FORD E 150 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used FORD E 150 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2005–2014) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD E 150 has 422 owner complaints and 105 safety recalls across model years 2005–2014. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2008 drew the most complaints; 2014 drew the fewest.
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- E 150
- Model years analyzed
- 2005–2014 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 422
- Safety recall campaigns
- 105
- Crash-related complaints
- 29
- Fire-related complaints
- 2
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2008 (266 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2014 (6 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
FORD E 150: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe FORD E 150 has 422 NHTSA complaints and 105 recalls on record. 29 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 422 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 105 federal recall campaigns
- 29 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
105 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2005–2014. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 422 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
422 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
After driving lightning, it loses power and a wrench appears, I already changed the gasoline pump, gasoline pump module, injection rail regulator, and it remains the same
2005 FORD E-150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE PEDAL PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID LEVELS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.*JS
I WAS CRUSHING AT 55 MPH AND I HEARD A LOUD POP THAT WAS FOLLOWED BY A CONTINUOUS POPPING OBVIOUSLY FROM LOST COMPRESSION. I TOOK TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS TYPE OF MOTOR TO "BLOW SPARK PLUG". THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING AND IS NOW A HARDSHIP FOR ME
THE CAR STEERING BOX SEEMS TO WANDER ALL OVER THE ROAD AND CAUSE ME TO GO INTO THE DITCH. COULD HAVE BEEN WORST.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-150. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST ALL STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HAND BRAKE WAS ENGAGED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO START WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN PARK UNTIL IT WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,010.
I WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION. I WAS ABOUT TO REVERSE AND MY AIRBAG EXPLODED FOR NO REASON. I FILLED A POLICE REPORT WITH WITNESSES. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE INCIDENT AND WAS INFORMED I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. THEY STATED THEY HAVE SENT LETTERS TO AN UNDISCLOSED ADDRESS. I STATED I NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER AND I HAVE LIVED AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. I ALSO STATED THAT I HAVE HAD MY TRUCK AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES(ONE TIME FOR A WRECK) SINCE THE RECALL AND HAVE NEVER BEEN INFORMED OF A RECALL. AT SOME POINT SHOULDN'T FORD HAVE INFORMED ME WHEN I WAS IN THEIR PRESENCE? FORD IS NOW GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND. WHAT CAN I DO AT THIS POINT TO FIGHT THIS DECISION FROM FORD? IT IS A RECALL AND SHOULD BE FIXED. MY TRUCK IS MY LIFE. HELP I NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MY KNOWLEDGE AND HAVE LIVE IN NUMEROUS PLACES. I STATED MY TRUCK HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP THREE TIMES (ONE TIME FOR A WRECK) AND NO WORDS WERE SPOKEN OF A RECALL.
Read 14 more owner reports
DRIVING AT 35MPH, VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A BACKFIRING SOUND AND LOSING POWER. PULLED VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT AND HAD TOWED TO FORD DEALER. FORD SERVICE ADVISER SAID #3 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF ENGINE. HE HAD SERVICE TECHNICIAN PULL OTHER PLUGS AND CHECKED GAP ON PLUGS TO FIND ALL PLUGS WERE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED. *TR
TOTAL FAILURE OF DIESEL ENGINE. APPARENT DEFECTIVE ENGINE DESIGN IN THE FORD/NAVISTAR 6L POWESTROKE ACROSS SEVERAL MODEL YEARS HAS BEEN REPORTED ON INTERNET. *JS
THE PAINT ON THE BACK OF THE VAN FROM THE TOP TO THE BUMPER IN AN APPROXIMATE 1 FOOT SWATH HAS PEELED OFF. A BODY SHOP GUY SAID THAT THEY DIDN'T PUT A THICK ENOUGH COAT ON OR THAT THE BASE WAS FAULTY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LINE LEAK IN THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO HAVE A STATE INSPECTION COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON SITE FOR THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT YET BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 33,000. UPDATED 02/14/12*LJ UPDATED 02/24/12
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ECONOLINE 350 VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEATBELTS WERE DEFECTIVE (SECOND ROW CAPTAIN SEAT BEHIND THE PASSENGER SIDE/CAPTAIN CHAIR BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT). THE CONTACT SAID THE SEATBELT DISLODGED FROM THE HINGE AND WOULD NOT LOCK IN PLACE. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT SHE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO REPAIR THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BENCH SEAT (THIRD ROW) WOULD NOT LOCK INTO PLACE WHEN A CHILD WAS BEING PLACED IN ITS CHILD SEAT. UPDATED 2/9/2012 *CN RECEIVED 5/5/15 WITH NO CHANGES *CN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ECONOLINE 350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH UP A HILL THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO DELAMINATION IN THE GASOLINE TANK AND THAT THE FUEL PUMP, OIL AND FUEL FILTERS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE COULD SMELL FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE ESCAPED FROM THE TAILPIPE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LINER ON THE FUEL TANK TWICE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DIESEL FUEL ATE THROUGH THE LINING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.
I OWN A 2005 FORD F-150. ON ONE OCCASION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW UNEXPECTEDLY DROPPED INTO THE DOOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW UNEXPECTEDLY DROPPED INTO THE DOOR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. BOTH OF THESE EVENTS COULD HAVE HAD SERIOUS RAMIFICATIONS. BOTH TIMES THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS OF THE MOTOR ASSEMBLIES. THESE EVENTS WERE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION AND BOTH TIMES MY CONCERNS WERE NOT ADDRESSED TO MY SATISFACTION. BASED ON RESEARCH THAT I HAVE CONDUCTED VIA THE INTERNET, THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH MANY 2005 FORD F150 OWNERS AND IT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY FORD. *CN
I HAVE A 2005 FORD F-150 I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THREE OF THE WINDOWS NOW FALLING DOWN INTO THE DOOR BECAUSE THE CLIP ON THE WINDOW REGULATORS KEEP BREAKING. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD AS ONE TIME I EVEN HAD THE GRANDKIDS IN THE BACKSEAT AND DID NOT EVEN KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND COULD THEN NOT ROLL UP THE WINDOW FOR THEIR SAFETY. FORD CHARGES $450 FOR THIS PART EACH TIME AND HAS ADMITTED REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THIS HOWEVER HAS NOT RECALLED THIS ITEM TO DATE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME WITH THREE DIFFERENT WINDOWS WITHIN A 6 MONTH PERIOD. THERE IS NO WARNING YOU JUST GO TO ROLL YOUR WINDOW DOWN AND IT FALLS INSIDE OF THE DOOR. IT IS LUCKY THE WINDOW DID NOT BREAK OR ANY OTHER THING HAPPENED WITH THE GRANDKIDS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-150. DURING BRAKE APPLICATION AT 65 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT WARNING. HE HAD TO REPEATEDLY APPLY PRESSURE TO RELEASE THE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 40,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL, AND THEN IMMEDIATELY RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, SINCE THE TECHNICIANS ARE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,800.
OUR STREET NEEDS A SPEED BUMP ON 42ND AVE S BETWEEN FINDLEY AND ORCAS. THERE ARE MANY CHILDREN AND CARS GO TOO FAST. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ECONOLINE VAN. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE FUSES BEGAN TO SHORT OUT ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A PIECE OF METAL LOCATED IN THE FUSE RACK THAT TOUCHED THE WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL WIRING TO SHORT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF NOT HAVING THE WIRING HARNESS PROPERLY COVERED, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE MORE ELECTRICAL FAILURES OR A FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE DEALER TO PLACE THE WIRING HARNESS BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL STATE. THERE WAS NO TYPE OF PROTECTION OR COVERING OVER THE WIRING HARNESS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 50,000.
THE VEHICLE, A FORD E350 6.0L DIESEL WOULD LOSE POWER WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. AFTER WAITING ABOUT 20 MINUTES, SOMETIMES WOULD START UP BUT MOST OF THE TIME WOULD HAVE TO BE TOWED. THIS WOULD OCCUR WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN FOR MORE THAN 20-40 MILES WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARMED. THIS HAS OCCURRED A TOTAL OF OVER 15 TIMES, EACH FAILURE HAVING A SMALLER TIME IN BETWEEN THAN THE ONE PREVIOUS. VERY DANGEROUS. ALMOST HIT A CAR TRYING TO GET ON THE SHOULDER BEFORE A COMPLETE FAILURE. WHENEVER THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, I WOULD HAVE TO TRY TO GET ON THE SHOULDER DURING RUSH HOUR WHILE ON THE #1 LANE. THE SPEED WOULD STEADILY SLOW DOWN UNTIL IT COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP WHERE IT WOULD THEN SHUT OFF. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. AS I WAS TRYING TO TURN INTO A STREET TO GET OFF HIGHWAY 29 SOUTHBOUND, I MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER AND TURNED. AS I WAS TURNING, THE ENGINE CUT OFF, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, AND THE FRONT HALF OF THE VEHICLE WAS FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VAN WOULD NOT START FOR FIVE MINUTES, WHICH CAUSED SEVERE TRAFFIC. ALMOST GOT HIT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DEALERSHIP HORRIBLY ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. AFTER FIVE ATTEMPTS AND OVER 25 DAYS IN THE SHOP, THE FINALLY DECIDED TO GET A FORD "TECHNICIAN" TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. AFTER REPLACING THE FUEL INJECTORS AND FUEL PUMP THREE TIMES, THE FIGURED OUT THAT THE COATING FOR THE FUEL TANK FOR THE DIESEL CREATED PARTICULATES WHICH DEVASTATED THE FUEL SYSTEM. THEY WANT $2,000 TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE GAS TANK, ANOTHER (THIRD) FUEL PUMP, AND NEW INJECTORS. *TR
Showing 20 of 422 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact FORD E 150
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used FORD E 150, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD E 150 has 422 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD E 150 has 105 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 29 of the FORD E 150's 422 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD E 150 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FORD E 150 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD E 150 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the FORD E 150 stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
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By state
Check a FORD E 150 by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used FORD E 150.
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Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
FORD E 150 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the FORD E 150 reliable?
Poor. The FORD E 150 has 422 NHTSA owner complaints and 105 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which FORD E 150 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2008 (266 complaints), 2011 (46 complaints), 2005 (26 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common FORD E 150 problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (77 complaints); POWER TRAIN (52 complaints); STRUCTURE (52 complaints).
Does the FORD E 150 have recalls?
Yes — 105 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the FORD E 150. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.