Frequently asked questions
Recall check FAQ
Everything you might want to know about the combined DVSA + SMMT recall check. Can't find your answer? Contact us.
About the check
What is a RecallClear recall check?+
A combined manufacturer-recall lookup that queries the DVSA recall database and the SMMT manufacturer feed in a single £1.99 request. You enter a UK vehicle registration; we return the outstanding-recall status, the source database, and (where the data source provides it) a description of the recall and a link to the manufacturer's official recall portal.
What is the difference between DVSA and SMMT recall data?+
DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) maintains the UK government's official recall register and flags whether a recall is outstanding. SMMT (the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) aggregates data supplied directly by manufacturers, which often includes a description of the recall as well as the outstanding-status flag. By combining both we maximise coverage and detail.
What does 'combined' mean in practice?+
Each check is run against both data sources. Where both have information for the vehicle, we return the most detailed of the two. Where only one has information, we return what that source provides. The aim is to minimise the need for buyers to make their own enquiries to dealers or manufacturers.
What the report shows
What fields are in the report?+
Vehicle registration mark, VIN where available, the manufacturer/model description from each source, the recall status, the source database (DVSA or SMMT), the timestamp of the check, the number of recalls outstanding, a list of recall descriptions where available, and a link to the manufacturer's recall portal.
What should I do if a recall is outstanding?+
Contact any authorised franchised dealer for the manufacturer. Safety recalls are repaired free of charge regardless of who currently owns the vehicle and regardless of vehicle age. You'll typically need the VIN, which the report includes where the database returns one.
Why might my report say 'Unknown'?+
Some vehicles aren't currently listed in either DVSA or SMMT data. Common reasons: very new registrations (data hasn't propagated yet), very old vehicles, grey imports, certain commercial variants, or kit-car / specialist marques. When we can't return a definitive status we'll show 'Unknown' and link you to the manufacturer's recall portal so you can confirm directly. A refund is available on request.
Why do some recalls have descriptions and others don't?+
DVSA confirms whether a recall is outstanding but doesn't always provide a description. SMMT typically includes the description. For brands covered by SMMT you'll usually get both the status and the recall details; for DVSA-only brands you'll get the status and a manufacturer-portal link to look up the detail.
Coverage & accuracy
How recent is the recall data?+
Both DVSA and SMMT data sources are continually updated as manufacturers report new safety campaigns. Each check returns the timestamp at which the underlying data was last refreshed for that vehicle, so you can see exactly when the answer was current.
Which manufacturers are covered?+
Every manufacturer with vehicles on UK roads. The combined DVSA + SMMT scope covers volume brands (Ford, Vauxhall, Toyota, Hyundai, etc.), premium brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar), supercar marques (Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin), commercial-focused brands (Iveco, DAF, Ford Transit), new entrants (Tesla, BYD, Polestar, Ineos) and legacy brands (Saab, Rover) that still have vehicles in use.
What if my vehicle isn't recognised?+
If neither database returns a result for the registration, the report will show 'Unknown' and direct you to the manufacturer's recall portal. Where the check can't be completed at all, a full refund is issued automatically.
Are commercial vehicles and vans covered?+
Yes. Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter, Iveco Daily, Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Trafic and similar light-commercial vehicles are all UK-registered and are covered by the combined check. Heavy goods vehicles have separate recall registers; we cover the LCV/van category.
Pricing & refunds
How much does a check cost?+
£1.99 per check, paid via Stripe. No subscription. No account needed to start. We don't sell tiers or upsells. Every customer pays the same price.
What's your refund policy?+
If we can't complete the check for any reason (provider downtime, vehicle not found, technical error), the £1.99 charge is refunded automatically and you'll receive a confirmation email. If the check returns 'Unknown' and you'd prefer a refund rather than the partial result, contact us within 14 days.
Account & access
Do I need an account to run a check?+
No account is needed to start. You pay and the report is delivered to your email immediately, along with a magic-link sign-in so you can access the report any time from your dashboard.
Can I share my report with a buyer or seller?+
Yes. Each report has a shareable link you can send to a buyer, seller, or dealer. They can view the result without needing an account.
Still have a question? Get in touch or run a recall check now.