How to check a vehicle safety recall before buying or driving

A safety recall tells owners about a defect that may affect a vehicle, part or accessory. Check the exact car, not just its model year. A search with no result does not replace maintenance history or an inspection.

Check the registration and VIN

Use the GOV.UK recall checker, which lets you search a car by registration and see unresolved safety recalls and MOT history. For an imported, recently registered or modified car, also ask the manufacturer to check the VIN. Compare the registration and VIN on the car with its V5C and sale documents.

GOV.UK’s tool covers recalls registered with DVSA. Ask the manufacturer if you are unsure whether an overseas campaign applies or whether an old repair was completed.

If a recall is open

Read the safety instruction and contact the manufacturer or an authorised repairer. If told not to drive, follow that advice and ask how the vehicle should be moved. Confirm the repair, parts, time and whether the work is covered. Keep the booking reference and obtain a job sheet showing VIN, mileage, date and work carried out.

Check again after the repair if the record has not updated. If a dealer says the recall does not apply, request a written explanation and confirm with the manufacturer.

Before buying a used car

Ask for evidence of completed recall work and resolve an open action before handover. A recall check does not show every accident or fault. Compare it with the used-car history checks and the process for a fault discovered after purchase.