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 NHTSA.gov for VIN-specific open-recall results. Our free VIN decoder identifies the make, model, and year and displays the corresponding campaign history as a supplemental reference.

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

You can also use NHTSA and manufacturer notification tools to follow new campaigns for vehicles you own.

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). Recall remedies and TSB coverage follow different rules; confirm the applicable cost and eligibility before authorizing work.

New campaigns can be announced after a vehicle is purchased. Recheck the VIN periodically and in situations such as:

• 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 NHTSA's official recall page for exact VIN checks and our VIN decoder for model-year recall history.

If your household has more than one vehicle, keep a list of all your VINs in a secure place and check each through NHTSA or its manufacturer's official recall portal.

For several vehicles, keep a recurring reminder and use available NHTSA or manufacturer alerts. Recheck each VIN rather than assuming a make/model notification proves applicability.

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.