Vehicle identification & specs
Year, make, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, body style, assembly plant, and factory safety equipment — decoded from the NHTSA vehicle product information catalogue.
Free VIN check
What a free VIN check includes — and what it doesn't
AutoVinScope runs a free check on every VIN using federal databases. Here's what you get for free and when you should upgrade to the full report.
What's included in a free VIN check
When you enter a VIN, AutoVinScope first identifies the vehicle using the NHTSA vehicle product information catalogue — the same federal database that manufacturers report to. This is completely free and requires no account.
Safety recall campaigns
Open and recent manufacturer recall notices with the defect description, the potential consequence, and the available remedy. Recall data comes from the NHTSA recalls database.
Crash test ratings & owner complaints
Frontal, side, and rollover star ratings from the NHTSA crash test program, plus owner-reported failure complaints grouped by component.
What a free VIN check does not include
Free federal data covers vehicle identification, recalls, and safety — but it does not cover the vehicle's history. The following records require a paid report because they come from licensed commercial registries and title databases:
- Title brands — salvage, rebuilt, flood, lemon, and other title designations
- Accident and damage records — reported crashes, insurance claims, and damage events
- Odometer history — mileage readings over time to spot rollback or tampering
- Theft indicators — whether the vehicle appears on stolen-vehicle sources
- Ownership history — number of previous owners and location history
- Previous sale records — past listings, sale dates, and reported prices
- Market value — estimated value based on comparable sales data
When you need more than a free check
A free VIN check is a great first step — it confirms the vehicle's identity and flags open recalls. But if you're seriously considering buying the car, you need the full history. Title brands, accident records, and odometer tampering are the most common reasons a used car turns out to be a bad deal, and none of them show up in a free check.
AutoVinScope shows free findings first. You see the vehicle specs and recalls before you decide whether to unlock the full report. See report pack pricing
Run your free VIN check now
Enter any 17-character VIN below. You'll see the vehicle identification and any open recalls immediately — no account required.