How to Check for Recalls (by VIN or by Model)

Updated 2026-10-07 · Sourced from NHTSA public data

Safety recalls are free to check and always public. There are two ways to look them up.

By make, model and year

Use our recall lookup: choose the make, model and model year to see matching NHTSA campaigns, including the affected component, risk and campaign number — with a link to the official record. Records can be delayed or incomplete, and a model-level campaign does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or has already been repaired.

By exact VIN

To confirm whether a specific vehicle still has an unrepaired recall, use the official VIN-level tool at NHTSA.gov/recalls. It reflects whether the individual car has already had the remedy performed.

Recalls vs. complaints

Don’t confuse the two. A recall is an official, manufacturer-issued safety action. A complaint is an unverified report filed by an owner. Both are hosted by NHTSA, but only recalls are confirmed defects. We label them separately and never present a complaint as a proven fault.

All recall data on this site comes directly from NHTSA and is provided for informational purposes; verify current status with your dealer.

Decode a VIN now

Free, no signup — specs and recalls from NHTSA.

Open the VIN decoder

OPTIONAL CHECKING TOOLS

Optional tools for routine tire checks

Tire maintenance is separate from a recall lookup. These tools do not diagnose a recall or replace the manufacturer’s remedy.

Check tire pressure

AstroAI digital tire gauge

A compact digital gauge for checking pressure before a drive or a used-vehicle inspection.

150 PSI maximum. Check valve access and use the vehicle’s specified cold pressure.

View on Amazon
Measure remaining tread

GODESON tread-depth gauges

A two-piece set for comparing tread depth at several points across a tire.

Read the measurement against your tire maker’s guidance; color bands alone are not a safety verdict.

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check price and fit on Amazon.

More guides