Frequently asked questions
Is the VIN decode really free?
Yes. The decode uses the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's free public database. No payment, no account, no catch.
What does the decode show?
Vehicle identity and specs: year, make, model, trim, engine, transmission, drivetrain, body style, and more — everything the manufacturer encoded in the VIN.
Why do you ask for my email?
So we can send you your free results summary — your decode specs, or alerts for the recall checks you ran — in one clean email you can keep or forward. We'll also send occasional follow-ups about the tool you used. Every email has an unsubscribe link, and we use confirmed (double) opt-in.
Do you sell my data?
No. We don't sell personal information. See the privacy policy.
Where does the data come from?
Vehicle data comes from the NHTSA Vehicle Product Information Catalog (vPIC); recall data comes from the FDA's openFDA enforcement reports and NHTSA recall data. See data sources.
Will you offer full history reports (title, accidents, odometer)?
That's the plan for a later phase. Right now we're focused on the free decode — join the list and you'll be first to know when history reports launch.
Is a VIN decode the same as an inspection?
No. A decode shows what the vehicle is — not its current condition or unreported damage. Always get an independent inspection before buying a used car.
Are the recall checks really free?
Yes. The recall checks run on free public databases from the FDA and NHTSA. No payment, no account.
What can I check for recalls?
Vehicles (by VIN, or by make, model, and year), prescription and over-the-counter drugs, food products, medical devices, and child safety seats & tires.
I found a recall on my medication — what now?
Don't stop taking a medication based on a search result. Note the recall details, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and check fda.gov for the official notice.