Dealers are required to disclose in writing any material fact about a vehicle’s past-use, history or condition to a purchaser or lessee. Outstanding recalls related to serious issues of vehicle safety meet this test and where possible should be disclosed in writing on the bill of sale. Dealers are encouraged to visit the vehicle manufacturer’s website (see below) to search for vehicle recalls. Many manufacturers make VIN-specific recall searches available.

Note: some manufacturers recall searches may not include Canadian vehicles or searches must be performed on the US version of the manufacturer’s website.

Dealers may also phone the manufacturer to determine the existence of outstanding recalls. A list of phone numbers is provided by Transport Canada here.

Dealers may also search Transport Canada’s Road Safety Database.

Search for Recalls by VIN

* OMVIC accepts no liability for the content or accuracy of the information obtained from the resources listed below or for the consequences of any actions taken, or not taken, on the basis of the information provided; OMVIC does not guarantee that all websites below will successfully allow for the search of Canadian vehicles.