2014 was a record year for car recalls, with 64 million vehicles involved, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It appears that 2016 may be another record year in the wake of the Takata airbag recall, which, with nearly 70 million airbag inflators being recalled, is potentially the largest recall in U.S. history.
Every vehicle owner should be aware of whether or not their vehicle has recalled parts. This information is crucial to driver and passenger safety, yet many car owners might not know how to find it.
Follow these simple steps to find out if the car you’re driving has any recalls.
1. Write down or take a picture of your VIN, Vehicle Identification Number.
2. Visit safercar.gov/vinlookup
3. Enter your VIN in the text box provided then click Submit
4. The site will then produce a list of any recalls for that vehicle, including summaries of the problem and information on who you should call in order to fix it.
Looking up your car recall information isn’t something you do just once. Try making it a routine to look up this information by adding it into your other car care routines, like each time you get an oil change or car wash.
Help keep everyone that drives or rides in your car safe from recalls. Sign Up for Recall Alerts through NHTSA.