Every vehicle recall is serious and affects your safety. That's why Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, which begins March 4, focuses on the importance of checking for recalls and getting any unrepaired recalls fixed immediately for free.
Checkfor Recalls
NEW! Search for Recalls by License Plate
NHTSA has added a new feature to its recall lookup tool. Vehicle owners can now check for recalls by license plate. Below are easy steps to check your vehicle for recalls.
- Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls.
- Select your state.
- Enter your vehicle’s license plate number.
- Search to find out if your vehicle is subject to an open safety recall.
Or Search for Recalls by VIN
Every vehicle has a unique Vehicle Identification Number.
- Look for the 17-character VIN on the lower left of your car's windshield, or on the label inside your driver side doorjamb. You might also find your VIN on your vehicle’s registration or your insurance documents.
- Visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls and enter your VIN.
- Search to find out if your vehicle is subject to an open safety recall.
If you have an open recall, immediately get your vehicle repaired for FREE.
Check Car Seats, Tires, and Vehicle-Related Equipment, Too
Recalls are also issued for child car seats, tires and vehicle-related equipment — like bike racks. If any of these items are recalled, manufacturers are required to fix the problem by repairing it, replacing it or offering a refund. You can check for these safetyrecalls at NHTSA.gov/Recalls.
SaferCar App Checks for Recalls Year-Round
With NHTSA's free SaferCar app, you can get recall information sent to your phone. Simply download SaferCar, for Android or iOS,add your vehicle and equipment, and NHTSA will send you an alert if a safety recall is issued.
If you've already downloaded the app, Vehicle Safety Recalls Week is a good time to open the app and make sure your vehicle and equipment information is up-to-date.
The Stakes
In 2023, there were 1,000 recalls for vehicles, car seats, tires, RVs and other equipment. More than 34 million vehicles were recalled in the United States.Yet, millions of vehicle recalls go unrepaired or unaddressed every year.
Vehicle Safety Recalls Week coincides with the week leading up to daylight saving time. Traditionally, this day has been a cue to check smoke detector batteries as you change your clocks. You should also make it a habit to check for vehicle safety recalls when daylight saving time begins and ends.
You should check for open recalls at least twice a year because hundreds of recalls are issued each year and some recalls are updated.
FAQs
If you're buying a car with a recall from a private seller or dealership, you should research the recall and find out if the seller has addressed it. If the seller has not repaired the recall issue, it's a good idea to resolve it as soon as possible after the transaction is complete.
What cars are having recalls right now? ›
Recalls
- Toyota Grand Highlander, Lexus TX Airbag Recall.
- Chrysler Recalling 211K Durango, Ram 2500 Models.
- Kia Recalling 460,000 Tellurides over Fire Risk.
- 8161 Manual 2024 Mustangs Recalled Over Fire Risk.
Safety, Compliance, and Emissions Recalls do not expire. Affected vehicles remain eligible until the repair is completed. Other types of vehicle programs, called Customer Satisfaction Programs, typically have expiration dates and/or mileage limitations.
What website can you search for safety recalls? ›
Check for Recalls
Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls. Select your state. Enter your vehicle's license plate number. Search to find out if your vehicle is subject to an open safety recall.
Can you return a car because of a recall? ›
If you do not want to replace the car, the manufacturer will give you a refund for the full purchase price. If the remedy is a free repair to fix or replace the defective car part, you generally do not have the right to return it or request a refund for your purchase.
What if a dealer refuses to fix a recall? ›
Report the issue to relevant consumer protection agencies such as the California Attorney General's office or the Department of Consumer Affairs. They may be able to mediate the situation or take further action against the dealership under California's consumer protection laws.
What is the most recalled car brand? ›
Top 10 Car Brands with The Most Recalls in 2023
- Ford. Ford tops the 2023 list of what car brand has the most recalls, coming in at 54 total recalls. ...
- Chrysler. Second on our list of the most recalled car brand of 2023 is Chrysler, with 45 car recalls. ...
- BMW. ...
- Mercedes-Benz. ...
- General Motors. ...
- Jaguar Land Rover. ...
- Honda. ...
- Volkswagen.
Cars least likely to face future calls
| Rank | Model | Expected 30-Year Lifetime Recalls |
|---|
| 1 | MINI Convertible | 0.2 |
| 2 | Lexus ES 300h | 0.3 |
| 3 | Lexus RX 450h | 0.3 |
| 4 | Lexus NX 300h | 0.3 |
22 more rowsMay 15, 2024
Is there an expiration date for vehicle recalls? No, there is no recall expiration date. Even if the vehicle is out of warranty, FCA US LLC will repair issues related to an outstanding recall.
What happens if you ignore a recall on your car? ›
Ignoring a recall on your vehicle can cost you more than one way. Some examples are legal ramifications, injuries, higher insurance rates and claim denials.
According to the NHTSA, by law the manufacturer must choose one of three options for correcting the issue: Repair: The vehicle or part will be repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Replacement: If the problem cannot be fixed, the manufacturer can provide you with another identical vehicle or a similar model.
Do safety recalls cost money? ›
Federal law requires recall repairs to be free of charge for vehicles up to 15 years old. You are eligible for a refund from the manufacturer if you've repaired the issue and paid it yourself within a particular time range. You can visit the NHTSA website to check for vehicle recalls.
What are the 3 types of recalls? ›
Recall Classifications
- Class I: Recalls for products that could cause severe injury or death.
- Class II: Recalls for products that might cause significant injury or temporary illness.
- Class III: Recalls for products that are unlikely to cause injury or illness but violate FDA regulations.
Filter by
| Date | Brand Name(s) | Product Description |
|---|
| 06/24/2024 | Wildly Beloved Food | Dried Orzo and Dried Campanelle |
| 06/22/2024 | Sunseed Vita Prima | Hedgehog Food |
| 06/21/2024 | BARKWORTHIES and BEST BULLY STICKS | Green Tripe Dog Treats |
| 06/20/2024 | Snapchill | Coffee Products |
6 more rowsNHTSA issues vehicle safety standards and requires manufacturers to recall vehicles and equipment that have safety-related defects.
Does recall reduce car value? ›
Open recalls are often excellent excuses for some dealers to slash the resale price of your used car. They will not even inform you about the open recall until the very last step of the valuation and only reveal the same if you ask. Not all vehicle owners receive the notice on time.
Does a vehicle recall affect insurance? ›
Car insurance rates are determined in part by the relative safety of a vehicle. If a recall has a long-term effect on the safety of your car, your rates could rise. But this usually isn't the case, so don't worry unless your car has seen multiple recalls or needs other repairs due to the issue.
