Car Recall Check

To check for car recalls, decode your VIN or enter the make, model and model year. This free tool asks the NHTSA Recalls API for every safety recall campaign filed for that vehicle and shows the component, the risk, the remedy and any "park it" warning. Recall repairs are typically done free at a dealer.

Find the VIN on the driver-side dashboard (seen through the windshield), the driver door jamb sticker, or your title, registration or insurance card.

Or search by make, model and year

Not a government site. Plain Car Tools is an independent, free tool. Vehicle and recall data come from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public APIs (vPIC and Recalls). NHTSA does not endorse this site. For official recall status by VIN, use nhtsa.gov/recalls. Results are general information, not mechanic advice. Have a qualified mechanic or dealer inspect your vehicle before acting on them.

FAQ

Are recall repairs free?

Generally, yes. In the U.S., safety recall repairs are typically done free at a dealer for the brand, even if you're not the original owner. Confirm with the dealer.

Does this show recalls for my exact VIN?

It shows NHTSA recall campaigns for the make, model and year. Not every vehicle in a campaign is affected, so confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.

What does 'Park It' mean on a recall?

It means NHTSA and the maker advise not driving the vehicle until it's repaired, usually because of a fire or crash risk.

How often are recalls updated?

NHTSA updates recall data as campaigns are filed. Each lookup here pulls the latest data live.