Over 20 million vehicles were recalled in the United States in 2024, due to nearly 1,000 separate issues that posed safety risks.
Car recalls occur when a manufacturer, consumers or the federal government finds a defect in a car that causes it not to meet federal safety standards. As a result, manufactures must notify consumer of the defect and either repair, replace or refund the affected vehicle part.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to make drives aware of vehicle recalls. This week, from March 3-9, 2025, is Vehicle Safety Recalls Week.
The week focuses on the importance of checking for recalls and getting any unrepaired recalls fixed immediately for free.
There are multiple ways to search if your vehicle has a recall on it.
License Plate
- Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls.
- Select your state.
- Enter your vehicle’s license plate number.
- Search if your vehicle is subject to an open safety recall.
VIN
- Look for the 17-character VIN number on your vehicle’s registration, insurance documents or on the car’s windshield or drive side doorjamb.
- Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your VIN.
- Search if your vehicle is subject to an open safety recall.
If you have an open recall, immediately get your vehicle repaired for free.
Recalls can also be issued for vehicle-related equipment such as child car seats, tires or bike racks. If any of these items are recalled, manufactures are required to fix the problem.
You should check for open recalls at least twice a year because hundreds of recalls are issued each year, and some recalls are updated. You can download NHTSA’s free SaferCar app to get recall information sent straight to your phone.
Download the app and add your vehicle and equipment. NHTSA will send you an alert if a safety recall is issued.
For more information on safety and projects across the state of Alabama, follow ALDOTNews.com.
