How to Check Recalls Before Buying a Used Car

According to Carfax data, more than 80 million vehicles on U.S. roads have at least one open recall. Many of these are used vehicles that have changed hands without the recall ever being addressed. The risks are real:

• Safety hazards: Unrepaired recalls can involve fire risk, loss of steering, brake failure, airbag defects, and other life-threatening issues
• Legal gaps: In most states, independent used car dealers and private sellers have no legal obligation to repair recalls before selling
• Insurance implications: If you're involved in a crash related to a known unrepaired recall, it could complicate your insurance claim
• Resale value: Open recalls reduce a vehicle's market value and can make it harder to sell later

Before test-driving or negotiating, get the vehicle's VIN. A legitimate seller should provide this without hesitation. If they refuse, walk away.

You can find the VIN:

• On the vehicle listing (most online listings include it)
• On the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield
• On the driver's door jamb sticker
• On the vehicle title or registration

Use the VIN in our free recall check tool to instantly see all open recalls. This takes less than a minute and provides results directly from NHTSA's database.

When you run a VIN check, you may see several types of results:

• No open recalls: All known recalls have been completed. However, this only covers recalls issued to date — new recalls can be issued at any time.
• Open recalls — remedy available: There is an unresolved recall and replacement parts are available. The repair should be done before or immediately after purchase.
• Open recalls — remedy not yet available: A recall has been issued but parts are still being manufactured. Ask the manufacturer about timeline and interim safety measures.
• Recall incomplete — previously repaired: Some recalls have multiple phases. The initial repair may have been done, but an additional step is required.

Open recalls give you legitimate negotiating leverage:

• If buying from a dealer: Request that the dealer complete all recall repairs before the sale. Get it in writing. While most states don't legally require this, reputable dealers will comply.
• If buying from a private seller: Factor unresolved recalls into the price. The repair is free at a dealership, but it takes your time and the vehicle may be out of service temporarily.
• If recalls have parts shortages: Consider whether you're willing to drive a vehicle with an unresolved safety recall for weeks or months while waiting for parts.
• If the vehicle has had many recalls: Browse our recall rankings to see how this vehicle's make and model compares to competitors in recall frequency.

There is a critical legal distinction between where you buy:

Franchised (new car) dealers: As of 2016, major franchised dealer groups adopted voluntary policies to check and repair recalls before selling used vehicles. Some states (e.g., California) have proposed or enacted laws requiring this.

Independent (used car) dealers: Most independent dealers have no obligation to check or repair recalls. They may not even know the vehicle has open recalls. Always run the VIN yourself.

Private sellers: Private individuals have no legal obligation to disclose or repair recalls. The burden is entirely on you as the buyer.

Online platforms (Carvana, Vroom, etc.): Major online platforms generally check for recalls, but verify independently. Don't assume it's been done.

While checking for recalls is essential, a thorough used car evaluation should also include:

• Vehicle history report: Services like Carfax and AutoCheck reveal accident history, ownership history, and service records
• TSB check: Ask a dealer to check for Technical Service Bulletins — these reveal known issues that aren't serious enough for a recall
• Pre-purchase inspection: Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle before buying
• NHTSA complaints: Check NHTSA's complaint database for common issues with the specific year, make, and model
• Recall history by make: Review the recall track record of the brand you're considering

State laws on selling used vehicles with open recalls are evolving. Here is the current landscape:

• No state currently bans private sales of vehicles with open recalls
• A few states require dealer disclosure: Some states require dealers to disclose known open recalls at the time of sale
• Used car lemon laws: States with used car lemon laws (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and others) provide additional protections
• FTC Used Car Rule: Federal Trade Commission rules require dealers to display a Buyers Guide, but this does not cover recall status

The safest approach: always check the VIN yourself and don't rely on the seller's representations.