NHTSA · Safety recalls
Recall check by VIN
Enter the VIN and see the open safety recalls NHTSA lists for your exact vehicle, then book the repair with the steps below.
VIN decoder
- Paste the 17-character VIN
- Press Decode
- Read specs & recalls
Decoded vehicle
Open safety recalls
What is in a vehicle history report? →
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Affiliate link: EpicVIN pays us a commission if you buy; specs and recalls above come from NHTSA.
How to read a recall result
| Field | What it means |
|---|---|
| NHTSA campaign number (e.g. 24V-123) | Year, "V" for vehicle, and NHTSA's sequence. Quote it to the dealer. |
| Manufacturer recall number | The maker's own code, printed on the owner letter. |
| Component | The system affected: air bags, brakes, fuel, steering. |
| Remedy | What the dealer replaces or reprograms, and whether parts are available. |
Getting a recall repaired
- Call a franchised dealer for your brand with the VIN and the campaign number.
- Ask whether parts are in stock; for "remedy not yet available" recalls the maker mails a second notice.
- Keep the repair order. It shows the recall as closed on the VIN within weeks.
- Paid for a fix before the recall was issued? Ask the maker about reimbursement listed in the owner letter.
Buying used with an open recall
Recall status follows the VIN, not the owner, so a repair is available to you after purchase. Treat "do not drive" recalls (air bag inflators, fire risk) as a reason to wait until the fix is done.
Recalls by model
All makes · Ford F-150 · Ford Explorer · Ram 1500 · Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Questions people ask
Who pays for a safety recall repair?
The manufacturer. Under federal law a franchised dealer repairs an open safety recall at no charge to the owner, whatever the car's age or owner count.
How long do recalls stay open?
Until the repair is done. A recall on a 10-year-old car is still valid if the VIN shows it as incomplete.
Can a used-car seller sell a car with an open recall?
Private sellers can. Dealer rules vary by state, so check the VIN yourself before you buy.