How to check a VIN for unrepaired recalls
A page of this register is for a model year. It lists each recall campaign that names the model year. It cannot show if a recall applies to one vehicle, or if that vehicle has the remedy.
NHTSA has a lookup for one vehicle at nhtsa.gov/recalls. This guide explains what the lookup shows.
What a VIN is
A VIN is the vehicle identification number. It has 17 characters, and each vehicle has a different one. NHTSA says where it is.
Look on the lower left of your car’s windshield for your 17-character VIN. Your VIN is also located on your car’s registration card, and it may be shown on your insurance card.
NHTSA. Source: NHTSA, Check for Recalls.
What the lookup shows
The lookup takes a VIN or a license plate. NHTSA describes the result.
When searching by license plate or VIN, you’ll learn if a specific vehicle needs to be repaired as part of a recall.
NHTSA. Source: NHTSA, Check for Recalls.
For a vehicle with no unrepaired recall, NHTSA shows this message.
0 unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN.
NHTSA. Source: NHTSA, Check for Recalls.
What the lookup does not show
NHTSA lists 6 things that the search by VIN or license plate does not show.
- A safety recall that has already been repaired.
- Some recently announced safety recalls for which not all VINs have been identified. VINs are added continuously so please check regularly.
- Safety recalls that are more than 15 years old (except where a manufacturer offers more coverage).
- Safety recalls conducted by small vehicle manufacturers, including some ultra-luxury brands and specialty applications.
- Manufacturer customer service or other non-safety recall campaigns.
- A recall involving an international vehicle.
NHTSA. Source: NHTSA, Check for Recalls.
The lookup and this register
| Question | NHTSA VIN lookup | Model year page |
|---|---|---|
| Is the answer for one vehicle? | Yes | No, for all vehicles of the model year |
| Does it show recalls that have the remedy? | No | Yes, each campaign in the NHTSA file |
| Does it show recalls of more than 15 years ago? | Not always | Yes, from 1966 |
| Does it show complaints and investigations? | No | Yes |
After the lookup
NHTSA states who gives the remedy and what it costs.
NHTSA will monitor each safety recall to make sure owners receive safe, free, and effective remedies from manufacturers according to the Safety Act and Federal regulations.
NHTSA. Source: NHTSA, Check for Recalls.
A campaign entry on this register shows the NHTSA campaign number and, when the file has it, the campaign number of the manufacturer. How a vehicle recall works explains each part of an entry.
Child seats, tires and equipment
These products have no VIN. NHTSA describes the search for them.
When searching by a vehicle’s year, make and model, or for car seats, tires or equipment, you'll get general results for recalls, investigations, complaints and manufacturer communications.
NHTSA. Source: NHTSA, Check for Recalls.
This register lists their recall campaigns by brand under Child seats, tires and equipment.
Last checked against the agency pages: