NHTSA Urges Everyone to Check for Recalls During Vehicle Safety Recalls Week

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a new tool allowing consumers to check for recalls using only a vehicle’s license plate number, making it even easier to learn about new recalls. During Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, which runs today through March 10, NHTSA is asking everyone to check for safety recalls and get any recalled vehicle fixed immediately for FREE.

NHTSA also released new data on recalls in 2023 – 1,000 recalls were issued in just one year for vehicles, car seats, tires, RVs and other equipment. Nearly 35 million vehicles were recalled in 2023, highlighting the importance of checking for recalls and completing much-needed recall repairs. 

Vehicle owners should check for open recalls at least twice a year. A good reminder is to always check when daylight saving time begins and ends. 

“While not all recalls are high profile, all recalls are a safety issue. Unrepaired recalls can make your vehicle less safe for you, your family, and others on the road,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said. “When you change your clocks, check for recalls. And if you have an open recall, call your dealership immediately to schedule a free repair.”

NHTSA is working to increase recall awareness and completion rates across the United States by offering $4.1 million in grants to help states alert vehicle owners of open recalls when they register their vehicle or renew their registration. Grant applications are being accepted through May 6. 

Checking for recalls on vehicles, car seats, tires and other equipment is easy. 

Check for Recalls

• Go to NHTSA.gov/Recalls and enter a vehicle’s license plate number or vehicle identification number to check for any open recalls.
• If a vehicle does have a recall, owners should contact their automaker’s local dealership to schedule a FREE recall repair.
• Consumers can also search for recalls related to car seats, tires and other vehicle equipment.
• Download NHTSA’s SaferCar App, enter vehicle information, and let the app automatically send updates if there is a recall.  
• Sign up at NHTSA.gov/Alerts to be notified by email if a vehicle is affected by a future safety recall.

If a vehicle owner thinks their vehicle may have a safety defect that isn’t part of a current recall, report the problem at NHTSA.gov or call the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.