NHTSA recall check: how to check your car for recalls

To check if your car has a recall, enter its 17-character VIN or license plate at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It lists unrepaired safety recalls up to 15 years old from covered manufacturers. Your VIN is on the lower-left windshield and your registration card. If a recall shows up, contact a dealer for the free repair.

Checking a Ram ProMaster? See the power steering recall 26V621000 / 92D for affected model years, production dates and the planned owner notices. Confirm your particular van with a VIN check on NHTSA.

Recalled or Not? is an independent search aid. This is not an NHTSA website. Last reviewed September 30, 2026.

Check by VIN or license plate on NHTSA

A VIN or license plate search is the only check that tells you about this one vehicle. NHTSA puts it this way: “When searching by license plate or VIN, you’ll learn if a specific vehicle needs to be repaired as part of a recall.” The check runs on NHTSA’s recall lookup, not on this site. The VIN button above opens that page in a new tab; enter or paste your VIN there.

Where to find your VIN

NHTSA: “Look on the lower left of your car’s windshield for your 17-character VIN. Your VIN is also located on your car’s registration card, and it may be shown on your insurance card.”
The certification label next to the driver’s seat (on the door hinge pillar, door-latch post or the edge of the driver’s door) also shows the VIN (49 CFR 567.4).
A VIN has 17 characters and never uses the letters I, O or Q (49 CFR 565.13).

What NHTSA’s VIN lookup shows — and what it doesn’t

Shows: an unrepaired recall for a vehicle from certain manufacturers. If there are none, you see the message “0 unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN.”

Doesn’t show (per nhtsa.gov/recalls):

Safety recalls that have already been repaired.
Some recently announced recalls whose VINs haven’t all been identified yet. NHTSA: “VINs are added continuously so please check regularly.”
Safety recalls more than 15 years old, unless the manufacturer offers more coverage.
Recalls by small vehicle manufacturers, including some ultra-luxury brands and specialty applications.
Manufacturer customer-service or other non-safety campaigns.
A recall involving an international vehicle.

Searching by license plate

NHTSA’s lookup also accepts a license plate. The plate data comes from state departments of motor vehicles, and NHTSA doesn’t list which states or plates are covered. If the result shows a vehicle you used to own, NHTSA says to contact your state DMV to update the record and to search by VIN in the meantime. When in doubt, use the VIN.

Checking several vehicles

NHTSA lets you search up to 100 VINs at once, and look up a recall by its NHTSA ID — useful for fleets and used-car shoppers.

Search recalls by year, make and model

The model tab above searches NHTSA recall campaigns by model year, make and model. The year is required. Each result links to the NHTSA campaign. NHTSA calls these “general results”: a campaign match doesn’t mean your car is included or still unrepaired, because a recall can cover only some VINs of a model. Finish with a VIN check.

Example: 2020 Toyota Camry → 3 NHTSA campaigns: 20V682000 (fuel pump, November 4, 2020), 20V064000 (engine, February 6, 2020) and 23V865000 (occupant classification sensor, December 20, 2023). Same count as NHTSA’s recalls API on September 30, 2026.

What “unrepaired”, “open recall” and “remedy not available” mean

“0 unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN”: the manufacturers NHTSA covers have no unrepaired safety recall on record for this vehicle. It isn’t a guarantee — see the “doesn’t show” list above — so check again later.
Open (incomplete) recall: a recall was issued and this vehicle hasn’t had the repair yet.
Remedy not yet available: the recall is announced but the parts or fix aren’t ready. When a manufacturer needs extra time, NHTSA requires an interim notice that tells you about the recall and any short-term steps you can take (NHTSA brochure).

The exact wording on NHTSA’s results page can differ from these terms.

Your car has a recall: what to do

Get the free repair

Follow any interim safety guidance from the manufacturer and contact your local dealership. NHTSA: “contact your local dealership to fix the recalled part for free.” Manufacturers must fix the problem by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund, or in rare cases repurchasing the vehicle. For a vehicle, that can mean a free repair, an identical or similar replacement vehicle, or a full refund minus a reasonable allowance for depreciation (NHTSA brochure). Manufacturers notify registered owners by first-class mail within 60 days of notifying NHTSA. The letter isn’t a condition: NHTSA’s VIN lookup FAQ says that even if you don’t receive a notification, the manufacturer is obligated to provide a free remedy.

If a dealer won’t do the recall repair

NHTSA’s brochure says to “immediately notify the manufacturer.” In most cases, contracts between manufacturers and dealers require all dealers to honor the recall at no charge, “regardless of where the vehicle or equipment was originally purchased.” You can also report the problem to NHTSA.

Already paid for the repair? Reimbursement

Often, yes, but within set dates. Per NHTSA’s brochure and 49 CFR 573.13, vehicle manufacturers must reimburse repairs made from the earlier of (1) the date NHTSA opened its Engineering Analysis or (2) one year before the manufacturer notified NHTSA of the defect. Eligibility ends 10 days after the manufacturer mails the last owner notices, and you need documentation of the costs. Keep your receipts and ask the manufacturer for its reimbursement plan.

Is there an age limit? The 15-year rule

To be eligible for a free remedy under federal law, the vehicle can’t be more than 15 years old on the date the defect or noncompliance is determined, counted from the date of sale to the first purchaser. NHTSA’s example: for a defect found in 2023, the free fix is required for vehicles bought new from 2008 through 2023. Manufacturers may still fix older vehicles free (NHTSA brochure). Separately, the VIN lookup doesn’t show recalls more than 15 years old.

Do car recalls expire?

What NHTSA’s materials say: the free-remedy right is tied to the 15-year vehicle age rule above; the VIN lookup doesn’t show recalls older than 15 years; and tires have a five-year purchase window and a 180-day deadline (see tires). The brochure we reviewed sets no general deadline for getting a vehicle recall repaired, so ask the manufacturer if your recall is old.

Rental or loaner car?

Ask the dealer or manufacturer; some offer loaners, but NHTSA’s materials we reviewed don’t require it.

For recalled products other than vehicles, see what to do with a recalled product.

Tire, car seat and equipment recalls

NHTSA also handles recalls of car seats, tires and other vehicle equipment. On nhtsa.gov/recalls they have their own Car Seat, Tire and Equipment tabs, which return general results (recalls, investigations, complaints) rather than a check of your specific item. The model tab above also accepts a car seat or tire brand (for example Graco or Michelin) and lists the matching NHTSA car seat and tire recall campaigns; compare the model, size and dates on the campaign with your seat or tire. It doesn’t search the Equipment tab.

Tires

The tire identification number (TIN, often called the DOT code) is molded into one sidewall; its last four digits are the week and year of manufacture (49 CFR 574.5). By law, tire manufacturers must repair or replace at no cost only tires bought within five years of the defect determination, and you must bring the tire to the dealer within 180 days of receiving the recall letter. If replacements aren’t in stock, get a written acknowledgment from the dealer (NHTSA brochure). Register new tires with the manufacturer so you get the letter.

Car seats and booster seats

The label on the seat shows the model name or number and “Manufactured in” with the month and year (49 CFR 571.213). Find the model number and date on a car seat, then search the brand and model in NHTSA’s Car Seat tab. NHTSA recommends that you register your car seat and sign up for recall notices. For car seats, tires and boosters, the manufacturer may repair or replace the item at no charge, or refund the purchase price. Other children’s products are covered by CPSC: see child product recalls.

Other equipment

Items such as car ramps or jacks that may collapse can be recalled too (NHTSA brochure). Search them in NHTSA’s Equipment tab. Everyday consumer products that aren’t vehicle equipment are on the CPSC product checker.

Get recall alerts

NHTSA’s free SaferCar app (iOS and Android) sends an alert when it finds a safety recall for the vehicle or equipment you entered. You can also sign up for NHTSA’s recall emails on nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Bought a used car? Give the manufacturer your contact details for that VIN so recall letters reach you.
NHTSA’s tip: register your vehicle, tires, car seats and equipment, and check recalls twice a year.

Checking a vehicle recall in Canada

Transport Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database covers recalls issued in Canada from 1970 to the present; search by make, model and year. To check one vehicle by VIN, use the manufacturer’s lookup, which Transport Canada links from its manufacturer list. NHTSA’s VIN lookup doesn’t show a recall involving an international vehicle. Transport Canada says “The manufacturer will almost always make these repairs free of charge.” Our latest Canada recalls page lists CFIA and Health Canada notices and does not include Transport Canada vehicle recalls.

NHTSA recall FAQ

How do I check if my car has a recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN or license plate at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows whether that vehicle has unrepaired safety recalls from covered manufacturers. A year, make and model search only lists recalls that may apply.

Are recall repairs free?

Yes, for safety recalls. The manufacturer must repair or replace the part, offer a refund or, rarely, buy the vehicle back. To qualify for the free remedy under federal law, the vehicle can’t be more than 15 years old (counted from first sale) when the defect is determined.

Where do I find my VIN?

On the lower-left corner of the windshield, on your registration card and often on your insurance card. It’s also on the label on the driver’s door frame. VINs have 17 characters and never use I, O or Q.

What does “0 unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN” mean?

NHTSA found no open safety recalls for that vehicle from the manufacturers it covers. It doesn’t show recalls already fixed, some very new recalls, recalls over 15 years old, or recalls from small manufacturers, so check again later.

Do car recalls expire?

The federal free-repair right applies to vehicles up to 15 years old when the defect is determined, and NHTSA’s VIN lookup doesn’t show recalls older than 15 years. Manufacturers can still fix older cars free. Tires have shorter limits.

I already paid to fix the problem. Can I get reimbursed?

Often, yes. Manufacturers must reimburse certain repairs made before the recall, within set dates, if you have receipts. Ask the manufacturer for its reimbursement plan.

How do I check tire or car seat recalls?

Use the Tire or Car Seat tab at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recalled tires bought within five years of the defect determination are replaced free if you bring them in within 180 days of the notice. Register car seats and tires with the manufacturer.

How do I check a car recall in Canada?

Search Transport Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database by make, model and year, and use your manufacturer’s VIN lookup. NHTSA’s lookup doesn’t cover international vehicles.

Official sources

Last reviewed September 30, 2026. This is not an NHTSA website. More answers in the recall checker FAQ.