Open Recalls API

Access only active, unresolved vehicle recalls requiring immediate attention or repair

Get currently active and unresolved vehicle recall information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. This API filters out completed, closed, or resolved recalls to show only those requiring immediate attention or repair action.

Endpoint

GET https://api.auto.dev/openrecalls/{vin}

Parameters

Prop	Type	Default
`vin`	`string`	-

Example Request

curl -X GET "https://api.auto.dev/openrecalls/WP0AF2A99KS165242" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json"

Response Structure

Main Response

Prop	Type	Default
`data?`	`array`	-

Open Recall Record Fields

Prop	Type	Default
`manufacturer?`	`string`	-
`nhtsaCampaignNumber?`	`string`	-
`parkIt?`	`boolean`	-
`parkOutSide?`	`boolean`	-
`overTheAirUpdate?`	`boolean`	-
`reportReceivedDate?`	`string`	-
`component?`	`string`	-
`summary?`	`string`	-
`consequence?`	`string`	-
`remedy?`	`string`	-
`notes?`	`string`	-
`recallStatus?`	`string`	-
`expectedRemediationDate?`	`string`	-
`modelYear?`	`string`	-
`make?`	`string`	-
`model?`	`string`	-

Example Response

Vehicle with Open Recalls

{
  "data": [
    {
      "manufacturer": "Porsche Cars North America, Inc.",
      "nhtsaCampaignNumber": "21V201000",
      "parkIt": false,
      "parkOutSide": false,
      "overTheAirUpdate": false,
      "reportReceivedDate": "24/03/2021",
      "component": "SUSPENSION:REAR",
      "summary": "Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster, 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe, Carrera 4S Coupe, and Carrera S Cabriolet vehicles. The screw connection on the rear axle upper control arm may be loose.",
      "consequence": "A loose connection may fail, causing driving instability and increasing the risk of a crash.",
      "remedy": "Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will rework and tighten the screw connection on the rear axle upper control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA6.",
      "notes": "Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.",
      "recallStatus": "Open",
      "expectedRemediationDate": null,
      "modelYear": "2019",
      "make": "PORSCHE",
      "model": "911"
    }
  ]
}

Vehicle with No Open Recalls

When a valid VIN has no open recalls, the API returns an empty array:

{
  "data": []
}

Note: This means all recalls have been completed, resolved, or the vehicle has no recall history.

Critical Safety Classifications

Immediate Action Required

Park It (parkIt: true) - DO NOT DRIVE - Vehicle poses immediate safety risk and should not be operated until repaired
Park Outside (parkOutSide: true) - FIRE/EXPLOSION RISK - Vehicle should be parked away from structures, garages, and other vehicles

Resolution Methods

Over-the-Air Update (overTheAirUpdate: true) - Can be resolved via software update without dealership visit
Dealer Service Required - Physical repair or part replacement needed at authorized service center

Recall Status Types

Open - Recall announced, remedy not yet available
Remedy Available - Fix is available, customer action required
In Progress - Customer has scheduled or begun remedy process

Use Cases

Pre-Purchase Inspections: Identify vehicles requiring immediate attention before sale
Safety Alert Systems: Notify owners of critical recalls requiring immediate action
Fleet Management: Prioritize vehicles needing urgent recall remediation
Insurance Risk Assessment: Evaluate vehicles with unresolved safety issues

Differences from Vehicle Recalls API

Feature	Vehicle Recalls API	Open Recalls API
Scope	All historical recalls	Only active/unresolved recalls
Use Case	Complete recall history	Immediate action items
Status Filter	All statuses	Open, In Progress, Remedy Available
Response Size	Larger (historical data)	Smaller (active only)

Error Responses

Invalid VIN

{
  "status": 400,
  "error": "VIN must be exactly 17 characters containing only letters and numbers (excluding I, O, Q)",
  "code": "INVALID_VIN_FORMAT",
  "path": "/openrecalls/1GYKPD",
  "requestId": "a1b2c3d4e5f6g7h8"
}

VIN Not Found

{
  "status": 404,
  "error": "No vehicle data found for the provided VIN",
  "code": "VIN_NOT_FOUND",
  "path": "/openrecalls/WP0AF2A99KS165242",
  "requestId": "b2c3d4e5f6g7h8i9"
}

Plan Availability

Starter: ❌ Not available
Growth: ❌ Not available
Scale: ✅ Available

See pricing for plan details and signup.

Open Recalls API

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