Recall Radar
Dealers can legally sell used cars with dangerous unfixed recalls. We cross-reference every VIN against NHTSA data daily.
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Live from NHTSALoading recall data...
Severity Levels
Immediate risk of fire, crash, or loss of control.
Serious injury possible. Airbag, seat belt, transmission failures.
Compromised function. Power steering, wiper failures.
Unlikely to cause injury. Labels, software glitches.
Recall Quick Answers
Can dealers legally sell a car with an open recall?
Yes — for used cars. Federal law (TREAD Act) prohibits dealers from selling new vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls. Used vehicles have no such protection: a dealer can legally sell a pre-owned car with an open NHTSA recall without disclosing or repairing it first. Buyers must do their own VIN check before purchase.
Are dealers required to fix recalls before selling a used car?
No. There is no federal law requiring dealers to repair open safety recalls on used vehicles before sale. Some states (California, Virginia, others) have introduced disclosure requirements, but repair is not mandated. Rental car companies that resell fleet vehicles are prohibited from selling cars with open recalls under the Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act.
What happens if you buy a car with an open recall?
The recall repair is still free. Manufacturers are required to fix safety recalls at no cost to the current owner, regardless of when you bought the vehicle or how many owners it has had. Contact the manufacturer's customer service line or any franchised dealer for that brand to schedule the repair. Recall repairs do not have an expiration date.
How do I check if a used car has open recalls before buying?
Run a free VIN check. Enter the 17-character VIN at OTDCheck VIN Check or the official NHTSA website (nhtsa.gov/recalls). The VIN is on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, or the title. Never finalize a used car purchase without checking the VIN first.