Car Recall Check: Does This Car Have a Safety Recall?

Does this car have an outstanding recall?

Enter the registration in the search box above. The free check reads the vehicle's DVSA record, and when the manufacturer has reported an outstanding safety recall for that vehicle, the check flags it alongside the MOT history.

Not every manufacturer shares recall data this way, so a clear result is not a guarantee. For a definite answer, give a franchised dealer for the make the car's VIN: they can see every recall for that exact vehicle and whether the work was done.

What a car recall is

When a manufacturer finds a fault that could cause a crash, an injury or a fire, it issues a safety recall and writes to the registered keepers of the affected vehicles. Recalls are overseen in the UK by the DVSA. Common examples are airbags, brakes, steering parts, seat belts, fuel leaks and electrical faults.

The repair is free at the manufacturer's dealers, however old the car is and however many owners it has had.

Three ways to check for recalls

• By registration, free: the free check above, which shows an outstanding recall when the DVSA record has one.
• By make and model: the DVSA recall search on GOV.UK lists recalls by make, model and build dates, for cars, motorbikes, parts and accessories such as child seats.
• By VIN: a franchised dealer can check the exact vehicle. Our guide shows where to find the VIN, and the VIN check confirms it belongs to the car.

Buying a car with an outstanding recall

A recall on its own is not a reason to walk away, because the fix is free. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, such as a dealer invoice or a service book stamp. If it was not done, book it with a dealer as soon as you buy the car, and ask whether the car is safe to drive until then. Several recalls that were never done can be a sign of an owner who did not look after the car. Our guide on how to check for an outstanding safety recall has more detail.

If you already own the car

Recall letters go to the address on the V5C log book, so keep it up to date with the DVLA. A car bought second-hand may have missed letters sent to an earlier keeper; a franchised dealer can check it with the VIN.

Car recall check FAQs

Is a car recall check free?
Yes. The check by registration above, the GOV.UK recall search and a dealer's VIN check are all free, and so is the recall repair.

Does a recall affect the MOT?
An outstanding recall is not an MOT failure by itself, but the fault behind it can be, for example a brake or steering defect.

Does a recall expire?
No. Manufacturers carry out recall work free whenever the car is brought in.

Can I drive a car with an outstanding recall?
Usually, but for some serious faults the manufacturer tells owners to stop driving until the repair is done. The recall letter or a dealer will say.