How to Check for Open Recalls on Any Car (Step-by-Step Guide)

You know that feeling when you find an extra fry at the bottom of the bag? That’s a great surprise. Finding out your car has an open recall? Not so much.

Recalls happen when manufacturers or the NHTSA (a.k.a. the car safety police) discover an issue that could turn your daily drive into an action movie—minus the fun part.

If you’re asking yourself, “How do I check if my car has a recall?”—don’t worry. This guide will walk you through it step by step.

Run an NHTSA VIN recall lookup now to ensure your next car is safe and theft-free.

What is a Vehicle Recall?

A vehicle recall happens when a carmaker finds out that a certain model has a problem or doesn’t meet safety standards. This could be an issue with the airbags, brakes, fuel system, or other important parts. 

When a recall is announced, the manufacturer has to let owners know and fix the problem for free—whether that means repairing it, replacing a part, or sometimes offering a refund.

Why Checking for Recalls is Important

Ignoring a recall can put your safety at risk. Some recalls are minor, but others can be serious, like engine failure or brake problems. Checking for recalls helps keep your car safe to drive. Luckily, it’s easy to check for open recalls online using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

How to Find Your VIN

Your VIN is a 17-character code unique to your vehicle. You can find it in several places:

• On the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield)
• Inside the driver’s side door frame

In older models, the VIN plate may also be found in these locations:

• Under the hood or on the engine block
• Inside the trunk or near the spare tire

If you can’t locate it on the vehicle, check these documents:

• On your vehicle registration
• On your insurance documents
• On your vehicle’s title 

Once you have your VIN, you’re ready to check for recalls.

How to Check Recalls on My Car?

1. Use the NHTSA VIN Recall Lookup Tool

The NHTSA VIN recall lookup tool allows you to check for government-issued recalls. Here’s how:

• Go to the NHTSA recall page.
• Enter your 17-digit VIN in the search bar.
• Click “Search” to see if your car has an open recall.
• If a recall is listed, follow the instructions to get it fixed at an authorized dealership.

2. Check Recalls Using VinCheck.info

Another way to check recalls by VIN is through VinCheck.info, which provides a free and comprehensive recall report. This tool is especially helpful when buying a used car to check for past and present recalls.

3. Contact Your Car Manufacturer or Dealership

The world’s three biggest automakers—Toyota, Volkswagen, and Stellantis—have their own recall lookup tools. You can:

• Visit your car manufacturer’s website and enter your VIN.
• Call a dealership and ask them to check for recalls.

What to Do If Your Vehicle Has a Recall

If your vehicle is affected by a recall, follow these steps:

• Read the Recall Notice: It will explain the issue, risks, and repair details.
• Confirm Your Car is Affected: Use the NHTSA website or your manufacturer’s tool to double-check.
• Schedule a Repair: Contact an authorized dealership to book a free repair appointment.
• Get the Repair Done for Free: By law, recall repairs cost nothing to the owner.
• Ask About Repair Timeframes: Some repairs may require waiting for parts.
• Arrange Transportation if Needed: Some dealerships offer loaner cars, rentals, or shuttle services.
• Check for Additional Recalls: Ask if there are any other outstanding recalls on your vehicle.
• Keep Repair Documents: Save all paperwork in case of future issues or when selling the car.
• Monitor Your Car After the Repair: Ensure the issue is fixed and report any lingering problems.
• Report Any Issues: If the dealership refuses to do the repair or delays service, report it to the NHTSA.
• Older Recalls: If your car is too old or the manufacturer is out of business, contact the NHTSA for next steps.

Stay Safe and Stay Informed

Checking for recalls keeps you and others safe. Whether using the NHTSA recall lookup tool or VinCheck.info, staying updated helps prevent accidents and expensive repairs.

Take a few minutes to do VIN lookup today. It’s quick, free, and could save lives!