Product & Vehicle Recalls - NHTSA, FDA

Recalls are mandatory or voluntary actions taken by manufacturers or government agencies to address safety defects in vehicles, foods, drugs, medical devices, and consumer products. In 2025, approximately 29 million vehicles were subject to safety recalls in the U.S., the third-highest year on record. The FDA issued over 850 food and drug recall notices. Checking recalls before purchasing used vehicles, medications, or consumer goods is one of the most effective safety precautions available. This page links directly to every major official recall database. Updated April 2026.

Vehicle Recalls, NHTSA

NHTSA Recall Search (by VIN) NHTSA VIN Decoder NHTSA Recall Alerts Sign-Up

Food & Drug Recalls, FDA

FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts FDA Recall Enterprise System (IRES) FoodSafety.gov Recalls & Outbreaks

Consumer Product Recalls, CPSC

CPSC Recall Database SaferProducts.gov

Meat, Poultry & Egg Recalls, USDA FSIS

USDA FSIS Recalls & Public Health Alerts

Additional Recall Resources

Recalls.gov USDA Global Agricultural Trade System

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my car has an open safety recall?

Go to the NHTSA Recall Search at nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your 17-digit VIN (found on your dashboard, driver's door jamb, or registration). The search is free, instant, and shows all open recalls that have not yet been repaired.

What is the difference between a recall and a market withdrawal?

A recall involves a product that violates a federal safety standard or poses a risk of injury. A market withdrawal is a firm's voluntary removal of a product for reasons that do not constitute a safety violation (e.g., a minor quality issue). Market withdrawals are typically not regulated by federal agencies.

Are vehicle recall repairs free?

Yes. Under NHTSA regulations, authorized dealerships must perform recall repairs at no charge to the vehicle owner, regardless of the vehicle's age or whether it has been previously owned. Parts must be covered, and dealers are reimbursed by the manufacturer.

How do I report an unsafe product to the CPSC?

Visit SaferProducts.gov to submit a report. Reports are publicly visible (with personal information removed) and can trigger CPSC investigations that lead to recalls.

How many food recalls happen each year?

The FDA issues approximately 700 - 900 food recall notices per year. Most are Class II (remote probability of adverse health consequences). Class I recalls (serious health hazard, such as listeria or salmonella contamination) average 50 - 100 per year.