Every vehicle recall is serious and affects your safety. That's why Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, which begins March 4, focuses on the importance of checking for recalls and getting any unrepaired recalls fixed immediately for free.
Check for Recalls
NEW! Search for Recalls by License Plate
NHTSA has added a new feature to its recall lookup tool. Vehicle owners can now check for recalls by license plate. Below are easy steps to check your vehicle for recalls.
- Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls.
- Select your state.
- Enter your vehicle’s license plate number.
- Search to find out if your vehicle is subject to an open safety recall.
Or Search for Recalls by VIN
Every vehicle has a unique Vehicle Identification Number.
- Look for the 17-character VIN on the lower left of your car's windshield, or on the label inside your driver side doorjamb. You might also find your VIN on your vehicle’s registration or your insurance documents.
- Visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls and enter your VIN.
- Search to find out if your vehicle is subject to an open safety recall.
If you have an open recall, immediately get your vehicle repaired for FREE.
Check Car Seats, Tires, and Vehicle-Related Equipment, Too
Recalls are also issued for child car seats, tires and vehicle-related equipment — like bike racks. If any of these items are recalled, manufacturers are required to fix the problem by repairing it, replacing it or offering a refund. You can check for these safety recalls at NHTSA.gov/Recalls.
SaferCar App Checks for Recalls Year-Round
With NHTSA's free SaferCar app, you can get recall information sent to your phone. Simply download SaferCar, for Android or iOS, add your vehicle and equipment, and NHTSA will send you an alert if a safety recall is issued.
If you've already downloaded the app, Vehicle Safety Recalls Week is a good time to open the app and make sure your vehicle and equipment information is up-to-date.
The Stakes
In 2023, there were 1,000 recalls for vehicles, car seats, tires, RVs and other equipment. More than 34 million vehicles were recalled in the United States. Yet, millions of vehicle recalls go unrepaired or unaddressed every year.
Vehicle Safety Recalls Week coincides with the week leading up to daylight saving time. Traditionally, this day has been a cue to check smoke detector batteries as you change your clocks. You should also make it a habit to check for vehicle safety recalls when daylight saving time begins and ends.
You should check for open recalls at least twice a year because hundreds of recalls are issued each year and some recalls are updated.