The Used-Car Recall Check Every Buyer Should Run Before Handing Over Money

Buying a used car can be a great way to save money — but only if you pick the right car.

It’s important for buyers to determine if the car was maintained and how soon it will need repairs. But here’s another detail you should consider: whether the used car model has any recalls. A recall is issued when a car or piece of its equipment has a safety risk or doesn’t meet federal safety standards, and a recall check lets you verify if the model has any current recalls. Performing this small step can end up saving money down the road, and keep you safe.

Why recall checks matter before buying a used car

Used cars are cheaper than new ones when you look at the buying price. However, those same vehicles can become a lot more expensive than new models if they need to undergo significant repairs and frequent maintenance.

Recalls are issued when a vehicle, part, tire or equipment has a safety defect or doesn’t meet federal safety standards, so it’s not something to be taken lightly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires manufacturers to repair, replace or refund the recalled model free of charge.

Even if a car looks like it’s in good condition, it can still have a recall for one of its parts. Buyers who do not conduct their due diligence can end up with a money-sucking vehicle. The risk of recalls is actually quite common. Carfax found that 57.7 million cars in the U.S. had safety recalls in 2024. That’s one out of every five vehicles.

How to run the NHTSA recall check

You can use the NHTSA’s recall lookup tool to determine if there were any recalls for the vehicle you are considering. This tool will require a 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN).

You can ask the seller for this number, but it’s also typically visible on the lower left corner of the windshield. The VIN may also be located on the driver-side doorjamb label. A license plate is sometimes sufficient for this search.

This tool won’t tell you if a car has been in an accident, maintained well or incurred a mechanical problem. You will still need other tools to assist with your research, but the NHTSA recall lookup tool will contain information about recalls from the past 15 calendar years, incomplete safety recalls and other vital information.

What to do if the car has an open recall

A recall isn’t a dealbreaker since you can get recall repairs done for free, even if you are not the vehicle’s original owner. However, you should know the severity of the defect and whether it’s a problem that may impact other parts of the car in the future. Buyers should also assess the rarity of the parts that need repairs. It’s often easier to repair a common car with parts that are readily available than an exotic model that doesn’t have as many repair shops.

You can also request that the seller take advantage of the recall and fix the vehicle before closing the deal. Buyers can use the recall as a negotiating point to get a lower price on the car. But keep in mind that a serious safety issue involving brakes, steering, airbags, seat belts, fire risk or loss of power should be avoided, regardless of the deal.

Even after buying the vehicle, it’s a good idea to check for recalls. The NHTSA recommends checking for recalls twice per year and using the SaferCar app for alerts. You can follow these steps with your current vehicle as well.

Recalls are just one part of assessing if a used car is right for you. Money's car buying guide includes the steps you can take to prepare for buying a car and how to compare different vehicles.