Privacy Policy

This policy explains what data Carlyst (carlyst.net) collects, how it's used, and the choices you have. By using this site, you agree to the practices described below.

VIN lookups

When you enter a VIN, it is sent directly from your browser to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) public APIs to retrieve vehicle specifications and recall data. Carlyst does not store, log, or retain the VINs you search.

Cookies and advertising

Carlyst uses Google AdSense to display advertising. Google and its partners may use cookies, device identifiers, and similar technologies to serve ads based on your visits to this site and other sites on the internet.

Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to this site and/or other sites on the Internet.
You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.
You can also opt out of third-party vendor use of cookies for personalized advertising by visiting aboutads.info.

Analytics

Carlyst may use standard web analytics tools to understand aggregate traffic patterns (such as pages visited and general geographic region). This data is used to improve the site and is not linked to the VINs you search.

Data we don't collect

Carlyst does not require an account, does not collect names or email addresses through normal use of the VIN decoder or recall checker, and does not sell personal data.

Your choices

You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect how ads are displayed but will not affect the core VIN decoding or recall checking functionality.

Children's privacy

Carlyst is not directed at children under 13 and does not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to this policy

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in how the site operates or in applicable law. The date below reflects the most recent update.

Contact

Questions about this policy can be sent to the address on the contact page.

Last updated: August 2026