Name: Vehicle Data API: VIN Decoder, Recalls, Fuel Prices
Brand: martindata
SKU: api-martindata-vehicledatasuite-api
Availability: InStock
Author: API Market

Martin Petrov

# Vehicle Data API

## Overview

The Vehicle Data API combines two vehicle endpoints in one subscription. `/m/vehicle-recalls-vin-decoder` decodes up to 50 vehicle identification numbers per call with the NHTSA vPIC database and attaches the open NHTSA safety recalls for each vehicle, or looks up recalls for up to 20 vehicles described as year, make and model. `/m/europe-fuel-prices` returns live pump prices at fuel stations near any point in France, Spain and Italy from the official government price feeds, plus the official weekly national average prices for all 27 EU countries from the European Commission Weekly Oil Bulletin.

It is built for developers of fleet management, used car, dealer, insurance, driver and travel apps who want vehicle specs, recall status and fuel costs from official government data through one key. In our tests two real VINs, a 2019 Honda Accord and a Ford F-150, decoded with their engine, body and plant details and their recalls, a `2019 honda accord` text lookup returned 6 recalls without a VIN, and diesel stations around Paris and petrol stations around Madrid came back sorted by price with the French and EU 27 weekly averages in about one to two seconds.

## Features

*   **2 endpoints**: VIN decoding with recalls, and European fuel prices.
*   **Official data**: NHTSA vPIC and NHTSA recalls, the French, Spanish and Italian fuel price feeds, and the EU Weekly Oil Bulletin.
*   **Batch VIN input**: up to 50 VINs or 20 year, make and model vehicles per call.
*   **Recalls**: `recallCount` and every recall with campaign number, component, summary, consequence and remedy.
*   **Fuel prices**: stations near a point sorted by price or distance, for diesel, petrol 95, E10, petrol 98, LPG, E85, CNG, LNG, AdBlue and more.
*   **EU averages**: weekly national averages for all 27 EU countries, with history back to 2005.
*   **Billed per result**: one unit per result returned, shown in the `billed` field. Errors and empty results are free.

## Use Cases

*   **Fleet management**: track open recalls across every vehicle and plan refuelling stops.
*   **Used car marketplaces**: show specs and open recalls on each listing.
*   **Dealers and inspections**: check trade-ins and inspected cars for safety recalls.
*   **Insurance**: enrich policies with vehicle details from the VIN.
*   **Driver and travel apps**: show the cheapest fuel nearby and estimate trip fuel costs in Europe.

## API Documentation

### Base URL

All requests use the following base URL.

```
https://prod.api.market/api/v1/martindata/vehicledatasuite-api
```

### Authentication

All requests are authenticated with the `x-api-market-key` header.

```
x-api-market-key: YOUR_API_KEY
```

Replace `YOUR_API_KEY` with your actual API key.

### Endpoints

#### 1. Decode VINs and get recalls

Returns one item per VIN or vehicle, with decoded specs and, when `includeRecalls` is on, the recalls.

**Method:** `POST`

**Endpoint:** `/m/vehicle-recalls-vin-decoder`

**Parameters:**

| Name | In | Description | Type | Required | Default | Max Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `vins` | body | 17 character VINs (no I, O or Q). A malformed VIN returns a row with an `error` and is not billed. | array of strings | No | - | 50 |
| `vehicles` | body | Vehicles without a VIN as text, for example `2019 honda accord`, to look up recalls | array of strings | No | - | 20 |
| `includeRecalls` | body | Attach the NHTSA recalls to every decoded VIN or vehicle. Off returns only the decoded specs. | boolean | No | - | - |

**Example Request:**

```bash
curl -X POST 'https://prod.api.market/api/v1/martindata/vehicledatasuite-api/m/vehicle-recalls-vin-decoder' \
  -H 'x-api-market-key: YOUR_API_KEY' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -d '{"vins": ["1HGCV1F35KA000001", "1FTFW1ET9DFC10312"], "includeRecalls": true}'
```

**Example Response (200 OK):**

```json
{
  "billed": 2,
  "count": 2,
  "items": [
    {
      "bodyClass": "Sedan/Saloon",
      "checkDigitValid": true,
      "checkedAt": "2026-11-12T19:50:24Z",
      "decodeNote": null,
      "doors": 4,
      "driveType": "4x2",
      "engine": {
        "configuration": "In-Line",
        "cylinders": 4,
        "displacementL": 1.5,
        "fuelType": "Gasoline",
        "hp": 192
      },
      "error": null,
      "gvwr": "Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)",
      "make": "HONDA",
      "manufacturer": "AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.",
      "model": "Accord",
      "modelYear": 2019,
      "plantCity": "MARYSVILLE",
      "plantCountry": "UNITED STATES (USA)",
      "plantState": "OHIO",
      "recallCount": 6,
      "recalls": [
        {
          "campaignNumber": "26V332000",
          "component": "AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER",
          "consequence": "Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.",
          "overTheAirUpdate": false,
          "parkIt": false,
          "parkOutside": false,
          "remedy": "Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138....",
          "reportDate": "2026-05-22",
          "summary": "Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot,...",
          "url": "https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V332000"
        },
        {
          "campaignNumber": "23V858000",
          "component": "FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP",
          "consequence": "Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.",
          "overTheAirUpdate": false,
          "parkIt": false,
          "parkOutside": false,
          "remedy": "Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's...",
          "reportDate": "2023-12-19",
          "summary": "Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX,...",
          "url": "https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V858000"
        },
        {
          "campaignNumber": "23V158000",
          "component": "SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY",
          "consequence": "An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.",
          "overTheAirUpdate": false,
          "parkIt": false,
          "parkOutside": false,
          "remedy": "Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed...",
          "reportDate": "2023-03-09",
          "summary": "Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A...",
          "url": "https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V158000"
        }
      ],
      "safety": {
        "abs": "Standard",
        "airbagsCurtain": "All Rows",
        "airbagsFront": "1st Row (Driver and Passenger)",
        "airbagsKnee": "1st Row (Driver and Passenger)",
        "airbagsSide": "1st Row (Driver and Passenger)",
        "automaticEmergencyBraking": null,
        "esc": "Standard",
        "forwardCollisionWarning": "Standard",
        "laneDepartureWarning": "Standard",
        "tpms": "Indirect"
      },
      "source": "NHTSA vPIC + NHTSA Recalls API (US market vehicles)",
      "status": "ok",
      "transmission": "Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)",
      "trim": "Sport",
      "type": "vehicle",
      "vehicleType": "PASSENGER CAR",
      "vin": "1HGCV1F35KA000001"
    }
  ]
}
```

The `items` list above is shortened to one of two VINs, and the `recalls` list to three entries. A lookup with `"vehicles": ["2019 honda accord"]` returns the recalls without a VIN:

```json
{
  "billed": 1,
  "count": 1,
  "items": [
    {
      "bodyClass": null,
      "checkDigitValid": null,
      "checkedAt": "2026-11-12T19:50:28Z",
      "decodeNote": null,
      "doors": null,
      "driveType": null,
      "engine": {
        "configuration": null,
        "cylinders": null,
        "displacementL": null,
        "fuelType": null,
        "hp": null
      },
      "error": null,
      "gvwr": null,
      "make": "honda",
      "manufacturer": null,
      "model": "accord",
      "modelYear": 2019,
      "plantCity": null,
      "plantCountry": null,
      "plantState": null,
      "recallCount": 6,
      "recalls": [
        {
          "campaignNumber": "26V332000",
          "component": "AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER",
          "consequence": "Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.",
          "overTheAirUpdate": false,
          "parkIt": false,
          "parkOutside": false,
          "remedy": "Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138....",
          "reportDate": "2026-05-22",
          "summary": "Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot,...",
          "url": "https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V332000"
        },
        {
          "campaignNumber": "23V858000",
          "component": "FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP",
          "consequence": "Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.",
          "overTheAirUpdate": false,
          "parkIt": false,
          "parkOutside": false,
          "remedy": "Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's...",
          "reportDate": "2023-12-19",
          "summary": "Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX,...",
          "url": "https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V858000"
        },
        {
          "campaignNumber": "23V158000",
          "component": "SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY",
          "consequence": "An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.",
          "overTheAirUpdate": false,
          "parkIt": false,
          "parkOutside": false,
          "remedy": "Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed...",
          "reportDate": "2023-03-09",
          "summary": "Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A...",
          "url": "https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V158000"
        }
      ],
      "safety": {
        "abs": null,
        "airbagsCurtain": null,
        "airbagsFront": null,
        "airbagsKnee": null,
        "airbagsSide": null,
        "automaticEmergencyBraking": null,
        "esc": null,
        "forwardCollisionWarning": null,
        "laneDepartureWarning": null,
        "tpms": null
      },
      "source": "NHTSA vPIC + NHTSA Recalls API (US market vehicles)",
      "status": "ok",
      "transmission": null,
      "trim": null,
      "type": "vehicle",
      "vehicleType": null,
      "vin": null
    }
  ]
}
```

A call with neither `vins` nor `vehicles` returns `400`:

```json
{
  "error": "invalid input: give at least one VIN (e.g. 1HGCM82633A004352) or a vehicle (e.g. \"2019 honda accord\")"
}
```

#### 2. Get fuel prices

Returns station rows near a point, weekly average rows per country, or both, depending on `mode`.

**Method:** `POST`

**Endpoint:** `/m/europe-fuel-prices`

**Parameters:**

| Name | In | Description | Type | Required | Default | Max Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| `mode` | body | `both` for stations and averages, `stations` for stations only (France, Spain, Italy), `averages` for the weekly averages only | string | No | - | - |
| `latitude` | body | Latitude of the point to search around, for example `48.8566` for Paris | number | No | - | - |
| `longitude` | body | Longitude of the point to search around, for example `2.3522` for Paris | number | No | - | - |
| `radiusKm` | body | Search radius in kilometres, from 0.5 | number | No | - | 50 |
| `fuel` | body | `diesel`, `petrol95`, `petrol95_e10`, `petrol98`, `lpg`, `e85`, `cng`, `lng`, `diesel_premium`, `petrol_premium`, `adblue`, `hydrogen` or `all` | string | No | - | - |
| `sortBy` | body | `price` for cheapest first or `distance` for nearest first | string | No | - | - |
| `maxStations` | body | Maximum number of stations to return | integer | No | - | 200 |
| `averageCountries` | body | ISO codes of EU countries for the weekly averages, plus `EU` for the EU 27 average | array of strings | No | - | - |
| `historyWeeks` | body | Add the last N weekly prices to every average row. `0` adds none. | integer | No | - | 1100 |

**Example Request:**

```bash
curl -X POST 'https://prod.api.market/api/v1/martindata/vehicledatasuite-api/m/europe-fuel-prices' \
  -H 'x-api-market-key: YOUR_API_KEY' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -d '{"mode": "both", "latitude": 48.8566, "longitude": 2.3522, "radiusKm": 5, "fuel": "diesel", "sortBy": "price", "maxStations": 3, "averageCountries": ["FR", "EU"], "historyWeeks": 0}'
```

**Example Response (200 OK):**

```json
{
  "billed": 5,
  "count": 5,
  "items": [
    {
      "address": "181, BOULEVARD VINCENT AURIOL",
      "brand": null,
      "checkedAt": "2026-11-12T19:50:16Z",
      "city": "Paris",
      "country": "FR",
      "currency": "EUR",
      "distanceKm": 2.78,
      "fuel": "diesel",
      "latitude": 48.832,
      "licence": "Licence Ouverte 2.0",
      "longitude": 2.359,
      "name": null,
      "open24h": false,
      "postcode": "75013",
      "price": 2.125,
      "priceUpdatedAt": "2026-11-12T09:42:20+00:00",
      "prices": {
        "diesel": {
          "price": 2.125,
          "updatedAt": "2026-11-12T09:42:20+00:00"
        },
        "lpg": {
          "price": 1.094,
          "updatedAt": "2026-11-12T09:42:20+00:00"
        },
        "petrol98": {
          "price": 1.99,
          "updatedAt": "2026-11-12T09:42:20+00:00"
        }
      },
      "region": "Île-de-France",
      "source": "Ministere de l'Economie, prix-des-carburants (data.economie.gouv.fr)",
      "stationId": "FR-75013025",
      "status": "ok",
      "type": "station",
      "unit": "EUR per litre (cng, hydrogen: per kg)"
    },
    {
      "change4Weeks": {
        "diesel": -0.0386,
        "heatingOil": -0.0589,
        "lpg": 0.0485,
        "petrol95": -0.133
      },
      "change52Weeks": {
        "diesel": 0.5257,
        "heatingOil": 0.64,
        "lpg": 0.158,
        "petrol95": 0.2521
      },
      "changeVsLastWeek": {
        "diesel": -0.0562,
        "heatingOil": -0.0713,
        "lpg": 0.0212,
        "petrol95": -0.0524
      },
      "country": "EU 27 (weighted average)",
      "countryCode": "EU",
      "currency": "EUR",
      "date": "2026-11-09",
      "historyFrom": "2005-01-03",
      "licence": "CC BY 4.0",
      "previousDate": "2026-11-02",
      "prices": {
        "diesel": 2.0971,
        "heatingOil": 1.675,
        "lpg": 0.9324,
        "petrol95": 1.8767
      },
      "source": "European Commission, Weekly Oil Bulletin (prices incl. taxes)",
      "status": "ok",
      "type": "weekly_average",
      "unit": "EUR per litre incl. taxes"
    }
  ]
}
```

The `items` list above is shortened to the first station and the EU 27 average of five rows. A station search without valid coordinates returns `400`:

```json
{
  "error": "invalid input: give latitude and longitude (e.g. 48.8566, 2.3522) for station prices"
}
```

## Status Codes

| Code | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | OK | The request succeeded and the JSON result is in the response body. |
| 400 | Bad Request | The JSON body is invalid or a parameter is out of range. |
| 401 | Unauthorized | The `x-api-market-key` header is missing or the key is not valid. |
| 403 | Forbidden | Your key does not have an active subscription that includes this endpoint. |
| 404 | Not Found | The path does not match an endpoint of this API. Check the Base URL and path. |
| 429 | Too Many Requests | You went over 10 requests per second or used up the units of your plan. |
| 500 | Internal Server Error | The request failed on the server. Retry once, then contact us if it continues. |
| 503 | Service Unavailable | The service is temporarily unavailable. Retry after a short wait. |

## Rate Limits

Every plan allows up to 10 requests per second. The Free trial includes 100 units, Pro includes 10,000 units per month for $19, and PAYG is billed $0.002 per unit. When you go over a limit, the API returns `429 Too Many Requests`. Throttle your requests, back off before retrying, and honour the `Retry-After` header when it is present.

## FAQ

*   **What is the difference between the two endpoints?**
    `/m/vehicle-recalls-vin-decoder` is about the vehicle: specs from the VIN and its safety recalls. `/m/europe-fuel-prices` is about running costs: fuel prices at stations and national averages. Both are included in every plan.

*   **Which vehicles are covered?**
    Vehicles in the NHTSA databases, which cover cars, trucks and motorcycles sold in the United States.

*   **Can I look up recalls without a VIN?**
    Yes. Send `vehicles` as text with year, make and model, for example `2020 ford f-150`.

*   **Which countries have fuel station prices?**
    France, Spain and Italy. Weekly averages cover all 27 EU countries and the EU 27 average.

*   **How many units does a call use?**
    One unit per result returned. The `billed` field shows the count, and rows with an error or no match are free.

*   **Are identical requests cached?**
    Yes. Identical requests are cached for up to 6 hours, so repeat calls return quickly.

## Contact Us

If you have any questions or need support, reach out through the chat embedded on this page or email us at hello@magicapi.com.


Decode VINs with NHTSA, get open safety recalls, and find live fuel prices at stations in France, Spain and Italy, plus EU weekly averages.