; private sellers and many dealers aren’t required to fix them first.
- Ask whether recalls are complete on company vehicles and rentals.
- Fleet managers should check every vehicle regularly. See Driving for Work.
Report a safety problem
If you think your vehicle has a safety defect, report it to NHTSA. Complaints help identify problems that lead to recalls.
Standards & references
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