Check the public record before you buy a used car

Research 18 used models through recall notices, owner complaints and safety investigations. Find the questions to ask about the car you are considering.

Check a car's recalls Read the guides See open investigations Free and independent. No sign-up.

65,532 Owner complaints

13,182 Service bulletins

344 Recall campaigns

106 Model-year reports

Vehicles we cover

Compare model years →

Chevrolet Equinox

SUV 2016–2021

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Guides

All guides →

Check repair coverage, compare the cars on your shortlist, and prepare for an inspection.

Ford Recalls in 2026: What Used Buyers Should Check

A dated look at 2026 recalls on used Explorer, F-150 and Escape models, with the VIN checks, repair records and dealer questions buyers need.

Warranty Extension vs. Recall: Check Your Repair Coverage

A clean recall lookup can miss extended repair coverage. Learn what to ask the dealer, using Mazda CX-5 fuel-pump recall and warranty documents.

What to Check Before Buying a 2017-2019 Ford Escape

Buying a 2017-2019 Ford Escape? Identify its engine, check recall paperwork, ask about coolant loss and confirm any repair coverage before committing.

Why Newer Model Years Often Have Fewer Complaints

A study of 54,954 NHTSA complaints shows how reports accumulate over time, why a low early count can mislead, and what age adjustment leaves out.

Our own research

All research →

We connect complaints, recalls and service bulletins to investigate specific problems and repair gaps.

2016–2018 Hyundai Tucson: Dual-Clutch Hesitation and Repair Records

Compare Tucson hesitation reports with Hyundai's 2016 recall and 2017 service campaign. Check the transmission and dealer campaig…

Recalls That Had to Be Done Twice

These NHTSA campaigns call back vehicles repaired under an earlier recall. Compare campaign numbers and dates, and see which repa…

Where a Recall Stops: Badges, Corporate Parents and Shared Suppliers

Some recall campaigns name several brands. We group the campaigns in CarTold's records by corporate parent and examine the cases …

Tools

Prepare for a viewing, estimate fuel spending or look up a reported problem.

Fuel Cost Calculator

Estimate fuel spending using EPA ratings, your mileage and the displayed fuel price.

Vehicle Data Explorer

Find recalls, complaints, investigations and service bulletins by component.

Inspection Checklist

Print model-specific checks and questions to take to the seller and your mechanic.

A model-year report helps you decide what to check. For the individual car, verify the VIN, ask for repair records and arrange an independent inspection. How to use our reports.