Photo by Amie Williams

It happens all the time, recalls being issued for brand new and used vehicles, whether it be safety defects or issues with federal safety standards. A free new tool has been released helping car owners to perform a recall search that may specifically impact their vehicles, or they can have peace of mind that no problems directly relate to their vehicles.

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is that long list of numbers and letters to the upper left of the bar code on this tag often found in the door jam of many vehicles. The VIN can also be found on a metal tag under the bottom of the windshield directly in front of the steering wheel on many vehicles.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released this new tool to help and inform the driving public.You can find this tool here at www.safercar.gov/vinlookup. Simply enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the search tool to find out if any recalls have been issued for that particular car. All major light vehicles are searchable as well as motorcycle brands. Most already know this, but the VIN can be found on the driver’s side dashboard or on the door near the door latches.

“Safety is our highest priority, and an informed consumer is one of our strongest allies in ensuring recalled vehicles are repaired,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Starting today car owners, shoppers, and renters can find out if a specific vehicle has a safety defect that needs to be fixed – using our free online tool.”

Due to NHTSA mandate effective now, major light vehicles and motorcycle manufacturers must update their own websites to include VIN search for uncompleted recalls, and it is required to be updated weekly. Major automaker information must regularly update the information which is critical for NHTSA’s VIN search tool.

Searching is easy. Just simply enter the VIN into the search field and the results will open whether there is an open recall, or if there is no recalls announced for a certain vehicle, “No Open Recalls” will pop up on screen.

It is crucial for consumers to make informed decisions based on recalls listed, and to get the car fixed promptly if one may be issued. The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) 5-Star Ratings System, Recall envelope and Safercar mobile apps help provide information on-the-spot with crash protection features, advanced safety features, and recalls that may impact new vehicles as well as older models. NADA, or National Automobile Dealers Association, is working with franchise dealership in the U.S. to ensure that they are aware of how to use this new VIN search tool.