Check for recalls before buying discounted or used products

Deep discounts sometimes show up on products that have been recalled, especially on marketplace listings, at garage sales, and in liquidation lots. Checking takes about a minute and is free.

Where to check

• Consumer products (toys, furniture, appliances, electronics, kids' gear): the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall list. Search by product name or brand. Its SaferProducts.gov database also lists consumer-reported safety problems.
• Vehicles, tires and car seats: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall lookup. Look up vehicles by VIN and car seats by brand and model.
• Food and medicine: FDA and USDA publish their own recall notices.

What to look for on the product

Recalls usually name specific model numbers, lot codes or date ranges. Write down the model number and any date code from the label before you search. Don't go by the product name alone.

Special care with kids' items

Cribs, play yards, high chairs, strollers and car seats are the items where a recall matters most. For car seats, also check the expiration date printed on the seat. Avoid buying a used car seat if you don't know its crash history.

If you already own a recalled item

The recall notice explains the remedy, which is usually a free repair, a replacement or a refund from the manufacturer. You generally don't need the original receipt.

Selling used items?

Check before you list. Federal law generally prohibits selling products that are under a CPSC recall.

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Published October 25, 2026. Some links may be affiliate links; see our Affiliate Disclosure.