Wheel ScoutWhat a safety recall is
When a car maker or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds a safety defect or a part that doesn't meet federal safety standards, the maker has to recall the cars it affects and fix them at no cost to the owner through its dealers. Under federal law that covers vehicles up to 15 years old.
Model recalls and this car's open recalls
The list above the reports shows every recall issued for that year, make and model. Whether a specific car's repair was done is tracked by the maker against its VIN. To see that, enter the VIN on NHTSA's own lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call a dealer for that brand.
Buying a used car with an open recall
- Ask for the paperwork. A dealer repair order shows the recall was done.
- Get it fixed anyway. If it's still open, the maker's dealer fixes it at no cost to you, even as the second or third owner.
- Watch for parts delays. Some recalls wait months for parts. Ask the dealer before you buy if the defect makes the car unsafe to drive.
Recalls don't show the car's history
A recall check covers the model. It says nothing about this car's title: a salvage or flood brand, an odometer rollback or a theft record. Run the history before you pay the seller.
The reports
Recalls cover the model. The reports cover this car.
Basic history report
By VIN or license plate · official NMVTIS record · shows right away
- Salvage, junk, flood and rebuilt title brands
- Title history by state, with dates
- Odometer readings and rollback flags
- Total-loss records from insurers
- Theft check
- Market value for the car
Full vehicle history report
By VIN or license plate · Not instant: emailed or texted to you within two hours
- Every owner, how they used it (personal, lease, rental or fleet) and where
- Accidents and damage reports
- Title brands: salvage, junk, rebuilt, flood, fire, hail, lemon
- Odometer readings over time, checked for rollbacks
- Service and maintenance history
- Open recalls and common owner complaints for the model
Recall check questions
How do I check if a car has a recall?
Type its VIN or license plate above. We list every safety recall NHTSA has on file for that year, make and model. To see whether a specific car's repair was done, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask a dealer.
Who pays for a recall repair?
The maker. Safety recall repairs are done by the brand's dealers at no cost to the owner, for vehicles up to 15 years old, even if you bought the car used.
Can you sell a used car with an open recall?
Federal law doesn't stop a private sale of a used car with an open recall, so it happens often. Check before you buy and get the repair booked.
Where does the recall list come from?
From NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which keeps every safety recall filed in the US.
Does a recall mean the car is bad?
No. Most recalls are fixed with one dealer visit, and nearly every model has some. What matters is whether this car's recall was fixed, and what its title history says.
What else should I check before buying?
The title. The $5 history report shows salvage, flood and rebuilt brands, odometer readings and theft records.
More ways to check a car
Find the deal, then check it.
Wheel Scout alerts you the moment an underpriced car posts on Marketplace, OfferUp or Craigslist near you, and runs the history right in the app.
The basic history report uses NMVTIS data from an approved NMVTIS data provider. NMVTIS records come from states, insurers and salvage yards; not every event is reported to it. Vehicle specs and recalls come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Wheel Scout is not affiliated with any marketplace or government agency.