How to Find If Your Used Car Went Through All Recalls

Whenever your vehicle's manufacturer uncovers a flaw or potential safety hazard inherent in your vehicle, it often issues a recall notification to allow owners to have this corrected at no cost to the owner. However, if you purchase a used car from a used car dealer or private party, it is best to find out if any existing recalls have been performed on the vehicle. The longevity of your new purchase and the safety of you and your passengers depend on it.

Instructions

1

Call the local dealer's service department and ask to speak with a service writer. These men and women have access to the manufacturer's recall database. Make sure before you call, you are calling a dealer that services the same brand as your used car.

2

Advise the service writer that you recently purchased a used vehicle. Let him know the year, make and model and then ask if he can look to see if you have any outstanding recalls.

3

Relay your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to the service writer when he asks for it. Once the writer has your VIN, he can run it through the particular manufacturer's database and discover any outstanding recalls that may exist.

4

Schedule a time to have the recalls addressed--if any are discovered for your used car--while you are still on the phone with the service writer. This will also open the door for a solid relationship with your vehicle manufacturer's local service department.