Vehicle Recall Information - Complete Safety Recall Guide

What Are Vehicle Recalls?

Vehicle recalls are safety-related defects or non-compliance issues that manufacturers must fix at no cost to the owner. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) monitors vehicle safety and can require manufacturers to issue recalls for safety defects that pose unreasonable risk to drivers, passengers, or others on the road.

Types of Recalls

1. Safety Recalls

Issued when a vehicle or equipment doesn't comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or has a safety-related defect. Examples include:

• Faulty airbags
• Brake system defects
• Steering component failures
• Electrical system fires
• Structural integrity issues

2. Emissions Recalls

Issued when vehicles don't meet emissions standards. These are less critical for safety but important for environmental compliance.

What Information is Included in Recall Reports?

Open Recalls

• Recalls that haven't been fixed yet
• Safety issues that need immediate attention
• NHTSA campaign numbers
• Detailed descriptions of the defect
• Potential consequences if not fixed

Completed Recalls

• Recalls that have been fixed
• Repair dates and locations
• Confirmation of completion

Recall Details

• Component affected (airbags, brakes, etc.)
• Manufacturer remedy
• Date recall was issued
• Number of vehicles affected
• Contact information for repairs

Why Check Recall Information?

Safety First

Open recalls can pose serious safety risks. Checking recall status helps you:

• Identify critical safety issues before purchase
• Ensure all recalls are fixed
• Understand potential safety risks
• Make informed safety decisions

Free Repairs

Manufacturers must fix recalls at no cost, even if you're not the original owner. Checking recalls helps you:

• Get free safety repairs
• Save money on potential issues
• Ensure vehicle is in best condition

Value Impact

While recalls don't typically affect resale value significantly, vehicles with many open recalls may:

• Have safety concerns
• Require immediate attention
• Indicate potential future problems

Common Types of Recalls

Airbag Recalls

One of the most common and serious types of recalls. Faulty airbags can fail to deploy or deploy unexpectedly, causing serious injury or death.

Brake System Recalls

Critical safety issues with braking systems can cause loss of braking power, increasing crash risk.

Electrical System Recalls

Electrical issues can cause fires, loss of power, or failure of critical systems.

Steering and Suspension Recalls

Defects in steering or suspension can cause loss of control.

How to Handle Recalls

If Vehicle Has Open Recalls

1. Contact the manufacturer or local dealership
2. Schedule free repair appointment
3. Get recall fixed before driving if it's critical
4. Keep documentation of repairs

Before Buying

• Check for open recalls
• Verify completed recalls were actually fixed
• Factor recall status into purchase decision
• Negotiate price if recalls need attention

Understanding NHTSA Recall Process

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for monitoring vehicle safety and enforcing recall regulations. Here's how the process works:

1. Safety Defect Identification: NHTSA or manufacturers identify safety-related defects
2. Investigation: NHTSA investigates to determine if recall is necessary
3. Recall Order: Manufacturer is required to issue recall if safety risk is confirmed
4. Owner Notification: Manufacturers must notify all registered owners
5. Free Repair: Manufacturers must fix the defect at no cost

How to Check for Recalls

Using VIN

The most accurate way to check recalls is by VIN, as recalls are often specific to certain model years, production dates, or vehicle configurations. Our comprehensive reports include all recalls specific to your vehicle's VIN.

NHTSA Website

You can also check recalls directly on NHTSA's website (safercar.gov) by entering your VIN. However, our reports provide this information along with other critical vehicle history data in one convenient report.

What to Do If Your Vehicle Has a Recall

Immediate Actions

• Contact your local dealership or manufacturer
• Schedule a repair appointment
• If the recall is critical, avoid driving until fixed
• Keep all repair documentation

Critical vs. Non-Critical Recalls

Some recalls are more urgent than others:

• Critical recalls: Airbag failures, brake defects, steering issues - fix immediately
• Non-critical recalls: Minor issues that don't affect immediate safety - schedule when convenient

Recalls and Vehicle Purchases

Before Buying

Always check for open recalls before purchasing:

• Identify safety issues that need attention
• Factor recall repairs into your decision
• Negotiate price if recalls need fixing
• Verify that completed recalls were actually fixed

After Buying

If you discover recalls after purchase:

• Contact manufacturer or dealership immediately
• Schedule free repairs
• Get all recalls fixed as soon as possible
• Keep documentation for your records

Frequently Asked Questions

Are recalls free to fix?

Yes, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no cost, regardless of vehicle age, mileage, or ownership history. This applies even if you're not the original owner.

How long do I have to get a recall fixed?

There's no time limit. Recalls can be fixed at any time, even years after the recall was issued. However, for safety reasons, critical recalls should be fixed immediately.

Do recalls affect vehicle value?

Generally no, as long as recalls are fixed. However, vehicles with many open recalls may have safety concerns that could affect value. Fixed recalls typically don't impact resale value.

Can I check recalls myself?

Yes, you can check recalls on NHTSA's website (safercar.gov) or through our comprehensive vehicle history reports, which include recall information along with other critical vehicle data.

What if the manufacturer goes out of business?

If a manufacturer goes out of business, NHTSA may work with other entities to provide recall repairs. Contact NHTSA for assistance in these cases.

Do I need to fix recalls to sell my car?

While not legally required in most states, fixing recalls before selling is recommended as it demonstrates vehicle maintenance and can help justify your asking price.