How recalls work
A manufacturer or NHTSA decides that a safety defect exists. Owners are notified by mail, and the repair is free at an authorized dealer.
Model-year list vs. VIN check
A model-year list shows every campaign for that model and year. A campaign may cover only some build dates, engines or plants. Only a VIN check tells you if your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What the warning flags mean
Do not drive means the manufacturer advises not driving until the vehicle is repaired. Park outside means parking away from buildings because of fire risk. An over-the-air fix is a software update sent to the car.
Sources
Recall data: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from its public recalls API (api.nhtsa.gov). This site refreshes it at most once a day per model.
This site is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA, the U.S. Department of Transportation, or any vehicle manufacturer. A model-year list can include campaigns that do not apply to your vehicle. Always confirm with your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or with an authorized dealer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my car has a recall?
Find the 17-character VIN, enter it on NHTSA.gov/recalls (or the manufacturer's site), and the result shows open recalls that have not been repaired on that vehicle. The model pages here show every campaign for a model year, which helps you see what to ask about.
Is a recall repair free?
Safety recall repairs are done free of charge by authorized dealers. The remedy text on each campaign says what the dealer will do.
Why doesn't my car show a recall that is listed for its model year?
Many campaigns cover only part of a model year. Your VIN may be outside the affected range, or the repair may already be done.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA's public recalls API, refreshed by this site at most once a day per model. NHTSA's VIN search is the official answer for a specific vehicle.
Is this site part of NHTSA?
No. It is an independent site that displays public NHTSA data.