How do I check if a car has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's free lookup tool. It shows unrepaired safety recalls from the past 15 years for most major automakers. You can also check the automaker's own website or call a franchised dealer. It is a good idea to check before you buy any used car and periodically afterward. Signing up for NHTSA recall alerts can notify you of new recalls on your vehicle.