Free · No signup · NHTSA data
Check your car for open recalls
Enter your 17-character VIN to pull every open NHTSA recall for your exact vehicle — component, risk, and the fix — plus the full factory spec sheet.
Vehicle Identification Number
Recall Check
—Vehicle Spec Sheet
Want the full factory spec breakdown front and center? Try the VIN decoder.
Recall checker FAQ
How do I check if my car has an open recall?
Enter your VIN above. This tool decodes it to identify the exact year, make, and model, then queries NHTSA's recall database for that vehicle. Recalls tied to your specific VIN (not just the general model) will be flagged as open if you haven't had the remedy performed yet.
Is a recall check free, and is it accurate?
Yes — this pulls live from NHTSA's public Recalls API, the same federal database manufacturers and dealers use. There's no cost and no signup required.
What should I do if my vehicle has an open recall?
Contact a dealer for that make and schedule the recall remedy — by law, manufacturers must perform recall repairs free of charge. Each recall card above includes the affected component, the risk, and the official remedy so you know what to expect before you call.
Why didn't my search find any recalls?
A "clear" result means NHTSA has no open recalls on file for your vehicle's year, make, and model at this time. It doesn't mean the vehicle has never had a recall — resolved recalls from past owners won't show as open. Check back periodically, since new recalls are issued regularly.
Does this check recalls by license plate instead of VIN?
Not yet — NHTSA's recall data is indexed by VIN-derived year, make, and model, so a VIN gives the most accurate match. If you only have a plate number, your state DMV or insurance card can usually provide the VIN.
How do I know how serious a recall is?
Look at the component and consequence listed on each recall card — airbag, brake, fuel, and steering issues generally carry the highest real-world urgency. See the full recall severity guide for how to read a recall and what to do next.