Tire Recall Lookup: How to Find and Check the TIN
A step-by-step US tire recall check: capture the full TIN, search NHTSA recall information, compare the affected production range, and contact the manufacturer.
Quick answer
To check a tire recall, record the brand, tire line, size, and complete Tire Identification Number from each tire. Search NHTSA’s tire recall information and compare every identifying field with the recall notice. If the tire may be included, contact the tire manufacturer or an authorized dealer before relying on your own interpretation.
Key points
- A four-digit date code alone is not enough to confirm most recall coverage.
- Check each tire because TINs and production dates may differ.
- Match the recall notice’s brand, line, size, plant, and production range exactly.
- A “no result” screen does not replace inspection or manufacturer confirmation.
Date decoder and recall lookup are different tools
The date code identifies only the manufacturing week and year. A recall population can be narrower: it may apply to particular brands, tire lines, sizes, manufacturing plants, or production windows. Two tires with the same four-digit date can therefore have different recall status.
Save the entire TIN rather than copying only its last four digits. Modern new-tire TIN structure is defined by 49 CFR § 574.5, but older formats and retreaded tires can differ. Use the exact identifying language in the recall notice.
Information to collect before searching
Photograph each tire in good light and preserve the images with your purchase records.
- Brand and tire-line or model name.
- Full tire size and service description.
- Complete TIN from the sidewall carrying the date code.
- The four-digit manufacture date as a separate note.
- Vehicle position: left front, right front, left rear, right rear, or spare.
- Seller, purchase date, and invoice if available.
How to compare a recall notice
Open NHTSA’s recall search and select the tire search option. Search the identifying information you collected, then open the recall report rather than relying only on a result headline. Read the affected-products description, production dates, remedy, and manufacturer contact information.
Compare all fields. A production week inside the listed window does not establish coverage when the tire line, size, or plant differs. Conversely, uncertain formatting or an inward-facing TIN is a reason to ask the manufacturer or dealer for help—not a reason to assume the tire is excluded.
What to do if the tire may be included
Follow the recall notice and manufacturer instructions. Contact an authorized dealer or the manufacturer using the contact details in the official report. Ask them to verify the complete TIN and explain the remedy. If the tire shows visible damage, unusual vibration, air loss, or another concerning condition, stop using your website search as a diagnostic tool and obtain professional inspection promptly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I check a tire recall with only the DOT date code?
Usually not conclusively. Recall populations may depend on tire brand, line, size, plant, and a TIN production range in addition to manufacture dates.
Do all four tires have the same TIN?
No. Each tire should be checked and recorded separately; the tires can come from different production batches or have been replaced at different times.
What if NHTSA shows no result?
Recheck the information and consult the manufacturer if you remain concerned. A database search is not a physical inspection and may not answer condition or non-recall warranty questions.
Is a recall repair free?
The official recall notice explains the remedy and eligibility. Contact the manufacturer or authorized dealer to verify coverage for the exact tire.
Primary sources
We use US government regulations and consumer guidance for factual claims. Links open the source publisher.
- NHTSA Recalls ↗
Official US vehicle, equipment, car-seat, and tire recall search.
- 49 CFR § 574.5 ↗
TIN components used to identify tires and production dates.
- NHTSA TireWise ↗
Consumer tire registration, recall, and maintenance guidance.