Vehicle Recall Check in Virginia
How to check NHTSA recalls before buying or selling a vehicle in Virginia, what sellers must disclose, and how open recalls affect the title transfer and registration process.
Check Vehicle Recalls — Free NHTSA Tool
Enter any 17-character VIN at the NHTSA recall database to see all open federal safety recalls for that specific vehicle.
nhtsa.gov/recalls (free) →Recall Rules in Virginia
Seller Disclosure Requirement
Not Required by LawVirginia does not generally require private sellers to disclose open NHTSA recalls. Dealers face stronger obligations under the FTC Used Car Rule and state consumer protection law.
Dealer Obligation
Dealer-specific rules applyDealers in Virginia are subject to the federal FTC Used Car Rule and state consumer protection law. Selling a vehicle with a known open safety recall without disclosure may constitute a deceptive act.
Impact on Registration
Registration not blockedVirginia DMV generally does not block title transfer or registration for open recalls. Confirm current policy with Virginia DMV.
Safety Inspection
See noteCheck with Virginia DMV whether a pre-sale safety inspection is required for private party transactions. Inspection requirements vary significantly by state.
Buyer Protection in Virginia
Run a free NHTSA recall check at nhtsa.gov/recalls before any used car purchase in Virginia. Federal law requires manufacturers to fix safety recalls at no charge to owners.
How to Check Recall Status in 3 Steps
- 1
Find the VIN
Located on the driver's door jamb sticker, the dashboard near the windshield (visible from outside), or the vehicle registration and insurance card.
- 2
Run the NHTSA lookup
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls, enter the 17-character VIN, and review results. You can also text the VIN to 66423. Results are immediate and free.
- 3
Check remedy status
NHTSA shows whether each recall has a remedy available and whether it has been completed on this specific VIN. "Remedy available" means the dealer can fix it now. "Remedy not yet available" means you are waiting on parts.
Virginia Note
Always run a NHTSA VIN check at nhtsa.gov/recalls before buying any used vehicle in Virginia. Federal recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer regardless of who owns the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does a seller have to disclose open recalls when selling a car in Virginia?
- Virginia does not generally require private sellers to disclose open NHTSA recalls. Dealers face stronger obligations under the FTC Used Car Rule and state consumer protection law.
- Can I register or transfer title on a car with an open recall in Virginia?
- Virginia DMV generally does not block title transfer or registration for open recalls. Confirm current policy with Virginia DMV.
- How do I check if a car has open recalls?
- Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter the 17-character VIN. The free NHTSA tool covers all federal safety recalls. You can also text the VIN to 66423 (NHTSA). Results show open recalls, recall description, remedy status (if available), and whether the remedy has been completed on this specific VIN.
- Who pays for recall repairs?
- Federal law (49 U.S.C. § 30120) requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no charge to the vehicle owner. This applies regardless of whether you bought the car new or used, from a dealer or privately. Take the vehicle to any authorized dealer for that make to have the recall remedied for free.
- What are a dealer's obligations regarding open recalls in Virginia?
- Dealers in Virginia are subject to the federal FTC Used Car Rule and state consumer protection law. Selling a vehicle with a known open safety recall without disclosure may constitute a deceptive act.
- Does Virginia require a safety inspection when buying a used car privately?
- Check with Virginia DMV whether a pre-sale safety inspection is required for private party transactions. Inspection requirements vary significantly by state.
Selling in Virginia? Document the Sale Properly
A bill of sale provides a written record of the sale price, vehicle condition disclosures, and transfer date — essential documentation for any private vehicle transaction.
Generate Virginia Bill of Sale