In 2024, there were 1,073 safety recalls, affecting more than 35 million vehicles and other automotive equipment. Millions of recalls go unrepaired every year, putting drivers, passengers, and others on the road at risk. Every vehicle recall is a safety-related issue, which means it’s essential to get the repair done as soon as possible. NHTSA urges drivers to check for recalls at least twice yearly, by adding “check for vehicle safety recalls” to their vital spring and fall to-do list, which may also include checking smoke detector batteries.
Check for Recalls at NHTSA.gov
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) provides a free user-friendly tool that allows you to check for open safety recalls for your vehicles, motorcycles, or automotive equipment, such as tires and car seats. Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your license plate or your vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN). In seconds, you’ll know if your vehicle open safety recall. NHTSA’s free VIN or License Plate Look-Up Tool will provide details on any unrepaired recalls on your vehicle — for at least the past 15 calendar years. It provides details on unrepaired safety recalls from major automakers, motorcycle manufacturers, and some medium and heavy truck manufacturers.
Get Recall Alerts From NHTSA
NHTSA’s SaferCar app can also help keep you informed about your vehicle. With SaferCar you get crucial information in real time. Download the app and set up your virtual garage, then add your vehicles, as well as related equipment like tires, trailers, and car seats. The app notifies you of all related recalls and points you to local dealerships handling vehicle repairs. The app also helps you quickly make an appointment to get your car fixed for free. SaferCar is available for both iOS and Android.
Report a Vehicle Safety Issue
If you think your vehicle may have a safety-related defect that isn’t part of a current recall, submit your vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov or by calling the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. Even one complaint could be enough to trigger a safety recall.
For more information, visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls.