How Do I Check If My Car Has an Open Recall?
Updated: Oct 14
Your vehicle can have an open safety recall and still look, sound, and drive completely normally.
A recall notice may have gone to an old address. You may have purchased the vehicle used. Or you simply may not know a recall was issued.
That's why every vehicle owner should know how to check their VIN.
It takes about two minutes, costs nothing and could reveal important safety information about the vehicle carrying you and the people you love.
This guide covers how to check your car for open recalls, what the results mean, and what to do if one turns up.
What Is an Open Recall?
A recall happens when a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle or part has a safety defect or doesn't meet federal safety standards. Common examples include faulty airbags, brake problems, fuel system leaks, and software glitches that affect driving controls.
An open recall (sometimes called an unrepaired recall) means the problem has been identified for your specific car, but the fix hasn't been completed. Until a dealer performs the repair, the defect is still on your vehicle.
Safety recall repairs are generally performed at no cost to the vehicle owner by an authorized dealer. Check the recall notice or contact the manufacturer to confirm the remedy available for your VIN.
What You Need Before You Start
The most reliable way to check is with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a unique 17-character code assigned to your car. You can find it in several places:
The lower corner of the dashboard on the driver's side, visible through the windshield
The sticker inside the driver's door jamb
Your vehicle registration card
Your insurance card or policy documents
Your title paperwork
Take a photo of it so you don't have to retype it from memory. VINs never contain the letters I, O, or Q, which helps if you're squinting at a worn sticker.
Step-by-Step: Check Car for Open Recalls on NHTSA
NHTSA's lookup tool is the official and most trusted source.
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Enter your 17-character VIN in the search box.
Click Check.
Review the results on the next screen.
The database covers recalls reported by manufacturers across makes and models, so you don't need to know which brand's site to visit.
What About Checking by License Plate?
This is a common question, and the honest answer is that NHTSA's recall tool searches by VIN, not license plate. If you only have a plate number, you have a few options:
Find the VIN another way. Your registration, insurance card, or the dashboard are the quickest routes.
Check your state DMV. Some states offer their own tools or links tied to registration renewals.
If you're looking at a used car in person, just grab the VIN from the dashboard. It's faster than any plate lookup.
How to Read Your Results
Your results will generally fall into one of these categories.
No unrepaired recalls. There are no open recalls for your VIN right now. Recalls can be issued at any time, so make checking a habit.
Unrepaired recall. A recall applies to your car and the fix hasn't been completed. The listing will describe the defect, the risk, and the remedy. Don't ignore it, even if the car seems fine. Many recall-related failures give little warning.
Remedy not yet available. Sometimes a recall is announced before parts are ready. The listing may include interim guidance, such as avoiding a particular feature or parking outside. Follow it, and check back for updates.
Recall incomplete or partially completed. If a recall involved multiple steps or parts, confirm with a dealer that every step was done.
What to Do If Your Car Has an Open Recall
Read the details. Understand what the defect is and whether any safety instructions apply right away.
Call an authorized dealer for your brand. Give them your VIN and ask to schedule the recall repair. You don't have to buy the car there or have it serviced there previously.
Ask about parts availability. If parts aren't in stock, ask to be placed on a notification list.
Ask about alternatives. Depending on the severity and the manufacturer, you may be able to request a loaner vehicle or mobile service. It never hurts to ask.
Keep your paperwork. Save the repair order showing the recall was completed. It's useful proof when you sell the car.
Report problems. If a dealer refuses to perform a free recall repair or you experience a related issue, you can file a complaint with NHTSA.
Buying or Selling a Used Car? Check First
Open recalls matter even more in used car transactions:
Buyers: Run the VIN before you agree to a price. An open recall isn't automatically a dealbreaker since the repair is free, but you should know about it, and you should confirm you can get it fixed soon.
Sellers: Checking before you list shows transparency and avoids surprises during the buyer's inspection.
Rules differ for new versus used vehicles, and they vary by state, so don't assume a dealer or private seller has already handled recalls.
How Often Should You Check?
New recalls can be announced at any time, including for cars that have been on the road for years. A simple routine works well:
Check once or twice a year, such as at tax time or when you renew your registration.
Check right after buying any used vehicle.
Check before long road trips.
Sign up for alerts if your manufacturer or NHTSA offers email or app notifications for your VIN.
Don't Rely Only on the Mail
Recall notices are mailed to the registered owner at the address on file. If you've moved, bought the car secondhand, or never updated your information, you may not receive anything. Looking it up yourself is the only way to be sure.
Quick Recap
Find your 17-character VIN.
Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
If a recall appears, call an authorized dealer for a free repair.
Keep your repair records.
Re-check periodically, because new recalls can appear anytime.
Two minutes today could prevent a serious problem down the road. At Element 11 Media, we believe vehicle safety information should be accessible to every family. Understanding your vehicle and the risks you may not see can make a real difference in keeping your loved ones safe.
FAQ
Is checking for recalls free?
Yes. NHTSA's lookup is free, and recall repairs are done at no cost to you.
Do recalls expire?
A recall doesn't simply disappear because you didn't respond to the original notice. However, eligibility for a no-cost remedy can depend on circumstances including vehicle age and the particular recall. Check your VIN and contact the manufacturer for the remedy currently available.
Can I Check for Recalls With My License?
NHTSA's official recall lookup uses your vehicle's 17-character VIN. If you don't know your VIN, check the driver's-side dashboard, driver's door jamb, registration or insurance documents.
How Often Should You Check?
Check your VIN after purchasing a used vehicle, whenever you hear about a recall that may affect your model, before putting a newly licensed family member behind the wheel, and periodically throughout ownership. If you're buying a vehicle for your teenager, check the VIN before they ever drive it.
Will a recall show up if I bought the car used?
Yes. NHTSA’s VIN lookup checks the vehicle, not whether you’re the original owner. That’s one reason checking the VIN is particularly important when buying used.
Does an open recall affect my car’s value?
Potentially. An unrepaired safety recall may concern a buyer or dealer evaluating the vehicle. Completing an available recall remedy and keeping the repair documentation removes that uncertainty.
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