Check Your Vehicle for Recalls
Enter your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to instantly check for open safety recalls on your car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle. RecallDetector checks the NHTSA recall database in real-time to show you any unrepaired recalls that may affect your vehicle's safety.
Where to Find Your VIN
Your VIN is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. You can find it in several places:
- Lower-left corner of your windshield (visible from outside)
- Driver's side door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration card
- Insurance documents
- Vehicle title
Why Checking for Vehicle Recalls Matters
Vehicle safety recalls are issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. Common recall types include defective airbags, braking system failures, fuel system leaks, steering problems, and electrical issues.
The Takata airbag recall — the largest in U.S. history — affected over 67 million airbag inflators in 42 million vehicles. Defective inflators could rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments at vehicle occupants. At least 27 deaths and hundreds of injuries were linked to the defect.
All recall repairs are performed by authorized dealers free of charge, regardless of whether the vehicle is under warranty. You should never be charged for a safety recall repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check for recalls?
We recommend checking at least every 3-6 months, or whenever you hear about a major recall in the news. New recalls are issued regularly throughout the year.
What happens if my car has an open recall?
Contact your vehicle's authorized dealer to schedule a repair. The dealer will fix the issue at no cost to you. You can also call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
Are recall repairs free?
Yes. By law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge to the vehicle owner, regardless of the vehicle's age or mileage.
Can I still drive my car if it has a recall?
It depends on the severity. Some recalls include a "Park It" warning, meaning the vehicle is unsafe to drive. For others, you can continue driving but should schedule the repair as soon as possible.