How to Check if a Used Car Has Recalls and What to Do About Them

What a recall means and why it matters for a used car

A recall is an order from the manufacturer to fix a safety defect or design flaw that affects multiple vehicles. When you buy a used car, some recalls may have already been fixed by the previous owner, but others may still be open — meaning the car has a known problem that the manufacturer will repair for free.

The difference between a used car and a new one is that you cannot see the repair history just by looking. A car that looks fine may have an unfixed recall sitting on it. Before you buy, you need to know what recalls exist for that specific vehicle and whether they have been completed.

Recalls are issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a federal agency. They cover everything from brake failures to airbag defects to engine fires. Some are urgent; others are less critical but still worth fixing.

Key Takeaways

• You can search for recalls on any used car for free using the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
• A recall does not mean the car is unsafe to drive right now — it means the manufacturer has identified a defect and will fix it at no cost to you.
• If you buy a used car with open recalls, you can take it to any authorized dealer for that brand and have the repairs done free of charge.
• Before buying a used car, ask the seller whether recalls have been completed and request proof of the repairs.
• Some states require dealers to disclose open recalls before sale; check your state's rules before you purchase.

How to find recalls using the vehicle identification number

The fastest way to check for recalls is to use your car's VIN, a 17-character code that identifies that specific vehicle. You can find the VIN on the driver's side of the windshield, on the door jamb, or in your registration paperwork.

Go to safercar.gov, the official NHTSA website. Enter your VIN in the search box and select your vehicle year, make, and model. The site will show you every recall issued for that car, whether it has been fixed, and what the defect is. You can also call NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 and provide your VIN over the phone.

Some state Departments of Motor Vehicles also allow you to search recalls through their websites. Check your state's DMV site to see if this option is available where you live.

Understanding what the recall report tells you

When you pull up a recall, you will see the defect described, the date the recall was issued, and how many vehicles are affected. The report also tells you whether the recall has been completed on your specific car.

If the report says the recall is "open," it means the repair has not been done yet. If it says "closed" or shows a completion date, the previous owner or dealer already had it fixed. Ask the seller for documentation of any completed recalls — a service record or receipt from the dealership.

Some recalls are more urgent than others. A recall for a brake defect or airbag problem is more serious than one for a seat belt adjustment or dashboard rattle. The NHTSA report will describe the risk, so you can decide how concerned you are.

What to do if the car has open recalls

An open recall does not mean you cannot buy the car. It means you will need to get the repair done after purchase. Any authorized dealer for that brand will do the work for free — you do not have to go to the dealership where you bought the car.

Before you buy, negotiate with the seller. Some sellers will have the recall fixed before the sale; others will lower the price to account for the repair you will need to do. Get this agreement in writing in your purchase contract.

After you buy the car, schedule an appointment at a dealer and bring your recall notice. The repair usually takes a few hours to a few days, depending on what needs to be fixed. You will not pay anything.

State disclosure rules for used car dealers

Many states require used car dealers to tell you about open recalls before you buy. South Carolina law requires dealers to disclose known defects, which includes open recalls. If a dealer sells you a car with an open recall without telling you, you may have grounds to return it or demand a refund.

Private sellers (people selling their own cars) are not always required to disclose recalls in the same way, though it is good practice to ask. Always search the VIN yourself rather than relying only on what the seller tells you.

If you bought a used car and later discovered an open recall that the dealer did not mention, contact your state's Attorney General's office or consumer protection agency to file a complaint.

Recalls versus other repairs and warranties

A recall is different from a repair that is simply recommended or needed because the car is old. A recall is a safety issue that the manufacturer acknowledges and will fix for free. If something breaks that is not part of a recall — like a transmission or water pump — you will pay for that repair yourself.

Recalls are also separate from the manufacturer's warranty. Even if your warranty has expired, the manufacturer will still fix a recalled defect at no cost. This is a legal obligation, not a warranty benefit.

Some dealers or sellers may try to charge you for a recall repair or tell you that you have to pay because the warranty is expired. This is not true. If a dealer charges you for a recall repair, report it to NHTSA and your state's consumer protection office.

What happens if you ignore an open recall

You are not legally required to fix a recall, but it is not a good idea to ignore one. If the defect causes an accident or injury, you could face liability issues, especially if you knew about the recall and did not have it fixed.

If you sell the car later, you will need to disclose the open recall to the buyer. Some buyers will walk away, and others will demand a lower price. Having the recall fixed before you sell makes the car easier to sell and protects you from future disputes.

Manufacturers sometimes issue multiple recalls for the same vehicle over time. Check safercar.gov again a few months after you buy the car to see if new recalls have been issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a recall fixed at any mechanic, or does it have to be a dealership?

Most recalls must be done at an authorized dealer for that brand. Some recalls can be done by independent shops, but the dealer is the safest choice because they have the exact parts and training. Call the dealership first to confirm they can do the recall and to schedule an appointment.

If I buy a used car with an open recall, can I return it?

That depends on your state's lemon law and the dealer's return policy. In South Carolina, you have limited time to return a used car if it has a defect the dealer did not disclose. Check your purchase agreement and contact your state's consumer protection office if you believe you were misled about recalls.

How long does a recall repair usually take?

Most recall repairs take between one and four hours, though some complex ones may take longer. Call the dealership to ask how long the specific recall will take, and ask whether you need to leave the car or can wait. Some dealers offer loaner cars while yours is being repaired.

What if the recall repair does not fix the problem?

Contact the dealership and tell them the problem is still happening. They will do the repair again at no cost. If the problem persists after a second attempt, contact NHTSA and file a complaint. You may also be able to pursue a claim under your state's lemon law.

Do I need to register my car with the manufacturer to get a recall fixed?

No. The manufacturer has a record of every car they built based on the VIN. You do not need to register anything. Just bring your car and the recall notice to the dealership, and they will look up your vehicle in their system.