Name: VIN Decoder API with NHTSA Recalls: Car Specs by VIN
Brand: martindata
SKU: api-martindata-vehiclerecallsvindec-api
Availability: InStock
Author: API Market

Martin Petrov

# Vehicle Recalls & VIN Decoder API

## Overview

The Vehicle Recalls & VIN Decoder API decodes vehicle identification numbers with the NHTSA vPIC database and attaches the open NHTSA safety recalls for each vehicle. One POST call takes up to 50 VINs, or up to 20 vehicles described as year, make and model, and returns the make, model, model year, body, engine, drive and plant details from the VIN, plus the recall count and each recall with its campaign number, component, summary, consequence and remedy.

It is built for developers of used car marketplaces, dealer and fleet tools, insurance and inspection apps who need specs and recall status from official US government data. In our tests four real VINs, including a Honda Accord, a Ford F-150 and a Tesla Model 3, decoded with between 3 and 19 recalls each, a year, make and model lookup returned the recalls without a VIN, and a short VIN was rejected locally with a clear error and was not billed.

## Features

*   **1 endpoint**: VIN decoding and recall lookup in one POST call.
*   **Official data**: NHTSA vPIC for vehicle specs and NHTSA recalls.
*   **Batch input**: up to 50 VINs or 20 year, make and model vehicles per call.
*   **Recalls**: `recallCount` and every recall with component, summary, consequence and remedy.
*   **Validation**: malformed VINs are checked before any lookup and return `invalid_format`.
*   **Billed per result**: one unit per result returned, shown in the `billed` field. Errors and empty results are free.

## Use Cases

*   **Used car marketplaces**: show specs and open recalls on each listing.
*   **Dealers**: check trade-ins for open recalls.
*   **Fleet management**: track recalls across every vehicle in a fleet.
*   **Insurance**: enrich policies with vehicle details from the VIN.
*   **Inspection apps**: flag safety recalls during an inspection.

## API Documentation

### Base URL

All requests use the following base URL.

```
https://prod.api.market/api/v1/martindata/vehiclerecallsvindec-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 status `invalid_format`. | 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/vehiclerecallsvindec-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": "2026-11-12T15:34:09Z",
      "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", "2020 ford f-150"]` returns recalls without a VIN:

```json
{
  "billed": 2,
  "count": 2,
  "items": [
    {
      "bodyClass": null,
      "checkDigitValid": null,
      "checkedAt": "2026-11-12T15:34:17Z",
      "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 malformed VIN is rejected before any lookup and is not billed:

```json
{
  "billed": 0,
  "count": 1,
  "items": [
    {
      "bodyClass": null,
      "checkDigitValid": null,
      "checkedAt": "2026-11-12T15:34:21Z",
      "decodeNote": null,
      "doors": null,
      "driveType": null,
      "engine": {
        "configuration": null,
        "cylinders": null,
        "displacementL": null,
        "fuelType": null,
        "hp": null
      },
      "error": "invalid VIN: must be 17 characters (checked locally, not sent upstream)",
      "gvwr": null,
      "make": null,
      "manufacturer": null,
      "model": null,
      "modelYear": null,
      "plantCity": null,
      "plantCountry": null,
      "plantState": null,
      "recallCount": null,
      "recalls": null,
      "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": "invalid_format",
      "transmission": null,
      "trim": null,
      "type": "vehicle",
      "vehicleType": null,
      "vin": "ABC123"
    }
  ]
}
```

## 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

*   **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`.

*   **Does a recall mean it is still open on that car?**
    The recalls are the NHTSA campaigns for that make, model and year. Whether a specific car was already repaired is only known to the manufacturer or dealer.

*   **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 up to 50 VINs per call with NHTSA vPIC and get the safety recalls for each vehicle, or look up recalls by year, make and model.

VIN Decoder API with NHTSA Recalls: Car Specs by VIN