VIN Decode · Recall Lookup · Buyer Check
NHTSA VIN Check: What the Federal Tools Cover
NHTSA runs two VIN tools: vPIC decodes a 17-character VIN into year, make, model, trim, engine, body and plant, and the recall lookup lists the safety recalls for that VIN. Run both on this page in three steps.
VIN decoder
- Paste the 17-character VIN
- Press Decode
- Read specs & recalls
Decoded vehicle
Open safety recalls
What is in a vehicle history report? →
EpicVIN price: $1 for a 3-day trial, then a monthly plan until you cancel in your EpicVIN account.
Affiliate link: EpicVIN pays us a commission if you buy; specs and recalls above come from NHTSA.
Affiliate link: EpicVIN pays us a commission if you buy; your price is the same. EpicVIN starts with $1 for a 3-day trial, then a monthly plan until you cancel.
What NHTSA's VIN Tools Cover
Federal rule 49 CFR Part 565 requires a 17-character VIN on vehicles from model year 1981. The VIN never uses the letters I, O or Q. Positions 1-3 are the World Manufacturer Identifier, position 9 is a check digit, and position 10 is the model year code.
NHTSA vPIC (Product Information Catalog and Vehicle Listing) is the federal VIN decoding database built from manufacturer submissions. The recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls searches by VIN and covers safety recalls from the past 15 calendar years.
- vPIC decode: year, make, model, trim, engine, body and plant.
- Recall lookup: safety recalls tied to the VIN.
- Repair: recall work is done at no charge by a franchised dealer.
DPPA (18 U.S.C. 2721) keeps owner names, addresses and phone numbers in DMV records private except for permissible purposes. This site shows vehicle data only.
Run Both NHTSA Checks Here
The VIN tool on this page decodes any 17-character VIN from model year 1981 and newer with NHTSA vPIC data and lists open NHTSA safety recalls for that VIN at no cost.
- Enter the 17-character VIN.
- Read the vPIC decode: year, make, model, trim, engine, body, plant.
- Review the open NHTSA safety recalls listed for the VIN.
For title brands, odometer readings and total-loss records, full vehicle history reports come from the partner EpicVIN: $1 for a 3-day trial, then a monthly plan until you cancel.
Weighing vPIC against a paid NMVTIS title report? Read NHTSA vPIC vs NMVTIS history reports.
Affiliate link: EpicVIN pays us a commission if you buy; your price is the same. EpicVIN starts with $1 for a 3-day trial, then a monthly plan until you cancel.
Questions people ask
How do I run an NHTSA recall lookup by VIN?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the tool on this page or at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The result lists safety recalls from the past 15 calendar years for that VIN, and a franchised dealer repairs open recalls at no charge.
What does NHTSA vPIC decode from a VIN?
vPIC is the federal VIN decoding database built from manufacturer submissions. It returns year, make, model, trim, engine, body and plant for any 17-character VIN from model year 1981 and newer.
How far back do NHTSA safety recalls go?
The recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls searches by VIN and covers safety recalls from the past 15 calendar years. Recall repairs are done at no charge by a franchised dealer.