Recall
A safety-related defect order — repaired free regardless of warranty status, age, or mileage. The strongest free fix in the system.
Part of the Recalls & manufacturer programs cluster.
What it means
A recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle (or equipment) has a safety defect or fails a federal safety standard. Recalls are repaired free of charge, and there is no mileage or age limit on the remedy.
Why it matters
Recall repairs are free even after every warranty has expired. Checking the NHTSA database by year, make, and model — or by VIN — is the fastest free safety check you can run on any car.
What it is NOT
A recall is not a warranty repair and not an admission of liability. A clean recall search is also not proof that a car is problem-free — see the limits of NHTSA data on our recalls page.
Related terms
Terms in this glossary describe general warranty practice and US norms — they are informational, not legal advice, and not a reading of your specific warranty booklet.