Skip to main content
CarTold

Check the public record before you buy a used car

Research 18 used models through recall notices, owner complaints and safety investigations. Find the questions to ask about the car you are considering.

Have the VIN? Decode it with NHTSA and see the recall campaigns for that year, make and model
Check a car's recalls Read the guides See open investigations Free and independent. No sign-up.
66,624 Owner complaints
13,182 Service bulletins
345 Recall campaigns
106 Model-year reports

Vehicles we cover

Compare model years →
Chevrolet Equinox
SUV 2016–2021
13 recall campaigns1,811 complaints
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Pickup 2016–2021
37 recall campaigns4,853 complaints
Ford Escape
SUV 2016–2020
32 recall campaigns8,132 complaints
Ford Explorer
SUV 2016–2021
58 recall campaigns6,905 complaints
Ford F-150
Pickup 2016–2021
69 recall campaigns7,745 complaints
Honda Accord
Sedan 2016–2021
11 recall campaigns4,701 complaints
Honda Civic
Sedan 2016–2021
14 recall campaigns3,153 complaints
Honda CR-V
SUV 2016–2021
17 recall campaigns6,327 complaints
Hyundai Tucson
SUV 2016–2021
6 recall campaigns3,763 complaints
Jeep Grand Cherokee
SUV 2016–2021
31 recall campaigns2,552 complaints
Kia Sportage
SUV 2016–2021
5 recall campaigns992 complaints
Mazda CX-5
SUV 2016–2021
9 recall campaigns1,311 complaints
Nissan Altima
Sedan 2016–2021
14 recall campaigns1,660 complaints
Nissan Rogue
SUV 2016–2021
20 recall campaigns2,536 complaints
Subaru Outback
SUV 2017–2021
16 recall campaigns3,974 complaints
Toyota Camry
Sedan 2016–2021
16 recall campaigns1,985 complaints
Toyota Corolla
Sedan 2016–2021
9 recall campaigns1,233 complaints
Toyota RAV4
SUV 2016–2021
14 recall campaigns2,991 complaints

Recall-heavy model years

For each model, the year with the most NHTSA recall campaigns among the cars we cover, counted live from the recall records.

Guides

All guides →

Check repair coverage, compare the cars on your shortlist, and prepare for an inspection.

Hyundai Tucson Engine Failure and Knocking (2016-2018): Recall and Warranty

666 NHTSA complaints describe Tucson engine knocking or failure. Which cars the recall, KSDS, 15-year warranty and settlement cover, and what to check.
2020 Ford Explorer: Transmission Complaints and Repeat Recalls

The redesigned 2020 Explorer has 300 transmission complaints, four times the 2019 share. The bulletins, the reissued axle-bolt recalls and what to check.
Ford F-150 10-Speed Shifting Problems (2017-2021): What Owners Report

1,452 NHTSA complaints describe harsh or erratic F-150 shifting. Which trucks have the 10-speed, Ford's bulletin chain, recalls and what to check.
Honda CR-V and Accord Phantom Braking (2017-2021): What Owners Report

885 NHTSA complaints describe CR-V and Accord emergency braking with nothing ahead. Numbers by year, the open NHTSA probe and how to test-drive for it.

Our own research

All research →

We connect complaints, recalls and service bulletins to investigate specific problems and repair gaps.

2016–2018 Hyundai Tucson: Dual-Clutch Hesitation and Repair Records

Buying a 2016–2018 Tucson with a dual-clutch transmission? Compare hesitation reports, Hyundai's recall and service campaign, and…
Recalls That Had to Be Done Twice

A past recall repair may be followed by another campaign. Compare referenced recalls and report dates, then check the VIN and rep…
Shared Car Recalls: Brands and Corporate Groups

See which recall summaries name sibling brands or cross corporate groups. Compare the classifications, review investigation examp…

Tools

Prepare for a viewing, estimate fuel spending or look up a reported problem.

Fuel Cost Calculator

Estimate fuel spending using EPA ratings, your mileage and the displayed fuel price.
Vehicle Data Explorer

Find recalls, complaints, investigations and service bulletins by component.
Inspection Checklist

Print model-specific checks and questions to take to the seller and your mechanic.
A model-year report helps you decide what to check. For the individual car, verify the VIN, ask for repair records and arrange an independent inspection. How to use our reports.