How to Check for Safety Recalls on Your Vehicle

By Eugene Bruno on February 19, 2026

Vehicle safety recalls exist for one simple reason: to prevent injuries and save lives. Every year, automakers identify defects in vehicles or vehicle components that could put drivers, passengers, and others on the road at risk.

These defects can involve critical systems such as airbags, brakes, steering, seat belts, or even software that controls safety features. Addressing recalls promptly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your risk in the event of a crash.

The San Diego car accident lawyers at Eugene Bruno & Associates have put together this guide explaining how to find out if there has been a safety recall on your vehicle.

What Is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is an official notice from a vehicle manufacturer, often issued in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), identifying a defect that could affect the safety of a vehicle. Unlike maintenance issues, safety recalls address defects that could result in serious injury or death.

Some common examples of recalled vehicle defects include:

• Airbags that may deploy incorrectly or rupture, sending metal fragments into occupants.
• Seat belts that fail to restrain properly in a collision.
• Steering or suspension components that can fail unexpectedly.
• Braking or software system malfunctions that affect vehicle control.
• Fuel system leaks or fire risks.

Manufacturers are legally required to repair recalled components at no cost to the vehicle owner. Repairs can range from simple part replacements to software updates or more complex mechanical fixes.

How to Check for Recalls

Checking for recalls is fast, simple, and doesn’t require a trip to the dealership, though dealerships can handle repairs once a recall is identified. Here’s how to make sure your vehicle is safe:

1. Locate your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
   • The VIN is a 17-character code unique to your vehicle. You can find it on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield or inside the driver’s side door frame.
2. Use the NHTSA recall search tool
   • Visit the official NHTSA recall website and enter your VIN. This tool will show any open recalls for your vehicle, including details about the affected components.
3. Sign up for alerts
   • You can register your vehicle with NHTSA to receive email alerts whenever a new recall is issued for your make and model. This ensures you’re informed as soon as a safety issue arises.
4. Contact your dealership
   • Once you know a recall applies to your vehicle, schedule the repair with an authorized dealership. These repairs are free and can often be completed quickly.

Why Checking Recalls Matters

Safety recalls are not just recommendations, they address defects that can be life-threatening. Failing to address a recall could result in:

• Airbags not deploying or deploying dangerously during a crash.
• Seat belts failing to restrain passengers properly, increasing the risk of injury.
• Steering or braking issues causing accidents that might have been preventable.
• Software malfunctions that compromise safety features like traction control or collision avoidance systems.

Even minor defects can have major consequences in the right circumstances. Staying up to date on recalls significantly reduces your risk on the road.

Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in San Diego

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in San Diego, don’t face the insurance company alone. Eugene Bruno & Associates has been recognized by Expertise.com as one of the best car accident lawyers in San Diego, and we have a 99.7% success rate.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule a free consultation today.