When a manufacturer finds a safety problem affecting a model, it issues a safety recall and asks owners to bring the car in to be fixed. The repair is free at the manufacturer's dealers. But recall letters go to the registered keeper, and when cars change hands many recalls are never done.
What kind of problems lead to recalls?
Recalls cover faults that could cause injury or a crash, such as airbags that may not deploy correctly, fuel leaks, brake or steering components, seat belts, or electrical faults that could cause a fire. Some are minor checks that take minutes; others need parts replaced.
How to check for an outstanding recall
- Our free car check: when the DVSA MOT data shows an outstanding recall for the vehicle, the free check flags it as a safety recall. Start with the registration on our search box.
- The government recall service: DVSA has a service on GOV.UK where you can check recalls by make, model and build date.
- A franchised dealer: give a main dealer for the make the car's VIN and they can tell you which recalls apply and whether they have been done. Our guide shows where to find the VIN.
Buying a car with an outstanding recall
An outstanding recall isn't a reason to walk away by itself, because the fix is free. But:
- Ask the seller whether the recall work has been done and for proof, such as a dealer invoice or a stamp in the service book.
- If it hasn't, book it in with a franchised dealer as soon as you buy the car. For serious recalls, dealers sometimes advise not driving the car until it's fixed.
- A car with several recalls that were never done can be a sign of an owner who didn't look after it.
If you already own the car
Make sure DVLA has your current address on the V5C, so recall letters reach you. If you think your car may be affected, contact a main dealer with the VIN; you don't need to wait for a letter.
Key points
- Safety recalls are free to fix at the manufacturer's dealers.
- Check for recalls with our free check, the GOV.UK service or a dealer using the VIN.
- Ask for proof recall work was done; combine it with the MOT history for a full picture of how the car was looked after.