To check if your car has a recall, enter its 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The free lookup shows any unrepaired safety recalls on your exact car from major automakers over the past 15 years, and every recall repair is free at a franchised dealer.
It takes under a minute. Here's how to do it, what the results mean, and what to do next.
How do I check for a recall, step by step?
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Find your VIN | Lower driver's side of the windshield, registration card, or insurance card |
| 2. Search | Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls (vehicle search) or the automaker's owner site |
| 3. Read the result | A list of open recalls, or "0 unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN" |
| 4. Book the repair | Call a franchised dealer for your brand |
| 5. Stay alerted | Sign up for NHTSA email alerts or the SaferCar app |
Where is my VIN?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the VIN is a 17-character number on the lower left of the windshield. You can read it from outside the car, on the driver's side. It's also on your registration card and often your insurance card.
You can search by license plate too, but NHTSA warns that plate results come from state DMV records and may show a previous owner's vehicle. The VIN is more reliable.
What does the recall lookup cover?
| Covered | Not covered |
|---|---|
| Open safety recalls from major automakers | Recalls already repaired on your car |
| The past 15 years | Recalls older than 15 years (unless the automaker offers more) |
| Cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles from listed makers | Small manufacturers |
| Non-safety service campaigns | |
| International vehicles |
Very new recalls may not show up until the automaker has identified the affected VINs, so NHTSA suggests checking regularly.
What do I do if my car has a recall?
- Read the recall summary. It explains the risk and any interim advice. For example, Hyundai told older Genesis owners to park outside, and Volkswagen told ID.4 owners to charge only to 80%.
- Call a dealer. Manufacturers must fix recalls for free, by repair, replacement or refund. In rare cases they buy the car back.
- Ask about parts. Some recalls are announced before the fix is ready. You'll get a second letter when it is.
- Keep receipts. If you paid for the same repair before the recall, many automakers reimburse you.
How do I hear about new recalls automatically?
- SaferCar app: free from NHTSA, alerts you when a vehicle you've saved is recalled.
- Email alerts: sign up on NHTSA's recall page.
- Mail: automakers send letters to the registered owner, so keep your DMV address current.
What if I think my car has a defect?
File a complaint on NHTSA's Report a Safety Problem page. Complaints help NHTSA decide whether to investigate, and investigations can lead to recalls. That's how Jeep's rear coil spring problem came back for a third recall after owners kept reporting failures.
What recalls are open right now?
This month's include Toyota's RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz's S-Class brake hoses and Volkswagen's ID.4 battery. See the October 2026 car recalls list for the full rundown.
