VIN lookup · Public NHTSA data
Decode a VIN.
Know what to verify.
Review vehicle specs, model-year campaigns and complaints. Take a clear checklist to the seller or repair shop.
Confirm this VIN’s recall applicability and repair status with NHTSA and the manufacturer.
See an actual verification PDFAn actual exported sheet
A place for the answers you still need.
The lookup provides public records. The sheet helps you record what the seller, manufacturer or repair shop confirms.
- See the sources and gaps
- Separate returned vehicle records from questions still open for this VIN.
- Record each campaign answer
- Keep the campaign number. Note applicability, repair status, and the date or work order.
- Keep the next step
- Fill, save or print the PDF. Blank fields are unanswered questions.
English example · 5 pages · Exported September 11, 2026 using demonstration VIN 1HGCM82633A004352. This sample does not verify its recall or repair status.
Four sources. Different questions.
VIN format and check digit
Check the number for a possible typo and read its country, manufacturer and model-year code. A matching check digit does not verify the vehicle or its history.
Model-year recall campaigns
Review NHTSA campaigns for the decoded make, model and year, then confirm whether your VIN is affected or already repaired with NHTSA and the manufacturer.
Owner complaints
Read owner-reported concerns for the model year. These reports do not establish the condition of this VIN or a failure rate.
Tested-variant crash ratings
Review available NHTSA NCAP results and the tested vehicle description. Configuration matching and the condition of your individual vehicle are not established.
What this lookup can establish
VinSleuth combines a local VIN check with NHTSA vehicle specifications and model-year datasets. We do not provide accident history, title brands or odometer records. A separate history report may help with those questions; check its coverage and terms. Confirm recall applicability and repair status with NHTSA and the manufacturer.
Browse model-year recall records
More vehicle checks
Frequently asked questions
Is the VIN decoder really free?
Yes — completely free, no account, no paywall, no card. We read official NHTSA data (vehicle specs, recalls, complaints, crash ratings) and show it in one place. We make money only if you choose to buy a paid history report or get an insurance quote through a partner link.
Does this show accident history or salvage titles?
No, and we won’t pretend it does. We do not hold accident, title or odometer histories. NMVTIS provides certain title, brand, odometer and salvage/total-loss records; it is not a complete accident or repair history. Check a provider’s coverage and obtain an independent inspection for the vehicle’s condition.
Where do I find my VIN?
The 17-character VIN is stamped on the driver’s-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb, and printed on your registration and insurance card. It never contains the letters I, O, or Q.
Can you check recalls by VIN exactly?
Our recall lookup uses the decoded make, model and year. It lists campaigns that may apply to some vehicles in that group; it does not establish whether your VIN is affected or repaired. Check the VIN at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the result with the manufacturer or dealer. Official lookup coverage can exclude repaired recalls, older campaigns and newly announced recalls.
Do I have to pay to fix a recall?
Manufacturers generally provide a remedy for eligible safety recalls at no charge. Confirm that your VIN is covered, the remedy is available and any age or other eligibility limits with the manufacturer or an authorized dealer.
Can I look up a car by license plate instead of VIN?
We don’t offer plate-to-VIN lookup. Converting a license plate to a VIN requires paid, state-by-state DMV data, and sites that offer it charge for it. We’d rather not pretend a paid lookup is free. Use the VIN on the vehicle and its documents for this lookup.
Confirm recalls for your vehicle
This site shows campaigns by make, model and year. Automatic recall alerts are not available here. Check your VIN with NHTSA and confirm applicability and repair status with the manufacturer or dealer.
Check your VIN with NHTSA