Published October 2, 2025
Tire Recalls: How to Check If Your Tires Are Affected
Tire recalls receive less attention than vehicle recalls, but defective tires can be just as dangerous. Tread separation, sidewall failures, and manufacturing defects can cause blowouts at highway speeds. Here is how to check if your tires are recalled and what makes tire recalls different from vehicle recalls.
How Tire Recalls Work
Tire recalls are managed through NHTSA just like vehicle recalls, but the process is different. Tire recalls are issued by the tire manufacturer (not the vehicle manufacturer) and are identified by the tire's DOT code rather than the vehicle's VIN. This means you need to check your tires separately from your vehicle recall check.
Finding Your DOT Code
Every tire has a DOT (Department of Transportation) code molded into the sidewall. This code identifies the manufacturer, plant, tire size, and week and year of production. The full DOT code is typically 10-12 characters. You will need this code to check for tire recalls. Look for the letters "DOT" followed by a series of numbers and letters on the outer sidewall of each tire.
Common Tire Defects
The most dangerous tire defect is tread separation — when the tread layer separates from the tire body, often at highway speeds. This was the defect behind the massive Ford-Firestone recall in 2000 that led to the TREAD Act. Other common tire defects include sidewall bulging or cracking, bead failures that cause the tire to separate from the rim, improper vulcanization that weakens the tire structure, and valve stem defects that cause slow leaks.
Checking for Tire Recalls
Search for tire recalls at NHTSA.gov/equipment/tires. You can search by tire manufacturer, tire model, and DOT code. If your tires are recalled, contact the tire manufacturer or an authorized dealer for a free replacement. Do not continue driving on recalled tires if the defect involves tread separation or structural integrity.
Tire Age and Safety
Even non-recalled tires degrade over time. Most tire manufacturers and safety organizations recommend replacing tires after 6-10 years regardless of tread depth, because the rubber compounds degrade with age, heat, and UV exposure. If you are buying a used car, check the tire manufacture dates (the last four digits of the DOT code indicate the week and year) as part of your safety checklist.
Tire Safety Tips
Beyond recall checks, maintain proper tire inflation (check monthly), inspect tires regularly for damage or uneven wear, rotate tires according to the vehicle manufacturer's schedule, and replace tires when tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch. These practices can prevent many tire-related accidents that occur outside of formal recall scenarios. For vehicle-level safety data, visit our safety rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Vehicle VIN recall checks at NHTSA.gov only show vehicle recalls. Tire recalls are separate and must be checked using the tire DOT code at NHTSA.gov/equipment/tires. You should check both your vehicle and your tires separately.
The tire manufacturer pays for the replacement, including the tire itself and the mounting and balancing. If the recalled tires were original equipment on a new vehicle, you may need to coordinate between the tire manufacturer and the vehicle dealer.
In some cases, the tire manufacturer may offer a refund or credit toward a replacement tire, especially if the recalled tire model has been discontinued. The specific remedy depends on the manufacturer and the recall terms.