CarHistory.cc

Car recall check

Enter a registration to see if DVSA's record shows an outstanding recall for the car. You also get its full MOT history.

What our check shows

The result has a “Recalls” line near the top, under the MOT line. It shows one of four things. Each one comes from a single field in DVSA's MOT history API. DVSA says the field holds “one of four values from the DVSA Recalls service”.

What it doesn't show

We show only what that one field says. The result doesn't tell you:

The result shows the time the record was retrieved from DVSA.

Does “None found” mean no recall?

Not always. GOV.UK says the MOT history “may also tell you if your vehicle has been recalled for a safety reason, depending on the manufacturer.” DVSA describes this value as no known recalls “in the available data”.

So check the make, model and year on GOV.UK too, or ask a dealer for the make.

GOV.UK's vehicle recall checker

GOV.UK gives two ways to check a car:

The second checker says: “This service only includes vehicles that have been recalled.” For each recall it lists the recall number, date, reason, how the manufacturer will repair it and how many vehicles are affected.

Because it doesn't ask for the registration or VIN, it lists recalls for the model and year, not for one car. Under “How to check if the vehicle is recalled”, each recall says to contact the local dealership for the make, or the manufacturer.

Our result shows when the car was first registered, not the year it was made. Get vehicle information from DVLA on GOV.UK shows the year of manufacture.

Check vehicle recalls on GOV.UK

What is a safety recall?

A manufacturer recalls a vehicle, part or accessory when it finds a serious safety problem with it. GOV.UK says a serious safety defect is something:

These don't count: faults found at routine servicing, problems that warning lights, changes in handling or unusual noises warn you about, and faults caused by misuse, such as overloading.

GOV.UK says the manufacturer usually sends a letter about a safety recall. It says why the vehicle is being recalled, what to do next and who to contact. There's no letter if the manufacturer doesn't have the contact details.

Who pays for the work

The manufacturer does the repair or replacement. GOV.UK says: “You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall.” GOV.UK's recall checker says, for each recall: “You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.”

If the work isn't done

GOV.UK says you're legally responsible for keeping your vehicle in a safe condition. If you don't get it inspected and fixed, it could affect any insurance claim you make. It could also put you and others at serious risk.

Buying a used car? What to do

  1. Check before you buy. GOV.UK's used car checks say to check if the vehicle has been recalled because of a serious safety issue. It's on the list of things to do before you go to see the car.
  2. If our result shows “Outstanding recall”, ask the seller. Ask whether a dealer has done the recall work. The question is already in your list of questions for the seller.
  3. Contact a dealer for the make. If the seller isn't sure, ask a dealer before you buy. GOV.UK's recall checker says to contact the local dealership or the manufacturer to check.
  4. If it shows “None found” or “Couldn't check right now”, check GOV.UK. Look up the make, model and year. If a recall is listed, ask a dealer whether it applies to this car.
Used car check: what to check before you buyFree car check

Sources

What our check shows comes from our own code. The rest comes from these pages.

Check a car for recalls