Before buying
Used products, rentals, marketplace deals, and hand-me-downs can carry hidden recall risk. Start with the right official source before paying, gifting, installing, or driving away.
Run a quick recall check before buying a used vehicle, baby product, appliance, medicine, or medical device with official agency sources.
Before buying used, donated, marketplace, or open-box products, identify the exact lane first: NHTSA for VINs and car seats, CPSC for consumer products, FDA or USDA for food/drugs/devices, then search with the exact model, lot, serial, or package code.
Search the exact model, VIN, lot number, manufacturer, or product category first. If the official source asks for a code printed on the product, do not rely on a marketplace listing photo alone.
Search the VIN at NHTSA before paying for a used vehicle.
Quick checkRoute car seats to NHTSA and cribs/strollers/toys to CPSC.
Quick checkAppliances with fire, burn, or laceration risk typically belong at CPSC.
Quick checkLot number, brand, and product name matter for FDA drug recalls.