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Safety Recall Check — Free to Use

Free Car Recall Check - Outstanding Recalls by Registration

Check if your vehicle has an outstanding manufacturer safety recall. Search by registration or VIN — and combine it with a free MOT history check for complete peace of mind.

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Free MOT history check. Recall data via DVSA recall checker.

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Everything You Can Check for Safety Recalls

Recalls are a hidden risk that many drivers overlook. Here is how to get the complete picture on any UK vehicle.

DVSA Recall Database

The official DVSA vehicle recall checker at gov.uk lists all open safety recalls for any UK-registered vehicle. Search by registration or VIN to see whether the vehicle has an outstanding recall that requires a free dealer repair.

Manufacturer Recall Portal

Most major manufacturers operate their own recall lookup tools. Entering the VIN on the manufacturer's website shows recall status directly from the source — useful for verifying that a dealer has completed previously listed recall work.

MOT History Cross-Check

MOT records do not directly flag recalls, but patterns of failure on specific components can reveal unresolved safety issues. Our free MOT history check shows every advisory and failure since 2005.

VIN-Based Lookup

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) uniquely identifies your specific vehicle within a production batch. Some recalls only affect certain build dates or VIN ranges — checking by VIN is more precise than checking by model alone.

Outstanding vs Completed Recalls

The DVSA database distinguishes between outstanding recalls (work not yet done) and completed recalls. A vehicle presented with a clean recall history has either had all work done or was never affected by any issued recall.

Recall + Mileage Context

Knowing the mileage at which a recall was completed adds valuable context. Repairs done very recently on a vehicle with very high mileage may indicate the recall was deferred for years — which could mean the defect was present for a long time.

Why Outstanding Recalls Are a Serious Risk

Recalls are issued because of identified safety defects — not minor niggles. An unresolved recall is a known safety risk on public roads.

Safety-Critical Defects

Recalls commonly cover issues such as airbag failures, brake fluid contamination, unexpected stalling, fire risks from wiring faults, and steering column defects. These are not cosmetic — they can cause accidents.

No Time Limit on Free Repairs

There is no expiry on your right to a free recall repair. Even if a recall was issued years ago and the previous owner never acted on it, you can take the vehicle to an authorised dealer and have the work done at no cost.

Recall vs Insurance

If you are involved in an accident that is partly caused by an unresolved recall defect, your insurer may investigate whether you were aware of the outstanding recall. Checking and acting on recalls is part of your duty of care as a driver.

Check Recalls on Gov.uk

Car Recall Check — FAQ

Common questions about vehicle safety recalls in the UK.

How do I check if my car has an outstanding recall?
The official way to check for outstanding recalls in the UK is through the DVSA's Vehicle Recall Checker at gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall. You can search by registration number or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The tool shows all open safety recalls recorded for that vehicle. You can also contact your vehicle's manufacturer directly — they are required by law to carry out recall work free of charge regardless of how old the vehicle is or whether you are the original owner.
What is a car recall?
A car recall is issued when a manufacturer or the DVSA identifies a safety defect that affects a batch of vehicles. The manufacturer is required to notify all registered owners and fix the problem at no cost. Recalls can cover anything from a faulty airbag sensor to a software issue that could cause unexpected acceleration. Outstanding recalls are not automatically flagged on MOT tests — a vehicle can pass its MOT while still having an unresolved safety recall.
Does an MOT test check for outstanding recalls?
No. MOT testers are not required to check the DVSA recall database as part of the standard test. A vehicle with an outstanding safety recall can receive a valid MOT certificate. However, many franchised dealerships will check for outstanding recalls when they service a vehicle. If you are buying a used car, checking recalls yourself is an important separate step from verifying the MOT history.
Are recall repairs really free?
Yes. Under UK consumer law and manufacturer obligations, recall repairs must be carried out at no cost to the vehicle owner — regardless of whether you bought the car new or second-hand, regardless of the vehicle's age, and regardless of whether the recall warranty period has expired. There is no time limit on your right to a free recall repair once a recall has been issued. You should take the vehicle to an authorised dealer for the make.
Can I buy a car with an outstanding recall?
You can, but you should be fully aware of the outstanding recall and factor it into your decision. The seller should disclose any known recalls. After purchase, contact the manufacturer with your ownership details and book the recall work through an authorised dealer — it will be free. Some buyers use outstanding recalls as a negotiating tool, though the repair itself costs you nothing once you own the vehicle.

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Check MOT History Alongside Recalls — Free

Enter any UK registration to get the full MOT history. Use the DVSA recall checker for outstanding safety recalls. Both free, both essential.

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MOT data sourced from the DVSA. Recall data via gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall. Last updated: April 2026.