How to Handle a Vehicle Recall

Every year millions of vehicles are recalled to address problems affecting safety. More than 19 million recalls were issued in the first nine months of 2025 alone. If you’ve received a recall notice, here is what you should know.

The car broke down while traveling. A frustrated man near a broken car with an open hood far outside the city. A young guy looks under the hood of a car; by Jelena

Do not ignore the recall

A surprising number of drivers simply ignore recall notices. As of 2024, more than 57 million cars on the road had an open safety recall. In one of the largest recalls covering 67 million Takata airbags, more than 6 million of the potentially defective and deadly units are still in cars on the road. Despite the fact that repairs needed to make the car safer are paid for by the manufacturer, car owners often neglect to take action.

Driver calling car travel assistance, insurance; Credit:PRUDENCIOALVAREZ

Read the notice

The recall mailing you receive from the manufacturer will include details of what might be wrong with your car and what the manufacturer plans to do for repairs. It will also suggest that you contact a franchised dealer who should have more information on parts availability and a timeframe for when repairs can be done. You can use any franchised dealer selling the brand of vehicle you own.

In addition, the mailing may have warnings. In some cases, when there is a fire hazard, it will call on you to park the vehicle outside and away from buildings.

In a few cases, manufacturers may issue a “do not drive” warning. In this event, you should contact a dealer immediately to arrange to have the vehicle transported to its service department. Also ask if there is a loaner car program to cover your transportation needs during repairs.

Understand the scope of recalls

Recalls address problems that affect safety. Recalls also may be issued for emissions problems. Do not expect a recall for problems such as trim defects or infotainment system issues.

Downloaded Close up of a new car's VIN by hanjosan

Check the VIN

Recalls are mailed using databases of vehicle owners. Unfortunately, this information can be out of date. A recent change of address or owning a newly purchased used car might keep you from getting a recall notice.

Fortunately, you can proactively check on the recall status of your car. Simply go to NHTSA.gov/Recalls and enter your VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number. This is the combination of 17 capital letters and numbers that you can find on your registration, in the driver’s door jamb and at the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side.

Be sure to take every recall notice seriously and arrange for timely repairs. Your safety and the safety of your fellow motorists is at stake.