How Do You Get Recall Alerts?
Learn how to get NHTSA recall alerts through the SaferCar app or email and why alerts are different from a one-time VIN recall lookup.
To get recall alerts, download NHTSA's SaferCar app and add your vehicles, car seats, tires, or equipment, or use NHTSA's email recall alert option. The app monitors saved items and sends alerts when NHTSA identifies a matching safety recall.
Alert options
SaferCar app
Phone alerts for saved items
Vehicles, car seats, tires, equipment
Email alerts
General recall notifications
Email signup details
VIN lookup
One-time vehicle check
17-character VIN
Car seat recall search
Specific child restraint check
Seat details
Twice-yearly manual check
Extra safety habit
VIN or product information
Alerts are ongoing monitoring
A recall alert setup is useful after a clean one-time lookup because new recalls can be announced later and VIN coverage can change as records are updated.
Set up alerts
- 1Decide whether you want phone alerts, email alerts, or both.
- 2Download NHTSA's SaferCar app for phone alerts.
- 3Add each vehicle, car seat, tire, or equipment item you want monitored.
- 4Use NHTSA's email alert option if you prefer email notifications.
- 5Keep product details updated when you buy, sell, or replace vehicles and equipment.
FAQ
How do NHTSA recall alerts work?
NHTSA says the SaferCar app can send a phone alert when it discovers a safety recall for a vehicle, car seat, tire, or equipment item you entered.
Can I get recall alerts by email?
Yes. NHTSA's recalls page links to general recall alerts by email in addition to the SaferCar app.
Are recall alerts the same as checking a VIN once?
No. A VIN lookup checks the current status for a specific vehicle, while recall alerts are for ongoing monitoring after you add vehicles or equipment.
Sources & method
We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.
- SaferCar AppNHTSA · nhtsa.govSupports the app-based recall alert setup flow and the background monitoring behavior for saved vehicles or equipment.
- Check for Recalls: Vehicle, Car Seat, Tire, EquipmentNHTSA · nhtsa.govSupports NHTSA's recall-alert options, including SaferCar app links and general email recall alerts.