Daylight Saving Time Ends – Time to Check for Vehicle Recalls

With Daylight Saving Time ending on Sunday, November 3, NHTSA wants to remind you that it’s also time to check for open recalls. Get that extra hour of sleep in, enjoy those earlier sunrises and sunsets, and change your smoke alarm batteries. Make it a habit to also check for vehicle safety recalls.

In 2023, there were 1,000 recalls affecting more than 34 million vehicles in the United States. Every vehicle recall is serious, yet millions of vehicle recalls go unrepaired or unaddressed every year. That puts you, your passengers, and others on the road at risk.

Don't risk your safety, that of your loved ones, or others on the road by failing to address any open vehicle recall. Take these steps to protect yourself and your family:

How to Check for Vehicle Safety Recalls

Visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls and enter your vehicle’s license plate number or 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN). In seconds, you'll know if your vehicle is subject to a safety recall.

  • Get It Fixed. If your vehicle is affected by a safety recall, contact your dealer to schedule a repair. Every recall is fixed FOR FREE.
  • Download the SaferCar App. With NHTSA's free SaferCar app, you can get recall information sent to your phone. Download our app for Android and iOS, add your vehicle and equipment, and you'll get an alert if a safety recall is issued. If you've already downloaded the app, the end of Daylight Saving Time is a good time to use the app and make sure your vehicle and equipment information is up-to-date.
  • Sign up for Recall Alerts. If your vehicle is included in a future safety recall, you’ll receive an e-mail letting you know.

While manufacturers mail recall notices to owners, reaching out to current vehicle owners becomes more difficult when vehicles have changed hands, particularly if they’ve had multiple owners. It's important to take the initiative, check for yourself, and sign up for recall alerts to make sure you’re informed about a recall that affects your safety.

If you think your vehicle may have a safety-related defect that isn’t part of a current recall, contact NHTSA. Contact NHTSA online or by calling the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

Keep yourself, your family, and your neighbors safe by checking for vehicle safety recalls and getting any open recalls fixed FOR FREE. For more information visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls.