How Recalls Impact Resale Prices

Recalls can impact resale prices in the U.S.—major recalls often hurt value; fixed recalls may matter less. Here's how recalls affect resale and how to price or buy a recalled car.

TL;DR Major safety recalls can hurt resale—buyers discount risk. Fixed recalls often have less impact, especially if you have proof. When buying, check recall history and whether the fix was done; when selling, disclose and show proof of fix. Use autopremo.com to see current market for your car.

How Recalls Impact Resale

• Major safety recalls (e.g., airbags, brakes) — can significantly hurt resale. Buyers worry about safety and future cost. Value can drop 5–15% or more depending on severity and publicity.
• Minor recalls (e.g., software, small parts) — often have smaller impact. Buyers may discount a little; fixed recalls may have minimal impact.
• Fixed vs unfixed — a car with an open (unfixed) recall can be harder to sell and worth less. A car with the fix completed and documented often retains more value—buyers have peace of mind.

Check current market for your car at autopremo.com.

When Buying a Recalled Car

• Check recall history for the exact year, make, model (NHTSA, manufacturer, or VIN lookup). See if recalls exist and whether they're fixed.
• If fixed — get proof (invoice, dealer record). Price should reflect that the fix was done; compare to comps with similar recall status. Use autopremo.com price checker.
• If unfixed — get it fixed before you buy (dealer often does recall work free). Or price the car below comps to reflect the open recall and the cost/effort of getting it fixed.
• Factor resale — if you plan to sell in a few years, a car with a major recall history may resell for less. Use autopremo.com depreciation and total cost when planning.

See market and comps at autopremo.com.

When Selling a Recalled Car

• Disclose recalls — tell buyers about any recalls and whether they're fixed. Hiding recall history can create legal and reputational risk.
• If fixed — provide proof (invoice, dealer record). Price to comps; fixed recalls may have limited impact on value. Use autopremo.com to see current market.
• If unfixed — get it fixed before selling if possible (free at dealer). Or price below market to reflect the open recall.

Get market at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

Recalls can impact resale—major recalls hurt more; fixed recalls often matter less. When buying, check recall history and fix status; when selling, disclose and show proof of fix. Use autopremo.com to see current market so you price and buy with recall in mind.