BUYING GUIDE · CANADA & USA
How to check a used car for recalls
A recall means the manufacturer found a safety defect and will fix it. Here is how to find out whether a particular car still needs the repair.
Reviewed 7 November 2026 · General buying guidance
Find the VIN
The 17-character vehicle identification number is on the dashboard where it meets the windshield on the driver’s side, on the driver’s door frame and on the registration and insurance documents. Make sure they all match.
Check recalls for that exact car
- USA: enter the VIN in the NHTSA recall lookup ↗ to see recalls that have not been repaired on that vehicle.
- Canada: search the Transport Canada recall database ↗ by make, model and year, then confirm with the manufacturer or a dealer whether the work was done on this VIN.
A list of recalls for a model year is not the same as a recall check for one car. Some campaigns cover only certain production dates, and many cars have already been repaired.
What to do if a recall is open
Recall repairs are normally done free of charge by an authorized dealer. Ask the seller to complete the repair before the sale, or confirm a dealer can book it soon after you buy. Some recalls advise against driving the car until it is fixed.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have all recall campaigns been completed, and do you have the dealer records?
- Has the car had any other warranty or safety repairs?
- Are any warning lights on, or any known issues not yet repaired?
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA are different from recalls. They are unverified reports, but the most common complaint areas for a model are good things to ask about and have inspected.