Recalls
How to check your car for open recalls in five minutes
All you need is your VIN and NHTSA's free lookup. Here's where to find the number and what the results mean.
Recall letters get lost, go to an old address, or show up weeks after a recall is announced. The good news: you don't have to wait for the mail. You can check your own vehicle in about five minutes.
Step 1: Find your VIN
Your Vehicle Identification Number is 17 characters long. You'll find it in a few places:
- On the driver's side of the dashboard, visible through the bottom of the windshield
- On the sticker in the driver's door jamb
- On your registration and your insurance card
Step 2: Look it up on NHTSA
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter the VIN. The lookup shows unrepaired safety recalls on that exact vehicle from the last 15 years. It's free and it doesn't ask for any personal information.
No results doesn't always mean no recalls forever. NHTSA adds VINs as manufacturers identify them, so it's worth checking again every few months.
Step 3: Read what the recall says
Each recall explains the problem, the risk, and the fix. Pay attention to two things: who does the repair, and whether the fix is available yet. Some recalls start with an interim letter that warns you about the risk before parts are ready.
If a recall says to park outside or not to drive the vehicle, take that seriously and call the dealer right away.
Step 4: Get it fixed
Recall repairs are handled by the manufacturer's dealers. For the recalls we cover in our news posts, the notices say the repair is free of charge. Call the dealer, give them your VIN, and ask how long the wait is for parts.
Make it automatic
NHTSA's free SaferCar app can watch your vehicles and alert you when a new recall comes out. It takes a minute to set up.
Not sure what a recall notice means for your car? Car questions? Start here. Give us a call and we'll help you figure out the next step.
