Motorists have the opportunity to find out whether they car is on a safety recall list.

The UK automotive sector, led by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and Motor Codes, has launched a new consumer-facing web portal that will also direct them to their nearest dealer for any required work.
 
The Vehicle Safety Recall search tool, which operates using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), is for car owners and buyers of used cars and vans to check if the vehicle is subject to an outstanding safety recall that they, or a previous owner, may have missed. 
 
The new service is available online via Motor Codes (motorcodes.co.uk/vehicle-recall), the automotive industry’s government-approved regulatory body, and is funded and managed by the SMMT. 
 
The UK’s vehicle recall process is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

The number of vehicles repaired following a recall campaign in the UK consistently exceeds 90% – one of the most successful compliance records anywhere in the world, and some two and a half times higher than the average rate for all consumer goods in the UK.

The number of recall campaigns in the UK has fallen by more than a quarter since 2010.
  
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The UK vehicle recall process is one of the most robust in the world, and manufacturers are constantly striving to make it even better. Essential recalls can be missed when a vehicle transfers between owners so this portal provides a fast way of checking any safety issues. Vehicle manufacturers are committed to delivering the highest standards of safety and record keeping, to ensure the UK’s excellent vehicle safety record is maintained.”

Car owners and buyers can check the safety recall status of almost any given car or van at motorcodes.co.uk/vehicle-recall  by keying in the vehicle’s VIN – the 17-character number found in the car’s log book (V5C) and in the vehicle itself.

The service also provides guidance on what to do in the event of an outstanding recall and allows users to link directly to their local dealer to arrange any necessary repair work.