Key takeaways
- NHTSA’s free recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls lets you search by your 17-character VIN or by license plate to see whether your vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
- The lookup shows only unrepaired recalls. It does not show repaired ones, recent recalls whose VINs haven’t all been added yet, recalls over 15 years old, or recalls by some small manufacturers.
- Manufacturers must fix a safety recall by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund, or in rare cases repurchasing the vehicle. NHTSA says the dealer fixes the recalled part for free.
- NHTSA suggests checking recalls twice a year and registering your vehicle, tires and car seats.
This article is general information based on NHTSA’s website. It isn’t legal advice.
What a safety recall is
NHTSA, the US vehicle safety regulator, says a recall is issued “when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards.” Most recalls are voluntary: “Most decisions to conduct a recall and remedy a safety defect are made voluntarily by manufacturers prior to any involvement by NHTSA.” NHTSA “requires manufacturers to recall vehicles and equipment that have safety-related defects.”
Step 1: Find your VIN
Every vehicle has a unique vehicle identification number, or VIN. NHTSA says to look “on the lower left of your car’s windshield for your 17-character VIN.” It’s also on your registration card, and it may be on your insurance card.
Step 2: Search NHTSA’s free lookup
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and choose the Vehicle tab. You can search two ways:
- By VIN or by license plate and state. This tells you “if a specific vehicle needs to be repaired as part of a recall.” NHTSA says providing your VIN or plate is voluntary, and the VIN is protected under the Privacy Act.
- By year, make and model. This gives general results for recalls, investigations, complaints and manufacturer communications for that model, not for your specific car.
If you have more than one car, NHTSA says you can search up to 100 VINs at once. There are also tabs to search car seats, tires and other equipment.
What the results mean
If your VIN has no open recall, you’ll see the message “0 unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN.”
What the VIN and plate search shows: an unrepaired recall for a vehicle from certain manufacturers.
What it doesn’t show, according to NHTSA:
- A recall that has already been repaired.
- Some recently announced recalls for which not all VINs have been identified yet. “VINs are added continuously so please check regularly.”
- Recalls more than 15 years old (except where a manufacturer offers more coverage).
- Recalls by small vehicle manufacturers, including some ultra-luxury brands and specialty applications.
- Non-safety manufacturer customer service campaigns.
- A recall involving an international vehicle.
If a plate search shows a different vehicle than yours, NHTSA says license plate information comes from state motor vehicle departments. If it shows a vehicle you previously owned, contact your state DMV to update it, and use your VIN meanwhile.
What happens if there is a recall
NHTSA describes the roles:
- The manufacturer “will notify registered owners by first class mail within 60 days of notifying NHTSA of a recall decision” and “should offer a proper remedy to the owner.” The fix can be a repair, replacement, refund or, in rare cases, repurchase of the vehicle.
- NHTSA monitors each recall “to make sure owners receive safe, free, and effective remedies from manufacturers.”
- You will be notified by mail. NHTSA says to “follow any interim safety guidance provided by the manufacturer and contact your local dealership to fix the recalled part for free.”
Stay ahead of recalls
NHTSA’s tips:
- Check recalls twice a year. Register your vehicle, tires, car seats and equipment.
- Get alerts. NHTSA’s free SaferCar app (iOS and Android) sends a phone alert when it finds a recall for the vehicle or equipment you entered. You can also sign up for general recall alerts by email.
- Report problems. If you’ve had a safety problem that could be a defect, you can file a complaint with NHTSA. Similar reports from many people can lead to an investigation and possibly a recall.
NHTSA also runs a “Recall Spotlight” for high-profile recalls. At the time of writing it highlighted tens of millions of vehicles with Takata air bags under recall.
A quick checklist
- Find your 17-character VIN (windshield lower left, or registration card)
- Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- If there’s a recall, call your dealer to book the free repair
- Read any interim safety guidance in the notice
- Set a reminder to check again in six months
For more car safety basics, see our guides to reading NHTSA 5-star safety ratings and tire pressure and the TPMS warning light.
Frequently asked questions
Is checking for recalls free? Yes. NHTSA’s lookup is free.
Do I have to pay for a recall repair? NHTSA says the manufacturer must provide a remedy and you should contact your dealer to fix the recalled part for free.
Will the lookup show every recall? No. It doesn’t show repaired recalls, very recent recalls for which VINs aren’t all added, recalls over 15 years old, or recalls by some small manufacturers.
How often should I check? NHTSA suggests twice a year.
What if I get a recall letter? Follow any interim safety guidance and contact your local dealership.
Information checked on: November 13, 2026. NHTSA updates its recall data regularly.
Sources
- NHTSA, “Check for Recalls: Vehicle, Car Seat, Tire, Equipment” (nhtsa.gov/recalls), including its VIN lookup FAQs and “Roles in the Recall Process”