Car buyers can find great deals on certain used car models. But what about recalls?
Used-car buyers are typically responsible for addressing recalls, so how can drivers avoid unreliable or problematic vehicles?
Researching makes and model years can help determine whether a vehicle is reliable and has an unusually high number of recalls.
Here's how used car buyers can look up active recalls and research dependability issues.
How to research a used car's recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a recall database that extends to both new and old vehicles. Typing a make and model into the database will populate all the recalls that vehicle has experienced throughout different model years.
It's best to narrow your search to a specific model year before utilizing the database. Once you have a specific year, make, and model, you can review past and active recalls, the number of models affected and remedies for those issues.
Beyond recalls, NHTSA also documents complaints, investigations, and manufacturer communications related to the model year. It displays safety technology recommendations and a vehicle's key standard safety features.
How to research a vehicle's reliability
One of the most helpful platforms for reliability research is CarComplaints.com. CarComplaints is an automotive database that organizes user-submitted complaints along with vehicle defect data.
Typing the make and model of a vehicle into CarComplaints' database will populate a model year comparison graph showing different bars representing documented issues. It also provides a worst model year pick and category for problems.
For example, the Toyota Tacoma had very few issues after the 2020 model year, according to the database. Its worst model year is the 2005 model, and its worst category is "body/paint problems" based on factors like repair costs.
The 2016 Tacoma has the most overall complaints.
Researching a nameplate using a database like CarComplaints can give you a general idea of types of issues a specific vehicle may have. If these issues sound too tedious or recurring, the nameplate may be worth skipping.
Do recalls mean a car is unreliable?
Recalls do not mean that a vehicle is inherently unreliable or problematic. In fact, many common recalls in 2026 are software issues that could impact multiple automotive brands.
Many modern car issues can be resolved via over-the-air (OTA) updates that can be performed from the comfort of your home. If you are researching a used car and it has several recalls in its history, you should look into the specific recalls and whether they pertain to key mechanical components.
Using tools provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and databases like CarComplaints can help you make a more informed used car buying decision. If a vehicle regularly has engine, transmission, or major safety issues, it may not be worth consideration.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What should used car buyers know about recalls and reliability?
