Free VIN Recall Check & Safety Defect Search

Understanding Vehicle Safety Recalls and Federal Regulations

A safety recall is issued when either the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Why Manufacturers Must Fix Recalls for Free

Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, manufacturers are legally obliged to notify vehicle owners and remedy the defect without charge. Remedies typically include repairing the part, replacing the defective equipment with an updated design, or—in rare circumstances—repurchasing the vehicle at fair market value. The obligation applies to vehicles up to 15 years from the date of original sale.

How to Get Your Vehicle Repaired

If your vehicle model appears in an open recall campaign:

1. Contact any authorized local franchised dealership for your vehicle’s brand.
2. Provide your 17-digit VIN to the service department scheduler.
3. The dealer will inspect their proprietary manufacturer database to check if the repair has been performed on your specific VIN.
4. If the recall remains open, schedule a service appointment; the dealer cannot bill you for recall labor or parts.