How do I know if my vehicle has Takata airbags?
The most reliable way is to check your vehicle’s VIN against official recall databases to see if it is affected by a Takata airbag inflator recall and requires replacement.
What are Takata airbags and why they were recalled
Takata inflators used in airbag systems were found to rupture in deployment, potentially sending metal fragments into the vehicle cabin. The recalls affected millions of vehicles across many makes and models and continue to be resolved through replacement campaigns. Status can vary by VIN and inflator type; only VIN-specific checks provide definitive answers.
How to check if your vehicle is affected
Use official sources to verify whether your specific VIN is subject to a Takata inflator recall. The steps below guide you through the process.
- Find your VIN. It’s a 17-character code located on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or the driver’s door jamb; you can also locate it on your vehicle registration and insurance documents.
- Visit the official recall lookup: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) SaferCar.gov VIN look-up tool. Enter your VIN to see current and past recalls, including Takata inflator campaigns.
- Check the manufacturer’s recall notices or contact the dealer with your VIN to confirm whether your vehicle has an active Takata inflator recall or if it has already been repaired.
- Review any safety recall letters sent to you and consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual for recalls that may be listed there.
The VIN-based check is the authoritative method. It provides the official status and indicates whether a replacement is required and how soon you should act.
What to do if your VIN shows a Takata recall
If the VIN lookup shows an open Takata inflator recall or a manufacturer notice, arrange a free repair as soon as possible. The replacement typically involves installing a new airbag inflator and may include related module work; repairs are performed at authorized dealers at no cost to the owner.
- Contact your local dealer or the automaker’s customer service to schedule the recall repair. Have your VIN handy for fastest service.
- Ask about the expected service time and whether a loaner vehicle or courtesy transportation is available if the repair is lengthy.
- Do not delay the repair; verify the status periodically, as recalls can be updated or expanded.
Remember that safety recalls are driven by VIN, not merely model year. Even if a vehicle is relatively new, a specific inflator batch may still be subject to a Takata recall, so a VIN check remains essential.
Additional considerations and safety tips
Takata inflator recalls focus on the risk of inflator rupture in a crash. Do not attempt to repair airbags yourself. Only certified technicians at authorized service centers should perform airbag repairs or replacements. Keep your contact information up to date with the manufacturer and NHTSA so you receive timely recall notices.
Summary
The surest way to know whether your vehicle has Takata airbags or is subject to an active Takata inflator recall is to check your VIN against official databases such as NHTSA’s VIN look-up and the manufacturer’s recall notices. If a recall is indicated, schedule a free replacement with an authorized dealer as soon as possible to ensure the safety of your airbag system.
How do I find out if my airbags are recalled?
You can check for airbag recalls by using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. The 17-character VIN can be found on the driver's side of your dashboard near the windshield, on your car's registration, or on your insurance card. If your car is under recall, contact a local dealer immediately to schedule the free repair.
How to check for a recall
- Find your VIN: Locate the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number on the lower-left corner of your car's windshield, or check your registration or insurance documents.
- Go to the NHTSA website: Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls to use the VIN lookup tool.
- Enter your VIN: Input your VIN to see if your vehicle is affected by the Takata airbag recall or any other safety recall.
- Sign up for alerts: To be notified of future recalls, sign up for alerts at NHTSA.gov/Alerts.
What to do if your vehicle is recalled
- Contact a dealer: Schedule a FREE repair with your local car dealer as soon as possible.
- Contact the manufacturer: If a dealer refuses to make the repair, contact the vehicle manufacturer directly.
- File a complaint: You can file a complaint with the NHTSA if you have issues with the recall repair process.
How do I check if my car has Takata airbags?
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle owners are urged to use NHTSA's Recalls Lookup Tool to check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for any open recalls — including Takata recalls.
Can I use my VIN number to check for recalls?
Yes, you can look up vehicle recalls by VIN number using the free online tool provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on SaferCar.gov. This allows you to check for open safety recalls and see if a remedy has been provided for your specific vehicle. You can also use a vehicle's manufacturer website for a recall check.
How to check for recalls by VIN
- Go to the official recall lookup tool: Navigate to the NHTSA's official recall search tool at SaferCar.gov.
- Enter the VIN: Type the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the search field.
- Review the results: The tool will provide information on any open safety recalls that have not been fixed for that vehicle.
Why use the VIN lookup tool
- Accuracy: The VIN lookup is the most accurate way to check for recalls on a specific vehicle, as it accounts for individual vehicle history.
- Safety: It helps you determine if a safety defect needs to be repaired by the manufacturer or a dealer.
- Up-to-date information: The tool provides access to the most current recall information available.
- Multiple vehicle types: While the VIN lookup is for vehicles, you can also use the NHTSA website to search for recalls on other equipment, such as car seats and tires.
Which car models have Takata airbags?
Many car brands, including Acura, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, and Toyota, have vehicles with recalled Takata airbags that could rupture and cause serious injury. The affected models and years vary, but the most reliable way to check if your specific car is impacted is to enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the NHTSA recall lookup tool on its website.
Potentially affected car brands
- Acura
- Audi
- BMW
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Ferrari
- Ford
- General Motors (including Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Pontiac, Saab)
- Honda
- Infiniti
- Jaguar
- Jeep
- Land Rover
- Lexus
- Lincoln
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mercury
- Mitsubishi
- Nissan
- Pontiac
- Saab
- Scion
- Subaru
- Tesla
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
How to check your specific vehicle
- Find your VIN, which can be on the lower-left corner of your dashboard, on your car's registration or insurance documents, or on the driver's side doorjamb.
- Go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) VIN look-up tool.
- Enter your VIN to see if there are any unrepaired recalls on your vehicle.
