Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Every vehicle has a unique VIN. Enter a VIN to learn if a specific vehicle needs to be repaired as part of a recall.
Where's my VIN?
Look on the lower left of your car’s windshield for your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number. Your VIN is also located on your car’s registration card, and it may be shown on your insurance card.
What this VIN search tool will show
- An unrepaired vehicle affected by a vehicle safety recall in the past 15 calendar years.
- Vehicle safety recalls from major light auto automakers, motorcycle manufacturers and some medium/heavy truck manufacturers
What this VIN search tool will not show
- A vehicle with a repaired safety recall. If your vehicle has no unrepaired recalls, you will see the message: “0 Unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN”.
- Manufacturer customer service or other nonsafety recall campaign.
International vehicles
- There may be a delay with very recently announced safety recalls for which not all VINs have been identified. VINs are added continuously so please check regularly.
Safety recalls that are more than 15 years old (except where a manufacturer offers more coverage)
Safety recalls conducted by small vehicle manufacturers, including some ultra-luxury brands and specialty applications
What happens to my complaint?
Your complaint fuels our work. Learn about the different steps that lead to recalls and safer vehicles.
From your complaints
to recall campaigns
01
Complaints
Reporting your problem is the important first step.
Your complaint will be added to a public NHTSA database after personally identifying information is removed.
If the agency receives similar reports from a number of people about the same product, this could indicate that a safety-related defect may exist that would warrant the opening of an investigation.
Example of Complaints
Have a safety problem?
Report a problem with your vehicle, tires, car seats or other equipment. We review every problem as we work to keep our roads safe.
Report a safety problem02
Investigations
NHTSA conducts an investigation from reported complaints.
A. SCREENING
NHTSA reviews filed complaints from vehicle owners and other information related to alleged defects to decide whether to open an investigation.
B. ANALYSIS
NHTSA conducts an analysis of any petitions calling for defect investigations. If the petition is denied, the reasons for the denial are published in the Federal Register.
C. INVESTIGATION
NHTSA opens an investigation of alleged safety defects. It is closed when they notify the manufacturer of recall recommendations or they don’t identify a safety-related defect.
D. RECALL MANAGEMENT
NHTSA reviews filed complaints from vehicle owners and other information related to alleged defects to decide whether to open an investigation.
View monthly investigation reports03
Recalls
Initiated safety recalls require a manufacturer’s action to announce and remedy the defects.
A recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. Most decisions to conduct a recall and remedy a safety defect are made voluntarily by manufacturers prior to any involvement by NHTSA.
Manufacturers are required to fix the problem by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund, or in rare cases repurchasing the vehicle. View the 2019 Recall Report.
Using our VIN lookup tool, you can access recall information provided by the manufacturer conducting the recall which may be not posted yet on NHTSA’s site.
Takata Recalls Spotlight
The latest updates on Takata recalls
Recalls Spotlight monitors high-profile recalls and offers consumers resources to find and address vehicle recalls.
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