How can I check if a used car has an outstanding safety recall?

GOV.UK includes recall checking as one of the core steps before buying a used vehicle. A recall can relate to a serious safety defect and may require repair by the manufacturer or dealer network.

If a recall is listed, ask whether the remedial work has already been completed. The seller's statement should be checked against manufacturer or dealer records where possible.

A recall is different from an MOT failure or ordinary service item. MOT history does not prove that manufacturer recall work has been completed, so this separate check fills a gap that many buyers overlook.

For 'How can I check if a used car has an outstanding safety recall?', keep a written record of the exact vehicle, seller details and checks you relied on before payment. That evidence is far more useful later than relying on memory or verbal promises.