Vehicle Recalls
A safety recall is defined as where the manufacturer recalls the vehicle for safety reasons under the DVSA safety recall scheme. If the manufacturer of your vehicle is a participant in the scheme, this service can indicate if your vehicle may have an outstanding safety recall.
To check the recall status of your vehicle just enter the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
The VIN is a string of 17 characters including letters and numbers. It is recorded on the vehicle’s V5 Certificate (log book) and on the vehicle itself – usually on the driver’s side door pillar, on the windscreen or dashboard or under the bonnet. If you cannot find the VIN or if your VIN is not 17 characters contact the vehicle’s manufacturer or one of their main dealers for advice.
How do I know if my car has a recall?
The quickest way to check if your car has a recall is to use the recall checker above. Just enter your car’s VIN and it will tell you if there’s an outstanding safety recall registered against it. You can also check directly with the DVSA’s own recall database, or contact your vehicle manufacturer or a main dealer, who will have access to the same records.
If your car does have an open recall, don’t ignore it. Manufacturers issue recalls when there’s a safety-related fault, and the repair is carried out free of charge.
Why do cars get recalled?
Recalls are issued when a manufacturer identifies a safety defect that could affect how a vehicle performs. This might be anything from a faulty airbag or braking issue to an electrical fault or steering component. Manufacturers are legally required to notify affected owners and fix the issue at no cost, regardless of the car’s age or warranty status.
What should I do if my car has a recall?
Contact your local franchised dealer for that make to book the work in. You don’t need to have bought the car from them, and there’s no charge for the parts or labour. If you’ve moved house or changed your details since buying the car, it’s worth registering your current address with the manufacturer too, as recall letters can otherwise go to an old address.
Will I get a courtesy car if my vehicle is recalled?
Not necessarily. Even if your car is subject to a recall, including a ‘Stop Drive’ notice, where you’re advised not to drive the vehicle at all until it’s fixed, providing a courtesy car is at the manufacturer or dealership’s discretion. It’s a goodwill gesture rather than something they’re legally obliged to offer.
That said, many manufacturers will try to help where they can, especially if the repair takes longer than a day or the car can’t be driven safely in the meantime. It’s always worth asking your dealer directly what they can offer while your car’s off the road.
Buying a used car? Always check for recalls first
If you’re buying second-hand car, checking the VIN before you commit is one of the simplest bits of due diligence you can do. A dealership or garage should not sell a vehicle to you with an outstanding recalls. Any outstanding recalls are free to fix, but an unfixed safety issue is still a safety issue until it’s sorted, so it’s worth confirming before you drive away, not after.
