Recalls happen all the time, and many people never hear about the one that affects them. The good news: checking is free and takes just a few minutes. Here’s where to look for the things most families own.
Toys, Appliances and Household Products
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) handles recalls for most consumer products: toys, cribs, furniture, appliances, space heaters and more.
- Search recalls at CPSC.gov/Recalls.
- Search SaferProducts.gov for recalls and consumer safety reports.
- Register new products (especially baby products) with the manufacturer so they can contact you if there’s a recall.
Cars, Car Seats and Tires
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) handles vehicle recalls.
- Go to NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your car’s 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). You’ll usually find it on the lower left of your windshield or on your registration or insurance card.
- If your vehicle has an open recall, the manufacturer must fix it. Contact your dealership to schedule the free repair.
- You can also search car seats, tires and equipment.
- Sign up for recall alerts through NHTSA’s SaferCar app or email alerts.
Food, Medicine, Cosmetics and Pet Food
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posts recalls for food and beverages, drugs, medical devices, dietary supplements, cosmetics and animal products.
- Check the FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts page.
- Sign up for free FDA recall email alerts on that page.
What to Do if Something You Own Is Recalled
- Stop using it unless the recall notice says otherwise.
- Follow the recall instructions: it may offer a repair, replacement or refund.
- Keep your receipt or proof of purchase if you have it, but many recalls don’t require one.
A Simple Habit
Check your car’s VIN twice a year, and check any big purchase (especially for babies and kids) before you buy it secondhand. Used items can have recalls the seller doesn’t know about.
The Bottom Line
Three websites cover most of what you own: CPSC for household products, NHTSA for vehicles, and FDA for food and medicine. Sign up for alerts and you’ll hear about recalls without having to look.