VIN Recall API

All APIs

VIN Recall API

Check recalls by VIN and instantly understand safety risks, urgency, and required actions.
GET

Authentication

All API requests require an API key to be included in the x-api-key header.

Endpoint

GET /recalls/search

Parameters

NameTypeRequired
vinstringOptional
yearstringOptional
makestringOptional
modelstringOptional

Code Examples

Sample Response

JSON Response
{
  "data": {
    "vehicle": {
      "make": "Acura",
      "year": "2022",
      "model": "MDX"
    },
    "safetyActions": [
      {
        "remedy": "Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge.",
        "actionId": "24V064000",
        "component": "AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER",
        "consequence": "An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.",
        "contactInfo": {
          "customerService": "1-888-234-2138"
        },
        "parkOutside": false,
        "actionNumber": null,
        "issueSummary": "The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.",
        "manufacturer": "Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)",
        "reportedDate": "2024-01-02",
        "parkImmediately": false
      }
    ],
    "totalSafetyActions": 1,
    "immediateActionRequired": false
  },
  "status": "success"
}

Overview

The VIN Recall API provides access to comprehensive safety recall data from NHTSA and manufacturers.

Unlike raw data feeds, TorqueNode structures the results into actionable signals like `immediateActionRequired` and `totalSafetyActions`.

Search By VIN

Use the `vin` parameter to get all active recalls for a specific vehicle.

Endpoint: `GET /recalls/search?vin={VIN}`

Credits: 10 credits per successful request.

Search By Year, Make, Model

If the VIN is unknown, you can search for recalls affecting all vehicles of a specific model year.

Endpoint: `GET /recalls/search?year={YEAR}&make={MAKE}&model={MODEL}`

Credits: 10 credits per successful request.

Helper: Vehicle Selection Flow

To build a dynamic search interface, you can utilize the following options endpoints. Note that while these endpoints are free (0 credits), they still require a valid API Key.

1. Get Years: `GET /recalls/years` - Returns a list of available model years.

2. Get Makes: `GET /recalls/makes?year={YEAR}` - Returns makes available for the selected year.

3. Get Models: `GET /recalls/models?year={YEAR}&make={MAKE}` - Returns models available for the selected year and make.

Data Structure

The `safetyActions` array contains objects with the following key fields:

- `actionId`: Unique identifier for the recall.

- `component`: The vehicle component affected.

- `risk`: Detailed explanation of the safety risk.

- `action`: Immediate steps the owner should take (e.g., 'Do not drive').

- `remedy`: How the manufacturer will fix the issue.

- `parkImmediately`: Boolean flag for high-priority safety risks.

Options Endpoints