Vehicle Safety Recalls: How to Check if Your Car Has an Outstanding Recall
A vehicle safety recall is issued when a manufacturer identifies a fault that could affect the safe operation of a vehicle or put drivers, passengers or other road users at risk.
If your car, van, motorcycle or other vehicle is affected by a UK safety recall, the manufacturer will normally arrange for the relevant inspection or repair to be completed free of charge.
This guide explains why vehicle recalls happen, how manufacturers contact registered keepers, how to use the GOV.UK vehicle recall checker and what to do if your vehicle has an outstanding safety recall.
What Is a Vehicle Safety Recall?
A vehicle safety recall is a formal action taken when a manufacturer identifies a safety-related defect affecting a particular vehicle, component or group of vehicles.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, commonly known as the DVSA, oversees the UK vehicle safety recall system and works with manufacturers to make sure safety defects are addressed.
A recall may relate to equipment such as brakes, steering, airbags, seat belts, tyres, lights, electrical systems or other components that could affect the safe operation of the vehicle.
How to Check for an Outstanding Vehicle Recall
You do not need to wait for a letter from the manufacturer. You can use the official GOV.UK vehicle recall checker to look for safety recalls affecting your vehicle’s make and model.
The GOV.UK recall service can help you identify recall notices, but the vehicle manufacturer or an authorised dealership may need to confirm whether the required work has already been completed on your particular vehicle.
What to Do if Your Vehicle Has Been Recalled
- Read the recall notice carefully and follow any safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Contact an authorised dealership for your vehicle’s manufacturer.
- Provide your vehicle registration number and, if requested, the vehicle identification number or VIN.
- Arrange an appointment for the vehicle to be inspected or repaired.
- Ask the dealership how long the work is expected to take and whether any alternative transport is available.
Recall inspections and repairs should normally be completed free of charge. Courtesy cars are not automatically included and will depend on the dealership, the length of the repair and vehicle availability.
Vehicle Safety Recall FAQs
Why are vehicles recalled?
Vehicles are recalled when a manufacturer identifies a safety-related defect that may affect a group of vehicles with the same design, construction or component.
A recall can involve a relatively simple component or a more serious issue affecting systems such as the brakes, steering, airbags or seat belts. Some defects may not be noticeable during normal driving or routine maintenance.
How will I know if my vehicle has been recalled?
The manufacturer will normally contact the vehicle’s registered keeper using the details associated with its DVLA registration record. Depending on the manufacturer, you may receive a letter, email, telephone call or another formal notification.
The recall notice should explain the fault, any immediate safety advice and how to arrange an inspection or repair.
What if the manufacturer has not contacted me?
A manufacturer may be unable to contact you if the vehicle’s registered keeper details are incorrect or out of date. This can also happen when a vehicle has recently changed ownership.
Make sure the vehicle’s details are correct with the DVLA and check for recalls through the official GOV.UK vehicle recall service. You can also contact the manufacturer or an authorised dealership for confirmation.
Is it safe to drive a recalled vehicle?
The level of risk depends on the fault. A recall does not always mean that the vehicle is immediately unsafe to drive, but every safety recall should be taken seriously.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions before driving the vehicle. If the notice tells you to stop using the vehicle, or you are concerned that the fault could make it unsafe, do not drive it. Contact the manufacturer, dealership or breakdown provider for advice.
Are vehicle recall repairs free?
Safety recall inspections and repairs are normally carried out free of charge by the manufacturer through an authorised repairer or dealership.
Ask the dealership to confirm that the appointment relates to an official safety recall before agreeing to any additional maintenance or repair work that may be chargeable.
How quickly should I arrange the recall repair?
Arrange the inspection or repair as soon as reasonably possible. The manufacturer may provide specific instructions based on the seriousness of the defect.
Do not delay if the recall concerns a safety-critical component or the manufacturer advises you not to drive the vehicle.
Does a safety recall apply to a second-hand car?
Yes. An outstanding safety recall normally applies to the affected vehicle rather than only to the person who owned it when the recall was announced.
If you have bought a used or second-hand car, contact the manufacturer or an authorised dealership. They can check the vehicle identification number and confirm whether the recall work is still outstanding.
Will I have to pay for an old outstanding recall?
Official safety recall work is normally completed free of charge, including when the vehicle has changed ownership. The manufacturer or dealership should confirm whether the recall remains open and whether your vehicle is eligible for the repair.
How long does a vehicle recall repair take?
The time required depends on the fault, the repair and the availability of replacement parts. Some recall work may be completed quickly, while more complex repairs may take longer.
The dealership should explain how long it expects to keep the vehicle. A courtesy car may be available, but this is not guaranteed and should be arranged directly with the dealership.
What information will I need when booking a recall repair?
The dealership will usually ask for your vehicle registration number. It may also request the vehicle identification number, known as the VIN, which is normally shown on the vehicle and in its registration documents.
Check Your Vehicle Before Travelling
Before a long journey or airport trip, check that your vehicle is roadworthy and that its MOT, tax and insurance are valid. You should also check for outstanding vehicle safety recalls and arrange any required work as soon as possible.
This guide provides general information about UK vehicle safety recalls. Always follow the instructions issued by the vehicle manufacturer, an authorised dealership, the DVSA or another relevant authority.