How to Check if Your Car Has a Recall

The most reliable way to check for recalls is by using your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Unlike searching by year, make, and model, a VIN check returns results specific to your exact vehicle, including its production date and installed components.

Use our free VIN Recall Check tool to get instant results. Simply enter your VIN and we'll query NHTSA's database for all open recalls.

Where to find your VIN:

• Dashboard: Look through the windshield on the driver's side — the VIN is on a metal plate on the dash
• Driver's door jamb: Open the driver's door and look for a sticker on the door frame
• Vehicle registration: Your state registration card lists the VIN
• Insurance card: Your insurance documents include the VIN
• Owner's manual: Some manufacturers print the VIN on a label inside the manual

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains the official federal recall database at NHTSA.gov/recalls. You can search by VIN or by year/make/model. The NHTSA database includes:

• All safety recalls mandated under federal law
• Recall completion status for your specific VIN (when available)
• The remedy description and what the dealer will do
• Manufacturer communications and timelines

NHTSA also offers a free email subscription service that notifies you when new recalls are issued for your vehicle.

Every major automaker maintains a recall lookup page on their website. These manufacturer-specific tools sometimes provide more detail than NHTSA, including parts availability and dealer-specific scheduling. Here are links for the largest brands:

• Toyota — toyota.com/recall
• Ford — ford.com/support/recalls
• Chevrolet / GM — my.chevrolet.com/recalls
• Honda — honda.com/recalls
• Hyundai — hyundaiusa.com/recalls
• Nissan — nissanusa.com/recalls

Manufacturer sites are especially useful for checking parts availability and getting estimated repair timelines.

Any authorized dealership for your vehicle's brand can run a recall check using your VIN. This is a good option if you're already at the dealer for service, as they can immediately schedule any needed recall repairs.

When you call or visit, ask the service advisor to check for both open recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). While recalls are safety-related and always free, TSBs address known quality issues that may be covered under warranty.

New recalls are issued weekly. NHTSA recommends checking at least twice per year, but we recommend checking:

• Every time you get an oil change — make it part of your maintenance routine
• When you receive any mail from your manufacturer — don't assume it's junk mail
• Before a long road trip — address any safety issues before extended driving
• Before selling your vehicle — completing recalls improves resale value
• After purchasing a used vehicle — the previous owner may not have addressed recalls

Bookmark our VIN Check page for quick access anytime.

If your household has more than one vehicle, keep a list of all your VINs in a convenient place. Our VIN check tool works for any vehicle sold in the United States, including cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and RVs.

For fleet operators or families with several vehicles, consider signing up for NHTSA's recall notification service for each VIN. This way, you'll be automatically alerted when a new recall is issued for any of your vehicles.

When you search for recalls, your results will typically show:

• NHTSA Campaign Number: The unique identifier for the recall (e.g., 24V-123)
• Component: The part or system affected (e.g., airbags, brakes, electrical)
• Summary: A description of the defect and potential consequences
• Remedy: What the dealer will do to fix the issue
• Status: Whether the recall is open (needs repair) or completed

If you find open recalls, follow our step-by-step guide on what to do next.