How do I check if a car has an outstanding recall?

Enter the vehicle's registration number above and click Check Recalls. We check the official DVSA recall database and show you instantly whether there is an outstanding manufacturer recall on the vehicle. It's completely free with no sign-up needed.

Is it safe to buy a car with an outstanding recall?

You can buy a car with an outstanding recall, but you should factor it in. The recall work is free, so you can book it in with the manufacturer after purchase. However, some recalls relate to serious safety defects, so it's worth checking the nature of the recall before completing any purchase.

Does a recall affect the MOT?

An outstanding recall does not automatically cause an MOT failure in the UK. However, if the underlying safety defect causes a physical fault that is tested during the MOT — such as a braking or steering issue — the car could fail on those grounds.

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Free Vehicle Recall Check Official DVSA Recall Data

Q: What is a vehicle recall?

A vehicle recall is issued when a manufacturer discovers a safety defect in a model. DVSA records all outstanding recalls in the UK. The recall work is always carried out free of charge by the manufacturer or a franchised dealer.

Enter any UK registration to instantly check whether the vehicle has an outstanding manufacturer recall recorded with DVSA. Essential before buying a used car.

Recall data sourced from official DVSA MOT records

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Official DVSA Data

What Is a Vehicle Recall?

A vehicle recall is issued by a manufacturer when a safety defect is discovered. The manufacturer is required to fix the problem free of charge. In the UK, DVSA maintains a database of outstanding recalls and records whether each vehicle has been remedied.

If you are buying a used car, always run a recall check. If there is an outstanding recall, the previous owner may never have had the work done — and you could be driving an unsafe vehicle.

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Free Vehicle Recall Check Official DVSA Recall Data

Outstanding Recall Found

No Outstanding Recalls

Recall Status Unknown

What Is a Vehicle Recall?