Published August 4, 2025
Buying a Used Car? How to Check Its Recall History
Checking for open recalls is one of the most important steps when buying a used vehicle. Unlike new cars, used vehicles can legally be sold with unrepaired recalls in most states. Here is how to check a used car's recall history and what red flags to watch for before signing a purchase agreement.
Why Recall Checks Matter for Used Cars
Used vehicles are more likely to have unrepaired recalls than new ones. Recall notices are mailed to the registered owner, so if a vehicle has changed hands multiple times, subsequent owners may never have received the notification. Additionally, used car dealers (unlike franchise dealers) are not required by federal law to repair recalls before selling.
According to NHTSA, approximately 25% of recalled vehicles are never repaired. For older used vehicles, that percentage is even higher. A pre-purchase recall check takes just a few minutes and could save you from buying a vehicle with a serious safety defect.
Step-by-Step Recall Check
Start with the VIN. Ask the seller for the Vehicle Identification Number before you visit to see the car. Then enter it at NHTSA.gov/recalls. The results will show every recall campaign that applies to that specific vehicle and whether each recall has been completed.
Next, check the manufacturer's website. Some manufacturer recall lookup tools provide more detailed status information, including whether the repair parts are available and which dealerships in your area can perform the work.
Finally, look at the vehicle's overall recall and complaint history on RecallIndex. Search for the year, make, and model to see how it compares to other vehicles in its class. Check the complaint rankings and look at the vehicle's Safety Score for a comprehensive safety assessment.
Red Flags in Recall History
Certain patterns in a vehicle's recall history should raise concerns. Multiple unrepaired recalls suggest the previous owner was not attentive to vehicle maintenance. Recalls involving brakes, steering, airbags, or fire risk are particularly important to verify as completed.
Also check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that affect the vehicle. While TSBs are not safety recalls, they indicate known issues that the manufacturer has identified and may indicate future maintenance costs.
Negotiating Around Open Recalls
If the used car you want has an open recall, use it as a negotiation point. Since recall repairs are free, the issue is not cost but time and inconvenience. You can ask the seller to have the recall completed before the sale, or negotiate a price reduction reflecting the time you will need to invest in scheduling the repair.
For private sales, be aware that the seller has no legal obligation to disclose or repair open recalls in most states. The responsibility falls on you as the buyer to check. For more tips on evaluating vehicle safety before purchase, see our guide to safest cars by recall data.
After You Buy: Stay Protected
After purchasing a used vehicle, register it at SaferCar.gov to receive future recall notifications. Update your vehicle registration with your state DMV to ensure manufacturer recall letters reach you. And schedule any open recall repairs as soon as possible — they are free regardless of the vehicle's age or mileage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most cases. While franchise dealers cannot sell new vehicles or certified pre-owned vehicles with open recalls, there is currently no federal law prohibiting the sale of used vehicles with unrepaired recalls by used car dealers or private sellers. Some states have their own rules.
Enter the vehicle VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls to see all open and completed recalls. You can also check with the manufacturer directly. Make sure to check before you sign any purchase agreement.
Not necessarily. Most vehicles accumulate some recalls over their lifetime. What matters is whether the recalls have been repaired and what types of defects were involved. A vehicle with completed recalls is no less safe than one that was never recalled — the defect has been fixed.
If the car has an open recall, you can still buy it but should negotiate accordingly. Consider requiring the seller to have the recall repaired before closing the sale, or factor in the time you will need to schedule the free repair yourself after purchase.