In short
- A recall is when a maker finds a serious safety problem and fixes or replaces the affected vehicles[2].
- You can check a car on GOV.UK with its number plate. It shows safety recalls that haven’t been checked or fixed, next to the MOT history[1].
- Under a safety recall, repairs and parts don’t usually cost the keeper anything[3].
- A recall that hasn’t been carried out is not an MOT fail at present[8]. The MOT record may show one, depending on the maker[6].
- The GOV.UK check is a guide, and it can lag behind. If you’re unsure, ask a dealer for that make[4].
On this page
A recall is when the maker finds a safety fault in a model and puts it right. GOV.UK says you can get the vehicle fixed or replaced by the maker when a serious problem is found[2].
Not every recall carries the same urgency. DVSA, the agency behind the MOT, also publishes a code of practice for recalls. It describes the main kinds[5].
| Kind of recall | What it means |
|---|---|
| Stop-drive safety recall | There is an immediate threat to safety, so the vehicle must not be driven. |
| Safety recall | The threat is not immediate, or reasonable action by the keeper can reduce it. |
| Non-safety recall | It isn’t a safety fault, but the maker thinks the customer should have the work done. GOV.UK’s check does not show these[1]. |
| Service campaign | There is no safety risk. The maker handles it through its dealers. |
The main kinds of recall action in DVSA’s code of practice, in plain words[5].
The kind of recall decides how urgent it is. The maker’s letter says what to do and who to contact.
Get the number plate
Take it from the advert or the car itself. At the viewing, check that it matches the V5C (the registration document).
Open the GOV.UK recall check
Go to Check if a vehicle, part or accessory has been recalled and choose the option for a vehicle.
Enter the registration number
For a car, the registration number is enough. Without it, you need the make, model and year the car was made[1].
Read what it shows
The check shows safety recalls that haven’t been checked or fixed, next to the car’s MOT history[1]. Recalls that are not about safety are not shown. The maker tells the owner about those.
Remember it is a guide
GOV.UK calls the result an indicative check at the date shown. There can be a delay before DVSA receives recall information[4].
If you are unsure, ask a dealer
GOV.UK’s terms say to contact the maker’s dealership if you are concerned[4]. Give them the VIN, the long identity number on the V5C.
Under a safety recall, repairs and parts don’t usually cost the keeper anything[3]. The maker usually sends a letter saying why the vehicle is recalled, what to do next and who to contact[3].
There is no letter if the maker does not have your contact details[3]. So a recent keeper may never have had one. Not hearing about a recall does not mean there is none.
At present, a recall that has not been carried out is not an MOT fail. The Department for Transport said so in its 2023 MOT consultation. The page was last updated in January 2024[8]. The consultation also asked for views on changing this, so it could change.
The MOT history, and the MOT certificate in England, Scotland and Wales[3], may show a safety recall, depending on the maker[6].
In July 2023, DVSA said some makers had begun sending recall data daily. Their vehicles made up 47% of those with a recall waiting to be carried out at the time. Data for other makers was updated monthly[7].
So a record with no recall note is not a clear answer. Use the GOV.UK recall check as well. For what else the MOT record leaves out, see what an MOT history can’t tell you.
GOV.UK tells anyone getting a used vehicle to check its MOT history and whether it has been recalled for a safety reason[9]. Then ask the seller. These questions are calm and specific.
- Have you had any recall letters for the car? Can I see them?
- Has a dealer carried out any recall work? Do you have the paperwork?
- Would you mind if I ask a dealer for that make to check the car using its VIN before I decide?
- Can I see the V5C, so the VIN and the keeper’s details can be checked?
If the GOV.UK check shows a safety recall, ask whether the work has been done and for the dealer’s paperwork. The work is not usually charged to the keeper[3]. More questions are in questions to ask a seller.
Myth
A recall means the car is dangerous to drive.
What's true
Not always. In a stop-drive recall the vehicle must not be driven. In other safety recalls the threat is not immediate, or reasonable action by the keeper can reduce it. The maker’s letter says which.
Myth
The MOT fails a car with a recall.
What's true
Not at present. A recall that has not been carried out is not an MOT fail, though the MOT record may show one.
Myth
No letter means there is no recall.
What's true
A letter only reaches a keeper whose details the maker holds. A recent keeper may never have had one.
Myth
The GOV.UK check lists every recall.
What's true
It shows safety recalls only, as a guide on the date of the check. The maker tells owners about other kinds.
MOT Wise lists the recalls on DVSA’s published list for a car’s model and build years. Some are about emissions or paperwork rather than safety. The report also shows DVSA’s own line for the car: whether a safety recall is still waiting, where the maker shares that data.
The report also puts the MOT record in plain English. To read a record yourself, see how to check a car’s MOT history. The used car buying checklist covers the whole viewing.
Common questions
How do I check if a car has been recalled?
Use the recall check on GOV.UK and enter the registration number. It shows safety recalls that haven’t been checked or fixed, next to the car’s MOT history. If you’re unsure, contact a dealer for that make.
Do I have to pay for a recall repair?
Not usually. GOV.UK says repairs and parts under a safety recall don’t usually cost the keeper anything. Ask the maker or a dealer about the particular car.
Does a recall affect the MOT?
At present, a recall that has not been carried out is not an MOT fail. The MOT history and certificate may show a recall, depending on the maker.
Can I drive a car that has been recalled?
It depends on the recall. If the maker says you must not drive the vehicle, you must not. For other safety recalls, the maker’s letter explains what to do. Driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition can bring a fine of up to £2,500, a driving ban and 3 penalty points. These figures are as of 10 October 2026.
Will I get a letter about a recall on a used car?
Only if the maker has your contact details. A recent keeper may not have had one. Check on GOV.UK rather than waiting for a letter.
Sources
- Check if a vehicle, part or accessory has been recalled. GOV.UK (DVSA).
- Vehicle recalls and faults: overview. GOV.UK (DVSA).
- Vehicle recalls and faults: recalled vehicles, parts and accessories. GOV.UK (DVSA).
- Terms and conditions: check if a vehicle, part or accessory has been recalled. DVSA.
- Vehicle safety defects and recalls: code of practice. DVSA, 2024.
- Check the MOT history of a vehicle. GOV.UK (DVSA).
- DVSA extends access to vehicle recalls data. DVSA, 2023.
- Changes to the date of the first MOT test and research into other MOT enhancements: consultation outcome. Department for Transport, 2024. Used only for the statement that a recall that has not been carried out is not an MOT fail.
- Vehicle registration: new and used vehicles. GOV.UK (DVLA).
- Advice for vehicle keepers. NI Direct.
