A car recall check tells you whether a vehicle is affected by a safety recall that hasn't yet been fixed. A recall is a known defect that the manufacturer has agreed to put right, normally free of charge. In the UK you can check by entering a registration number or chassis number (VIN) into a recall lookup, then book the repair with a manufacturer-authorised dealer if one is open.
For used-car buyers, a recall check is a quick way to find out whether a car you're considering has a known safety issue that nobody has dealt with yet.
What is a vehicle recall?
A recall happens when a manufacturer, or sometimes a regulator, identifies a fault that could affect safety or legal compliance. Examples include faulty airbags, fuel system leaks, software problems affecting braking or steering, seat belt defects and wiring faults that could cause fires.
Recalls usually apply to a specific range of vehicles, such as certain models built within a particular date range or at a particular factory. That's why two cars of the same model can have different recall results.
Who issues recalls in the UK?
Most recalls are started by the manufacturer. In Great Britain, the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) oversees vehicle safety recalls and publishes recall notices on GOV.UK. Manufacturers must tell the DVSA about safety defects, and they are responsible for contacting owners and carrying out the repair.
Owners are contacted using keeper details held by the DVLA. If a car has changed hands recently, or the keeper's address is out of date, a recall letter may never arrive. That is one reason it's worth checking yourself rather than waiting for a letter.
How to do a car recall check
- Use the official recall lookup on GOV.UK. You can search recall information using the vehicle's registration number or VIN.
- Check the manufacturer's website. Many brands have their own recall checker where you enter the VIN, which is usually found on the V5C logbook, at the base of the windscreen, or on a plate in the engine bay or door shut.
- Ask an authorised dealer. A franchised dealer can check the VIN against the manufacturer's system and tell you if any work is outstanding.
Always use the VIN from the car itself and compare it with the V5C, because that confirms you're checking the right vehicle.
What does a recall check show?
A good result will show whether there are any open recalls for that vehicle and what the issue is. It may also tell you what the fix involves and how to arrange it. If nothing is listed, that suggests there are no outstanding recalls recorded against that vehicle at the time you check. It isn't a guarantee that the car is free from faults, because new recalls can be issued later.
What a recall check does not cover
A recall check is only one part of checking a used car. It does not tell you about:
- Insurance write-off history. Insurer-recorded categories (Cat A, B, S and N) are held on the MIAFTR database.
- Stolen status. Vehicles reported stolen may be flagged on the Police National Computer (PNC).
- Outstanding finance. A car can still be subject to a finance agreement, which may affect your right to keep it.
- Mileage and possible clocking. Past MOT readings can reveal odd mileage patterns.
- MOT history. DVSA records show test results, advisories and failures.
- Previous keepers. The number of owners can say something about how the car has been used.
Because a recall check covers none of this, it works best alongside a full vehicle history check. Before you hand over any money, check the vehicle's registration on motorpeek.com to see its history, then run the recall lookup as a separate step.
What to do if a car has an open recall
An open recall doesn't automatically mean you should walk away, but it needs handling properly. Consider the following:
- Ask the seller if the work has been done. Request paperwork, such as a dealer invoice or service record showing the recall repair.
- Ask for it to be fixed before you buy. Franchised dealers can usually carry out recall work, so a seller can book it in. Check your rights with the seller before committing.
- Think about severity. Some recalls are minor, while others involve serious safety risks. Read the recall details and ask the dealer how urgent the repair is.
- Be prepared to walk away. If the seller can't explain the situation or the issue is serious, it may be sensible to look at another car.
Recall repairs are generally free to the owner, but parts availability can vary, and in some cases there may be a wait.
Do you need to check an old car?
Yes. Older vehicles can still be subject to recalls, and some older cars may never have had the work done, especially if they've changed hands several times. Recall rules and coverage can vary depending on the manufacturer and the age of the vehicle, so it's always worth asking the manufacturer or a dealer if you're unsure.
Final thoughts
A car recall check is quick, usually free and simple to do. It tells you whether a manufacturer has identified a safety problem on that specific vehicle that still needs fixing. Combine it with a proper history check, a careful inspection and a test drive to make a better-informed decision about any used car you're thinking of buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is a car recall check free in the UK?
Yes, checking for recalls using the GOV.UK lookup or a manufacturer's website is normally free. Safety recall repairs are also generally carried out at no cost to the owner by an authorised dealer.
Does an MOT show if a car has an open recall?
No. An MOT tests roadworthiness against set standards and doesn't check for manufacturer recalls. A car can pass its MOT and still have an outstanding recall, so you need to check recalls separately.
Can I buy a car that has an outstanding recall?
Generally you can, but it's worth finding out what the recall is and whether the repair has been done. Ask the seller for proof of the work or for it to be completed before you buy, and consider walking away if the fault is serious or the seller can't explain it.