You can check whether a car has an outstanding safety recall for free using its registration number on GOV.UK. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer will normally arrange the necessary inspection or repair without charging you for the recall work.
Vehicle safety recalls can involve brakes, airbags, steering, seat belts, electrical systems and other components. Some faults may be serious enough for the manufacturer to advise owners not to drive until the problem has been resolved.
This updated 2026 guide explains how to check for recalls, what an outstanding recall means, how to arrange free repairs and whether a recall affects your MOT, insurance or a second-hand car purchase.
Check your car for outstanding safety recalls
The official DVSA vehicle recall service is free to use. For a car, you can search using its registration number and see safety recalls that have not been checked or fixed.
How to check a car recall by registration number
- Visit the official GOV.UK vehicle recall checker.
- Choose the option to check a car using its registration number.
- Enter the number plate and follow the instructions.
- Review any outstanding safety recalls shown for the vehicle.
- If a recall is listed, contact the manufacturer or an authorised dealership to arrange the required work.
- Ask the dealership to confirm whether any recall repairs have already been completed.
Important: A recall notice for a particular model does not necessarily mean every vehicle of that model is affected. The manufacturer can check the exact vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm whether your car needs attention.
Can you check a recall without a registration number?
Yes. GOV.UK also allows you to search using the vehicle manufacturer, model and year of manufacture. This is useful when researching a car before buying it or checking general recall information.
For confirmation that a particular vehicle is affected and whether its recall work remains outstanding, contact the manufacturer or an authorised dealer.
What is a vehicle safety recall?
A vehicle safety recall is an action taken by a manufacturer to address a defect that could put drivers, passengers or other road users at risk.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) oversees the UK vehicle safety recall system and works with manufacturers to investigate and address safety defects.
Recalls may affect cars, vans, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, caravans and certain vehicle parts or accessories.
What types of faults can cause a vehicle recall?
| Vehicle component | Examples of potential safety problems |
|---|---|
| Braking system | Defects that could reduce braking performance |
| Steering | Components that could affect steering control |
| Airbags | Airbags that may fail to deploy correctly or deploy dangerously |
| Seat belts | Faulty restraints or fastening mechanisms |
| Electrical systems | Defects that could create a fire risk or affect safety-critical functions |
| Fuel systems | Faults that could cause leaks or increase fire risk |
| Tyres and wheels | Manufacturing defects that could cause unexpected failure |
| EV batteries | Battery defects that could create an overheating or fire risk |
Not every mechanical fault results in a formal safety recall. Ordinary wear and tear, maintenance issues and some non-safety-related manufacturing defects may be handled differently.
What should you do if your car has an outstanding recall?
- Read the recall information: Identify the affected component and any immediate safety instructions.
- Check whether the car can be driven: If the manufacturer advises you not to drive, do not use the vehicle.
- Contact an authorised dealership: Provide the registration number and VIN if requested.
- Arrange the recall repair: Ask about parts availability and how long the work will take.
- Confirm the cost: Official safety recall work is normally free.
- Keep the paperwork: Request confirmation that the repair has been completed.
- Check the status afterwards: Allow time for records to update and contact the manufacturer if the recall still appears outstanding.
Do not attempt to repair a safety-critical recall fault yourself unless the manufacturer has specifically authorised an appropriate remedy.
Is it safe to drive a car with an outstanding recall?
It depends on the seriousness of the defect and the manufacturer’s instructions. Some recalls require urgent action, while others allow the vehicle to be used subject to specific guidance until a repair is available.
GOV.UK advises that if a vehicle has a serious safety defect and the manufacturer instructs you not to drive it, you must not drive the vehicle.
If you are unsure whether your car is safe to use, contact the manufacturer before driving. If necessary, ask about recovery arrangements rather than driving to the dealership.
Are vehicle safety recall repairs free?
Yes, official vehicle safety recall repairs and replacement parts are normally provided free of charge by the manufacturer through an authorised repairer.
This generally applies even if the vehicle is outside its original warranty or has changed ownership.
However, unrelated servicing, maintenance or repairs may still be chargeable. Ask for a clear explanation before authorising additional work.
Do you get a free courtesy car during a recall repair?
Not automatically. A courtesy car, collection service or alternative transport may be offered, depending on the manufacturer, the dealership, the seriousness of the recall and vehicle availability.
If you have been told not to drive your car, ask the manufacturer what transport or recovery assistance it can provide.
Does an outstanding vehicle recall affect your MOT?
An outstanding safety recall does not automatically mean a vehicle will fail its MOT.
However, a defect that affects a component tested during the MOT may cause the vehicle to fail if it does not meet the required standards.
The official MOT history service can also display safety recall information for some vehicles, depending on the manufacturer.
Check your vehicle’s MOT history on GOV.UK.
Remember: A valid MOT certificate does not guarantee that a vehicle is free from outstanding recalls or safe to drive in every condition.
Can an outstanding safety recall affect car insurance?
Potentially. GOV.UK warns that failing to have a vehicle inspected and repaired following a safety recall could affect an insurance claim.
That does not mean every outstanding recall automatically invalidates insurance. The circumstances, policy terms and relationship between the defect and any incident can matter.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, arrange repairs promptly and contact your insurer if you are uncertain about your cover.
What happens if you ignore a vehicle safety recall?
Ignoring a recall can leave a dangerous defect unresolved. You are legally responsible for ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive.
According to GOV.UK, driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition can result in a fine of up to £2,500, three penalty points and a driving ban.
These are potential consequences of driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition, not an automatic penalty simply for having an outstanding recall.
How do manufacturers notify owners about safety recalls?
Manufacturers normally contact the registered keeper, often by letter, when a vehicle is affected by a serious safety recall.
The notification should explain the problem, what action is needed and who to contact to arrange the repair.
You might not receive a notice if your contact details are out of date, the vehicle has recently changed ownership or the manufacturer cannot identify the current owner.
Keep your V5C registration details up to date and check for recalls periodically rather than relying entirely on a letter.
Should you check for recalls before buying a used car?
Yes. Checking for outstanding safety recalls should be part of your pre-purchase checks, alongside MOT history, vehicle registration details and the car’s general condition.
- Ask the seller for the registration number.
- Check for outstanding safety recalls on GOV.UK.
- Check the vehicle’s MOT history.
- Ask for evidence of completed recall repairs.
- Contact an authorised dealer if the recall status is unclear.
- Agree how any outstanding safety work will be completed before taking the vehicle onto the road.
Buying a second-hand vehicle does not normally remove the manufacturer’s responsibility to provide an official safety recall remedy.
For more information, see GOV.UK’s used vehicle buying checklist.
What is the difference between a safety recall, service campaign and warranty repair?
| Type of work | What it means | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Safety recall | Addresses a defect that could create a safety risk | Normally free |
| Service campaign | Manufacturer action to improve or correct an issue that may not qualify as a safety recall | Depends on the campaign |
| Warranty repair | Repair covered by the vehicle’s warranty terms | Subject to warranty conditions |
| Routine maintenance | Servicing or replacement of worn components | Normally paid by the owner |
Not every manufacturer campaign appears in the public DVSA safety recall checker. Contact the manufacturer for information about other outstanding campaigns affecting your vehicle.
How do you report a potentially dangerous vehicle defect?
If you discover a fault that may be caused by a serious manufacturing or design defect, report it to the manufacturer immediately.
If you are dissatisfied with how the manufacturer handles your report, you can notify the DVSA.
You may need to provide:
- The vehicle registration number.
- Make, model and year of manufacture.
- Engine and gearbox details.
- Current mileage.
- A description of the fault and when it occurred.
- Photographs or supporting evidence, where available.
Use the official DVSA serious safety defect reporting service.
Vehicle safety recall FAQs
Can I check my car for recalls using only the number plate?
Yes. The official GOV.UK car recall service allows you to search using the registration number and check for outstanding safety recalls.
Can I check a recall using the VIN?
A manufacturer or authorised dealership can use your vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm whether a particular recall applies to your vehicle and whether the work has been completed.
Where can I find my car’s VIN?
The VIN is normally shown on the vehicle’s V5C registration certificate and may also be visible through the windscreen or on a manufacturer’s identification plate. Its exact location varies by model.
Do vehicle safety recalls expire?
An official safety recall is not normally limited to the original warranty period. If your vehicle has an outstanding recall, contact the manufacturer to confirm that the remedy is still available and how to arrange it.
Can a recall apply to a car that is more than 10 years old?
Yes. Older vehicles can have outstanding safety recalls. The vehicle’s age alone does not mean a recall has been completed or is no longer relevant.
How long does a recall repair take?
It depends on the fault, repair complexity and availability of replacement parts. Ask the dealership for an estimated repair time when booking.
What if the dealership has no recall parts available?
Ask the manufacturer for an expected availability date and written advice about whether the vehicle can safely be driven while waiting. If it should not be driven, ask about alternative transport or recovery options.
Can I use an independent garage for a recall repair?
Official recall work is normally arranged through the manufacturer or its authorised repair network. Contact the manufacturer before booking an independent garage to avoid unexpected costs or incomplete recall records.
Does a recall affect a car that has changed ownership?
Yes. A recall relates to the affected vehicle, not just the person who owned it when the recall was announced. The new owner should arrange any outstanding work.
Can electric and hybrid cars be recalled?
Yes. Electric and hybrid vehicles can be recalled for issues involving batteries, charging systems, software, braking, steering and other safety-related components. Always follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
Does a clear recall check mean my car has no faults?
No. A clear safety recall result does not guarantee that the vehicle is mechanically sound. It does not replace servicing, maintenance, an MOT or an independent vehicle inspection.
Check your vehicle before a long journey
Before driving to Gatwick Airport or setting off on another long journey, check your vehicle’s safety recall status, tyres, fluid levels, MOT and road tax.
If you are travelling from Gatwick, you can also find airport parking information at GatwickParking.co.uk.
Official vehicle recall information
- GOV.UK: Check if a vehicle, part or accessory has been recalled
- GOV.UK: Recalled vehicles, parts and accessories
- GOV.UK: Report a serious safety defect
- GOV.UK: Check a used vehicle before buying
Last reviewed: November 2026. This article provides general UK vehicle safety recall information. Always follow instructions from the manufacturer, an authorised repairer and the DVSA.