Overview
Safe Cars Save Lives, and every vehicle recall is a safety-related issue, which means it’s essential to get the repair done immediately. NHTSA provides a free user-friendly recall look-up tool that allows you to check for open safety recalls for your vehicles, motorcycles, or automotive equipment, such as tires and car seats. If your vehicle is affected by a safety recall, contact your local dealership to schedule a recall repair as soon as possible. Remember: Every recall is fixed FOR FREE.
If you have a used vehicle, you may not be receiving your vehicle’s recall notices. This is why it is important to take the initiative: Sign up for safety recall alerts to make sure you’re informed about recalls that affect your safety. Checking for safety recalls is free and easy. Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your license plate or your vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number, also known as your VIN. In seconds, you'll know if your vehicle has an open safety recall.
Look for the VIN on the lower portion of your car's windshield on the driver’s side. Your VIN is also located on your car's registration card, and it may be shown on your insurance card.
NHTSA’s free VIN or License Plate Look-Up Tool will provide details on any unrepaired recalls on your vehicle — for at least the past 15 calendar years. It provides details on unrepaired safety recalls from major automakers, motorcycle manufacturers, and some medium and heavy truck manufacturers.
NHTSA’s SaferCar app can also help keep you informed about your vehicle. Download the app and enter your vehicle’s VIN, as well as your car seats, tires, or any other automotive equipment information and NHTSA will send you an alert if a safety recall is issued on them. The app is available for iOS and Android.