Vehicle Recall
A vehicle recall is an action by a manufacturer to fix a safety defect or compliance issue in affected vehicles, usually free of charge.
What is Vehicle Recall?
In the US recalls are registered with NHTSA. Owners are normally notified by mail. VIN lookup shows open recalls. Recalls can cover anything from airbags and brakes to software and labels. Some recalls advise owners not to drive or park outdoors until the repair is done, so read notices carefully.
How it works
The manufacturer identifies affected vehicles and authorised dealers perform the repair.
Why it matters for your car
Open recalls should be fixed promptly. Used car buyers should check for open recalls.
Other terms
- Blower Motor (Heater Fan)
- Charge-sustaining Mode (Hybrid Mode)
- Crankshaft Oil Seal
- Dealer Warranty (Used-Car Warranty)
- Door Seal (Weatherstrip)
- E-axle (Electric Drive Unit)
- Engine Flush
- EU Tyre Label
- Exhaust Manifold
- Historic Vehicle Registration (Classic Plates)
- Key Programming
- Lean Mixture
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
- Part Number
- Piston Slap
- Range Anxiety
- Spot Welding (Resistance Spot Welding)
- SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
- Universal Joint (U-joint)
- Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)