Subaru Recall Lookup: Use a VIN to Check for Open Recalls

Driving a car comes with responsibility. You need to keep up with oil changes, check your tires, and yes—look out for recalls. If you own a Subaru, there’s an easy way to check if your car has any safety recalls. All you need is your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).In this guide, you’ll learn how to use your VIN to check for recalls. You’ll also find out what to do if your Subaru needs a repair.

✅ What Is a Vehicle Recall?

A recall is issued when a vehicle manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle—or a specific part of it—has a defect that could compromise safety, emissions compliance, or both.

Common recalls include:

• Airbags that don’t work
• Faulty brakes
• Fuel system issues

Repairs for recalls are free. You just take your car to the dealer, and they’ll fix it.

✅ Why You Should Check for Subaru Recalls

Subaru vehicles are well-regarded for their durability, but no model is immune to factory defects. Here’s why checking for open recalls is a smart move:

• Stay Safe on the Road: Catch and fix critical issues before they cause harm.
• Protect Your Investment: Keep your Subaru in top condition and preserve resale value.
• Avoid Legal Trouble: Some states require recall repairs to be completed for registration renewal.
• Peace of Mind: Know you’re driving a vehicle that’s up-to-date with factory fixes.

If you’re considering a used Subaru, performing a quick Subaru VIN check can help uncover any hidden recall issues or past damage.

✅ How to Locate Your Subaru VIN

Before you can check for open recalls, you need your Subaru’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This 17-digit code uniquely identifies your car. You can find it in several places:

Once you’ve got your VIN, you’re ready to run a Subaru recall lookup.

✅ How to Perform a Subaru Recall Lookup Using Your VIN

There are several reliable tools you can use to check for recalls. Here are your best options:

1️⃣ NHTSA VIN Lookup Tool

Visit the NHTSA recall check page, enter your VIN, and view a list of open recalls (if any). This tool is comprehensive and updated regularly.

2️⃣ Subaru’s Official Recall Checker

Go to Subaru’s Recall Information Center and input your VIN. You’ll get Subaru-specific recall data, including instructions for free repairs.

3️⃣ Free Vehicle History Report

For a broader overview, use a free vehicle history report tool. These reports include recall status, accident history, previous ownership, title issues, and more.

Tip: Always confirm recall results directly with Subaru or NHTSA for accuracy.

✅ What to Do If Your Subaru Has an Open Recall

Here’s what to do if your Subaru VIN number check shows an open recall:

1. Contact Your Local Subaru Dealer: Provide your VIN and ask to schedule the necessary recall repair.
2. Get the Repair for Free: Recall-related repairs are done at no cost to you.
3. Take Action Quickly: Some recalls are urgent—especially those involving airbags, brakes, or engines.
4. Ask About a Loaner Vehicle: Some dealers offer a loaner car if the repair takes longer.

📋 Real-World Example: The Takata Airbag Recall

One of the most widespread recalls in U.S. automotive history involved defective Takata airbags. Millions of Subarus, including the Impreza and Forester, were affected. These airbags could rupture on deployment, posing a severe risk to drivers and passengers. A recall lookup helped thousands of Subaru owners catch the issue before it caused harm.

Doing a recall check could literally be a lifesaver.

🔁 Make Recall Checks a Regular Habit

Whether you own a Subaru Outback or are considering a used Forester, make it a habit to check for recalls once or twice a year. If you’re in the market for a pre-owned vehicle, don’t skip the VIN check.

For a complete vehicle history, including accidents, title records, and theft checks, use a Subaru VIN check tool before you buy.

If you’re not sure how to interpret your VIN, you can also visit our guide on how to decode a Subaru VIN for a breakdown of what each digit means.

Final Thoughts

Checking for recalls isn’t just something you do when you hear about one on the news. It’s a simple, smart habit that can save lives, protect your investment, and give you peace of mind. With just your VIN, you can see exactly what your Subaru needs—if anything—and take action before problems arise.

Take the next step: Perform your Subaru recall lookup today using your VIN—it only takes a minute, but it could save you a lot more.