Guides

Each guide explains one type of agency record and quotes the agency. The guides do not give advice.

• How a vehicle recall worksFrom the report of the manufacturer to the remedy, in 5 steps.
• How to check a VIN for unrepaired recallsWhat the NHTSA VIN lookup shows, and what it does not show.
• How to read a CPSC recall noticeThe parts of a notice, and where each one is on this register.
• What FDA recall classes meanClass I, Class II and Class III in the words of FDA.
• GlossaryThe terms of the register, with the definitions of the agencies.

Last checked against the agency pages: 1 Oct 2026