Vehicle Recalls

About Vehicle Safety Recalls

Vehicle safety recalls are issued when a car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle — or a component like tires, car seats, or equipment — is found to have a safety defect or does not comply with federal safety standards. In the U.S., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversees vehicle recalls and maintains the national recall database.

Recalls can be initiated voluntarily by a manufacturer who discovers a defect, or they can be ordered by NHTSA after an investigation. Common causes include defective airbag inflators (such as the widespread Takata airbag recalls), fuel system leaks, brake component failures, steering defects, electrical fires, and software errors in safety-critical systems. Even relatively minor issues — like a faulty seatbelt latch or an incorrect label on a tire — can trigger a recall if they affect safe operation.

Unlike many product recalls, vehicle safety recalls are always free for the owner. Dealers and manufacturers are legally required to repair the defect at no cost to you, regardless of the age of the vehicle or whether it is still under warranty. If a dealer charges you for a recall repair, you can file a complaint with NHTSA.

To find out if your specific vehicle is affected by an open recall, check NHTSA's VIN lookup tool at nhtsa.gov/recallsusing your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number, which is printed on the driver's side door frame and on your registration documents. A recall notice may also be mailed directly to the registered owner. If you buy a used vehicle, always check for open recalls before purchasing.