Road safety has never been more accessible. This year, Canadian drivers can finally benefit from new measures that make it easier to check for safety recalls affecting their vehicles, tires, or child car seats. While such recalls are common and often go unnoticed, the Canadian government is introducing practical tools to address the issue.
Greater Transparency for Safety Recalls
Since January 1st, vehicle manufacturers are now required to publish safety recall information directly on their websites. This measure, introduced through the Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act, ends the days when drivers had to wait for a letter in the mail to find out their vehicle had a potentially dangerous defect. Although some manufacturers were already sharing this information online, digital publication is now mandatory for all.
This requirement aims to promote greater transparency and equal access for all road users. By making these details available on the web, it prevents recalls from being forgotten or lost in the mail. The initiative also aims to reduce the number of unresolved recalls: in 2024 alone, more than 8 million vehicles were subject to recalls in Canada.
A New Tool for Drivers
Another important change: manufacturers must also provide the public with an online lookup tool based on the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This 17-digit number, unique to each vehicle, allows drivers to quickly check if a recall applies to their car. Simply enter the number into the tool on the manufacturer's website to access an up-to-date list of active recalls.
This tool is especially valuable because unresolved recalls are not without consequences. According to Transport Canada, around one in five vehicles on Canadian roads has an unresolved safety recall. That’s a surprising number, much higher than most (including myself) would expect. These recalls can involve faulty components, fire risks, or tire-related issues. Checking your vehicle’s status regularly is a simple action that can help prevent accidents.
This new regulation will apply to all manufacturers by mid-2026, but many are already in compliance. In the meantime, drivers can also consult Transport Canada’s recall database or report issues themselves. No more excuses: in 2025, staying informed has never been easier!
