Check if a vehicle, part or accessory has been recalled

Find out if the manufacturer has recalled a vehicle, part or accessory because of a serious safety problem.

You need to get your car fixed or replaced by the manufacturer if there’s a problem. You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts.

The service you use depends on whether you’re checking a car or another vehicle, a part or accessory.

Check a car

You can check if a car has been recalled for a safety reason. You can also see the car’s MOT history. You’ll need the registration number to use this service.

Cars will not show as having been recalled until the manufacturer has told the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This can take several days.

You’ll be told by the manufacturer if a car has been recalled for any reason other than safety. You can also check if the car has a fault that’s been registered with the DVSA.

Check other types of vehicle, parts or accessories

Use the vehicle, parts or accessories recall checker to find out if there’s been a safety recall for:

  • motorcycles, quadricycles and tricycles
  • lorries, buses, coaches and minibuses
  • caravans and horse boxes
  • child car seats
  • seat belts and harnesses
  • tyres
  • components and parts
  • agricultural equipment

You’ll need to know the:

  • manufacturer
  • model
  • date of manufacture

Part of Buy a vehicle: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check the vehicle before you buy it

    You'll need the vehicle's registration number, make, model and MOT test number. You also need to see the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book).

    1. Check the details you've been given match DVLA's information
    2. Check the vehicle's MOT history
    3. You are currently viewing: Check if the vehicle has been recalled because of a safety issue
    4. Check the log book isn't for a stolen vehicle

  2. Step 2 Buy and register the vehicle

    Once you've bought the vehicle, you have to register it. How you register it depends on whether it has a V5C registration certificate (log book).

    1. Find out how to register your vehicle
    2. Get a vehicle log book if you don't have it £25

  3. and Register for MOT reminders

    You must get an MOT for your vehicle every year once it's 3 years old.

    1. Get a reminder when your MOT is due

  4. Step 3 Insure the vehicle

    You must have insurance before you can use your vehicle on the road.

    1. Check if your vehicle is insured on the Motor Insurance Database
    2. Read about vehicle insurance

  5. Step 4 Tax the vehicle

    You need to tax the vehicle before you can use it on the road.

    1. Check how much you’ll have to pay to tax your vehicle
    2. Check when you don't have to pay vehicle tax
    3. Tax your vehicle