What Should Used Car Buyers Know about Recalls and Reliability?

Car buyers can find great deals on certain used car models. But what about recalls?

Used-car buyers are typically responsible for addressing recalls, so how can drivers avoid unreliable or problematic vehicles? Researching makes and model years can help determine whether a vehicle is reliable and has an unusually high number of recalls.

Here’s how used car buyers can look up active recalls and research dependability issues.

How to Research a Used Car’s Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a recall database that covers both new and old vehicles. Searching by make and model will show recalls associated with that vehicle across different model years.

It’s best to narrow your search to a specific model year. Then, you can review past and active recalls, the number of vehicles affected and the remedies for those issues.

Beyond recalls, NHTSA also documents complaints, investigations and manufacturer communications related to each model year. It lists safety technology recommendations and a vehicle’s key standard safety features.

How to Research a Vehicle’s Reliability

CarComplaints.com is one platform for reliability research. It organizes user-submitted complaints alongside vehicle defect data.

Searching a make and model on CarComplaints can bring up a model-year comparison graph of documented issues. The site also identifies a worst model year and problem category.

For example, the Toyota Tacoma had very few issues after the 2020 model year, according to the database. Its worst model year is 2005, with “body/paint problems” as the worst category based on factors such as repair costs.

The 2016 Tacoma has the most overall complaints.

Researching a nameplate can give you a general idea of the types of issues a specific vehicle may have. If the problems sound too tedious or recurring, that nameplate may be worth skipping.

See Also:

I Was 40 With Nothing Saved—Now I’m Retiring Early. Here Are the 11 Things I Did

Do Recalls Mean a Car Is Unreliable?

Recalls do not mean a vehicle is inherently unreliable or problematic. Many common recalls in 2026 involve software issues that could affect multiple automotive brands.

Many modern vehicle issues can be resolved with over-the-air updates that you can install from home. If a used car has several recalls in its history, look into the specific recalls and whether they involve key mechanical components.

Using tools from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and databases such as CarComplaints can help you make a more informed used-car buying decision. If a vehicle regularly has engine, transmission or major safety issues, it may not be worth considering.

Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at [email protected].