Vehicle recalls are more common than many drivers realize. In 2025 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversaw 997 safety recalls covering more than 29 million vehicles, along with hundreds of recalls involving tires, child car seats, and other vehicle equipment.
A few minutes spent checking for open recalls can uncover problems that might affect important parts of a vehicle, including brakes, airbags, tires, steering systems, cameras, and other safety equipment. The NHTSA’s recall search tool lets drivers check their vehicle using a VIN or license plate information to find unresolved safety issues. It takes less time than a coffee stop, but it could prevent a major headache miles from home.
