NHTSA Debuts VIN-Based Recall Database

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration introduces a Web-based tool that enables consumers to enter their vehicle's identification number to determine if their car or truck is subject to a safety recall.

The VIN-based system will allow owners to determine when the manufacturer of their vehicle will be ready to make repairs. The tool also can help shoppers determine the recall repair status of a used car. The NHTSA service will cover vehicles as old as 15 years.

Starting immediately, the agency requires that carmakers provide a similar VIN-based recall search tool on their own Web sites.