If a recall was never repaired, it is still open when the car changes hands. Checking before you buy is free and takes a few minutes. Here are the two steps, in order.
Step 1: NHTSA's free VIN lookup
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter the car's 17-character VIN. You will find it on the dashboard at the bottom of the windshield, on the driver's door jamb, and on the title.
If a recall is open, write down each one and what it covers.
What NHTSA's search will not show
NHTSA lists these itself, under "What won't the license plate and VIN search 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."
So a clean result from NHTSA is a good start, not the whole answer. That is why there is a second step.
Step 2: A dealer for that brand
Call or visit a dealer that sells that make, give them the VIN, and ask them to look it up. Ask for three things:
- Any open safety recall. NHTSA's search may not yet show some recently announced ones.
- Any other open campaign on the car, the kind NHTSA's search leaves out: manufacturer customer service or other non-safety campaigns.
- Whether any recall has already been repaired on this car. NHTSA's search does not show repaired recalls.
If you are buying from a dealer for that brand, ask the salesperson to run it while you are there.
If a recall is open
- The repair is free. NHTSA tells owners to "contact your local dealership to fix the recalled part for free."
- Read the recall itself. NHTSA also tells owners to "follow any interim safety guidance provided by the manufacturer". Some recalls tell owners what to do, or not do, until the repair.
- Ask the seller whether the repair has been booked or done, and for the paperwork if they say it has.
Then decide whether you want the repair done before you take the car.
What our report does with recalls
Our report points you to the free NHTSA lookup. If recalls are one of your Areas of Concern, which you can name when you book Enhanced (up to 3) or Elite (up to 6), we answer it in your report.
Recalls are one part of buying a car. The inspection is about the condition of the whole car: one of our certified technicians comes to the car and you get a written report with photos.
Frequently asked questions
Is the NHTSA recall lookup free? Yes. Enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA shows no open recalls. Am I done? It is a good sign. NHTSA's own list of what its search will not show includes some recently announced recalls and non-safety campaigns, so ask a dealer for that brand to run the VIN as well.
Who pays for a recall repair on a used car? NHTSA tells owners to "contact your local dealership to fix the recalled part for free."
Do you check recalls during the inspection? Our report points you to the free NHTSA lookup. If recalls are one of your Areas of Concern on Enhanced or Elite, we answer it in your report.
Buying a used car in the Atlanta or Orlando area? Call us at 833-644-0800 and talk it through before you buy. Then book your inspection at carproinspections.com.