What Is an Open Recall?

An open recall is a safety or compliance issue a manufacturer has identified and committed to fix, but that hasn't yet been completed on a specific vehicle. Manufacturers are required to perform recall repairs for free, regardless of the vehicle's age or ownership history.

Why an open recall matters

Recalls address genuine safety or compliance concerns, ranging from minor to serious. An unaddressed recall means the underlying issue hasn't been fixed, and it's a completely free repair you'd otherwise be leaving on the table if you don't get it addressed.

How to check for open recalls

You can check a specific VIN against your national vehicle safety authority's recall database (in the U.S., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) at no cost. This should be a standard step before finalizing any used-car purchase.

What to do if you find an open recall

• Confirm the specific repair required and whether parts are currently available — some recall repairs have parts backorders
• Contact a manufacturer-authorized dealer to schedule the free repair, even if you didn't buy the car from a dealer
• Consider it in your negotiation if the seller hasn't already addressed it, since it's a task you'll need to handle after the purchase

An open recall shouldn't necessarily stop a sale — the repair is free and often straightforward — but it's worth knowing about beforehand so you can schedule it promptly after buying.