Check your car for safety recalls
Before you pay for a repair, check whether the problem is covered by a safety recall. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer, even on used cars. Results come live from the NHTSA database.
How car recalls work
When a manufacturer or NHTSA finds a safety defect, the manufacturer must notify owners and fix the problem for free. Recalls cover everything from airbags and seat belts to fuel pumps, brakes, wiring and software. There is no expiration date on most safety recalls, and they follow the car, not the owner.
Because recall notices are mailed to the address on the registration, many used-car owners never receive them. That is why it is worth checking before paying for a repair: if your symptom matches an open recall, the dealer should fix it at no cost.
What to do if your car has an open recall
- Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.gov or by calling a dealer of your brand.
- Book the recall repair with any authorized dealer. You do not need to go back to the dealer that sold you the car.
- Ask whether a loaner or rental car is offered while parts are on order.
- If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, ask the manufacturer about reimbursement.
Frequently asked questions
Are recall repairs free?
Yes. Under federal law, the manufacturer must fix a safety recall for free at an authorized dealer, regardless of who owns the car now.
Does this tool tell me if my specific car was already fixed?
No. It lists every recall issued for that model and year. To see whether your exact car still has an open recall, enter your 17-character VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask any dealer of that brand.
Can a recall explain the problem my car has?
Sometimes. Recalls often cover parts such as fuel pumps, airbags, brakes and electrical components. If a recall matches your symptom, the dealer may fix it for free instead of you paying a shop.
Where does the data come from?
Directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls database, queried live when you search.