An open recall means there is a safety recall linked to your vehicle, and the fix has not been completed yet. In other words, the problem has been identified, but your car still needs the repair.
This matters because recalls are about safety risks or vehicles not meeting safety standards. The good news is that recall repairs are meant to be free for the owner, and the manufacturer is responsible for providing a remedy.
What An Open Recall On A Car Means
A recall happens when a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also called NHTSA, decides a vehicle or equipment has a safety defect or does not meet safety standards.
An “open” recall means the recall is still unrepaired for your specific vehicle. When you check by VIN or license plate on NHTSA’s site, it is designed to show unrepaired recalls and may show “0 unrepaired recalls” if there are none.
Why Recalls Happen
Recalls can be issued for problems that can increase the risk of a crash, fire, or injury. NHTSA lists examples of safety related defects such as steering failures, fuel leaks, wiring problems that can cause fires, and air bag issues.
Not every annoyance is a recall. Things like a radio problem or cosmetic issues are usually not treated as safety defects.
How To Check If Your Car Has An Open Recall
Check using your VIN or license plate
NHTSA has a recall lookup tool that lets you search by VIN or license plate. It also explains where to find your VIN, like the lower left windshield or on your registration.
Understand what the search results do and do not show
NHTSA explains important limits:
The VIN search shows unrepaired recalls for certain manufacturers.
It does not show recalls that were already repaired.
It may not show very recent recalls right away if not all VINs have been identified yet.
It generally does not show safety recalls more than 15 years old, with some exceptions.
If you check today and see nothing, it can still be smart to check again later.
Get recall alerts
NHTSA offers recall alerts through the SaferCar app and email options, so you can get notified if a recall is added for your vehicle.
What To Do Next If You Find An Open Recall
Follow any safety guidance in the notice
Manufacturers and NHTSA may give interim guidance, like limiting driving, parking outside, or avoiding passengers in certain seats. If the notice says “do not drive,” take it seriously.
Call an authorized dealership to schedule the recall repair
NHTSA’s guidance for owners is clear: contact your local dealership to fix the recalled part for free.
Ask about parts availability and timing
Sometimes there is a delay between when a recall is announced and when parts and instructions are ready. NHTSA explains that this lag can happen because manufacturers need time to develop the remedy, instruct dealers, distribute parts, and notify owners.
If parts are not available, ask the dealer to note it in writing and keep that with your records. NHTSA specifically recommends getting written acknowledgment in recall situations where replacements are not available right away.
Keep paperwork
Keep:
The recall notice if you received one
Screenshots or printouts of your VIN recall status
Appointment confirmations
The final repair invoice showing the recall was completed at no charge
Do You Have To Pay For An Open Recall Repair?
For safety recalls, the remedy should be provided without charge. NHTSA states that if a vehicle recall has been initiated, consumers are entitled to the remedy without charge and within a reasonable time.
If a dealer refuses to perform the recall repair as required, NHTSA’s brochure advises notifying the manufacturer right away and notes that dealers are generally expected to honor recall remedies at no extra charge.
Can A Dealer Sell A Car With An Open Recall?
This depends on whether the vehicle is new or used.
New vehicles
Federal law creates a “stop sale” for new, undelivered vehicles subject to a safety recall, meaning they cannot be delivered until the defect or noncompliance is remedied.
Used vehicles
The same federal law does not prohibit the sale of used vehicles with unremedied safety recalls, according to NADA’s recall FAQ.
Even if a used sale can be legal, an open recall is still important information for a buyer. As a buyer, you should check the VIN yourself and ask for proof of completion before you sign.
Buying Or Selling With An Open Recall
If you are buying a used car
Before you buy:
Run the VIN in the NHTSA recall lookup tool.
Ask the seller for repair paperwork showing the recall was completed.
If the recall is open, ask whether the dealer will complete it before delivery.
If the recall repair is available, you can often schedule it quickly after purchase. If the remedy is not available yet, decide whether you are comfortable owning the vehicle while you wait.
If you are selling your car
If your car has an open recall, fixing it first can help:
improve safety
reduce buyer concerns
avoid last minute price drops during negotiations
At minimum, be ready to show the buyer the recall status and the appointment date if it is scheduled.
Open Recall Vs Warranty Repair
A recall is about a safety defect or safety standard issue, and the remedy is handled through the recall process.
A warranty repair is different. Warranty coverage depends on time and mileage limits and what the warranty covers.
Sometimes a vehicle has an open recall and also has other repeated problems. If your car keeps breaking even after multiple repair visits, you may want a separate review of your repair history and warranty options.
Need Help Sorting Out Your Next Step?
If your vehicle has an open recall, get the recall repair scheduled as soon as you can. If the vehicle still has serious problems after repairs, or you are stuck in repeated shop visits, it may be time to talk with a professional about what options may be available. Contact us through our website to share your repair history and warranty details.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is an open recall the same as a recall notice I got in the mail?
Not always, but they are related. NHTSA explains manufacturers typically notify registered owners by first class mail within 60 days of notifying NHTSA about the recall decision. If your address is not up to date, you might not receive the letter even if the recall is open.
What if the NHTSA site shows no recalls, but I heard there is one?
NHTSA notes that some recently announced recalls may not appear for every VIN right away because VINs are added continuously. Check again later and also check the manufacturer’s recall page if available. You can also use recall alerts through NHTSA’s SaferCar app or email options.
What if the dealership says the parts are not available yet?
A delay can happen because manufacturers need time to finalize the remedy and distribute parts and instructions. Ask the dealer for a written note showing you tried to schedule the recall work and that parts are not available. Keep it with your repair records so you have proof you acted quickly.
