How to Check Whether a Product Has Been Recalled
It takes two minutes and it is free. Where to search, what to match, and what to do if something you own is on the list.
Research-based: owner feedback and public sources. How we review
In this article
A recall means a company and a safety regulator have agreed that a product has a problem serious enough to fix, replace or refund. Recalled products often stay in use simply because their owners never heard about the recall. Checking takes about two minutes and costs nothing.
Key takeaways
- Search the official database for the type of product, not a search engine
- Match the model number and date code, because recalls often cover specific batches
- If yours is listed, stop using it and follow the remedy in the notice
- You usually do not need a receipt
- It is unlawful to sell a recalled product in the US, so check before buying second-hand
Where to search
In the United States, different agencies handle different kinds of product. Go to the one that covers yours:
| Product type | Agency | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Household goods, appliances, electronics, toys, furniture | Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) | cpsc.gov/Recalls and SaferProducts.gov |
| Cars, tyres, child car seats | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) | nhtsa.gov/recalls |
| Food, medicines, cosmetics, medical devices | Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | fda.gov recalls |
| Meat, poultry and egg products | USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service | fsis.usda.gov/recalls |
If you are not sure which applies, Recalls.gov is a federal portal that links to each agency’s recall listings.
How to match your product
A recall rarely covers everything a brand has made. It usually applies to particular model numbers, colours, sizes or production dates. Before you search:
- Find the rating label. It is usually on the underside or back of the product, inside a battery door, or on the original box and manual.
- Note the brand, the model number and any serial number or date code.
- Search the database by brand or product name, open the notice, and compare your details with the list. Notices usually include photographs of the product, and often of the label, so you can see where to look.
If your product is on the list
- Stop using it if the notice says to.
- Follow the remedy. The notice will say whether the company is offering a repair, a replacement or a refund, and how to claim it.
- Do not worry if you have lost the receipt. Many recalls do not require one. Companies often ask for a photograph of the product or its label instead.
- Do not sell it or give it away. The CPSC says selling a recalled product is unlawful, even if it seems to work perfectly, and most online marketplaces ban listings for recalled items.
If the company does not respond
Contact the company first using the details in the recall notice. If you get nowhere, the CPSC has a Recall Complaint Form on its website that sends your concern to its consumer hotline.
How to report an unsafe product
If a product has injured someone or seems dangerous and has not been recalled, you can report it at SaferProducts.gov or by calling the CPSC on (800) 638-2772. Reports are published in a public, searchable database and can help the agency decide whether a recall is needed. It is also worth leaving a factual review on the retailer’s page so other buyers see it.
Stay ahead of future recalls
- Register new products. Fill in the registration card or online form for appliances, child products and electronics so the manufacturer can contact you directly.
- Sign up for alerts. The CPSC offers email notifications for the product categories you care about.
- Check before buying second-hand. Search the model number before you buy a used appliance, cot, car seat or power tool.
Recalls we have looked at
We keep plain-English summaries of recalls in product areas our readers ask about most, including air fryer recalls and power bank recalls. Always confirm the details against the official notice before you act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a receipt to claim a recall remedy?
Often not. Many recall notices say proof of purchase is not required and ask for a photograph of the product or its label instead. Check the specific notice.
Is it illegal to sell a recalled product?
Yes. The CPSC states that selling a recalled product is unlawful in the United States, even if the item is in good condition. It can be resold once the recall remedy has been carried out.
Does a recall mean every product from that brand is unsafe?
No. Recalls normally apply to specific models or production batches. Check your model number against the notice.
Sources
More on: Product Safety & Recalls
