Car recall check
Enter a registration to see whether DVSA records an outstanding safety recall on the vehicle, and which recalls were issued for its model around the time it was built.
Free · No sign-up · DVSA recall data
Two answers from two DVSA sources
One is about this vehicle. The other is about every car of its model built at the same time.
Is a recall outstanding on this car?
DVSA's MOT history service holds a recall flag for each vehicle. Where the manufacturer reports recall work to DVSA, the flag says yes or no. Where it does not, the answer is unknown, which is not the same as clear.
Which recalls cover this model?
DVSA publishes every vehicle safety recall with the models and build dates it affects. We match the car to its model and list the recalls whose build window covers roughly when it was made.
What neither can settle
Whether a listed recall applies to this exact car, and whether the work has been done, is decided by its VIN. A franchised dealer for the make can check that in a few minutes, usually over the phone.
What each result means
Outstanding safety recall recorded
DVSA holds at least one recall on this vehicle that has not been fixed. Call a franchised dealer with the registration or VIN to find out what it is and book it in.
No outstanding safety recall on DVSA's record
The manufacturer reports recall work to DVSA and nothing is open on this vehicle. It is the only result that means clear.
Recall status not shared with DVSA
Many manufacturers do not report recall completion to DVSA, so DVSA cannot say either way. Treat it as unchecked, not as clear, and ask a dealer to look up the VIN.
Recalls for this model built around a date
These recalls covered cars of the same model built in a window that includes this one. They may apply. Build dates are approximate, so a recall near the edge of its window is worth asking about too.
No recalls listed for the model
DVSA records no vehicle safety recalls for the model since 2010. The outstanding recall flag above is still the answer for this particular car.
If a recall shows up
1
Note the recall number
Each DVSA recall has a reference in the form R/2024/123. It tells the dealer exactly which campaign you mean.
2
Call a franchised dealer
Give them the registration or the VIN. They can see whether the recall applies to this car and whether it has already been done.
3
Book the repair
Recall work is done through the manufacturer's dealer network, and you will not usually have to pay for the repair or parts.
4
Buying? Settle it first
Ask the seller to have it done before you collect, or for the dealer's confirmation that it already has been.
Where to check what
Recalls are one part of checking a used car, and most of it is free.
| Question | Where to check | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Is a recall outstanding on this car? | This check, or GOV.UK | Free |
| Which recalls cover this model? | This check, or GOV.UK recall search | Free |
| Has the recall work been done? | A franchised dealer, using the VIN | Free |
| Finance, write-off, theft or clocked mileage? | Vehicle history report | £15 |
Why used cars miss recalls
Manufacturers write to the registered keeper when a recall is launched. A car that has changed hands several times, or a keeper who moved without updating the V5C, is exactly where that letter goes astray, so the repair is simply never booked.
That is why it is worth checking any used car before you buy, not only your own. Our model reliability pages also list the recalls issued for each model, and how to check for car recalls walks through the official route in more detail.
Car recall check FAQs
How do I check if my car has a recall?
Enter the registration above. You will see DVSA's outstanding recall flag for the vehicle and the recalls issued for its model around its build date. You can also search by make, model and year on the GOV.UK recall checker.
Is recall work free?
Usually, yes. Safety recall work is done through the manufacturer's dealer network, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for the repair or parts, however many owners the car has had.
What does "recall status not shared with DVSA" mean?
DVSA can only confirm outstanding recalls for manufacturers that report recall completion to it, and many do not. For those vehicles the flag is unknown, so ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN instead of assuming it is clear.
Does a listed recall definitely apply to my car?
Not necessarily. The model list is matched on the model and an approximate build date, so a recall shown here may apply. Whether it covers your exact car, and whether it has been done, depends on the VIN, which a dealer can check.
Are motorcycle recalls covered?
No. This check covers car recalls launched since 2010. For a motorcycle, use the GOV.UK recall checker or ask a dealer for the make.
Does the £15 Carpeep report include recalls?
No. Recall information is free, so it lives here instead. The report covers what is not free: outstanding finance, write-off and theft markers, mileage checks and keeper history.
More vehicle checks
Already found one?
Recalls are free to fix. Finance, write-offs and clocked mileage are not. Check them with a £15 vehicle history report.
Recall data from the DVSA vehicle safety recalls dataset, used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Outstanding recall status from the DVSA MOT history service. Carpeep is not DVSA and does not check VINs.