Vehicle Recalls in Canada

A vehicle recall is an official notice that a car, truck, motorcycle, trailer, or related equipment (like child car seats or tires) has a safety defect. The manufacturer must fix the problem at no cost to owners. Recalls are issued through Transport Canada to help keep drivers, passengers, and the public safe on the road.

You can check for recalls using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a 17-character code found on your dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver's side) or on a sticker inside the driver's door frame. Enter your VIN on the official Transport Canada recall search tool or contact your dealership directly. Complete VIN check guide →

Yes, vehicle recall repairs are completely free in Canada. By law, manufacturers must fix safety defects at no cost to vehicle owners, regardless of whether the vehicle is under warranty. This includes parts, labour, and any related costs. Contact your local dealership to schedule the repair. Are recall repairs always free? →

If a dealer cannot immediately fix a recalled vehicle due to parts availability, they should inform you of the timeline and may provide interim safety advice. In some cases, manufacturers offer loaner vehicles or rental car reimbursement. The recall notice will indicate if there are special instructions for owners while waiting for the repair.

It depends on the severity of the recall. Some recalls address minor issues, while others involve serious safety defects like brake or airbag problems. Always read the recall notice carefully—it will explain the risk level. Contact your dealership as soon as possible to schedule the repair, and follow any interim safety instructions provided.

Vehicle recalls in Canada are managed by Transport Canada, the federal department responsible for transportation safety. Manufacturers are legally required to notify Transport Canada of safety defects and to inform vehicle owners about recalls through direct mail or other means.

Your VIN is a unique 17-character code that identifies your vehicle. You can find it in several places: on the dashboard visible through the windshield on the driver's side, on a sticker inside the driver's door frame, on your vehicle registration document, or on your insurance documents. How to check your VIN for recalls →

A recall is a mandatory safety fix that must be performed at no cost to the vehicle owner. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) is guidance from the manufacturer about a known issue but is not required to be fixed for free. TSBs often address quality concerns rather than safety defects. Recalls vs service bulletins explained →

Vehicle recalls in Canada remain open indefinitely until the repair is completed. There is no expiration date for safety recalls. Even if you buy a used car, any open recalls should still be addressed at no cost by an authorized dealer.

You can sign up for email alerts to receive notifications when new vehicle recalls are announced. This helps you stay informed about recalls affecting your car, truck, or child car seat. How to get recall alerts →