Many drivers believe that vehicle recalls only apply to brand‑new cars, but this is not the case. In fact, a recall can affect any vehicle, no matter when it was bought or how many owners it has had.
A recall is issued by a vehicle manufacturer when a safety problem is discovered. This could involve parts such as airbags, brakes, seatbelts or software that may affect safe driving. When this happens, the manufacturer is legally required to repair the problem, free of charge.
Importantly, recalls are linked to the vehicle itself, not to the first owner. This means that:
- Used and older cars can still have active recalls
- Imported vehicles may also be affected
- A recall remains open until the repair is carried out
In Portugal, drivers can easily check whether their vehicle has an active recall by using the official RECALL platform, supported by the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) – see further below.
A recall (in Portuguese, ação de chamada) is an official request by a vehicle manufacturer for owners to take their vehicle to a workshop to fix a safety or compliance defect.
- The problem is identified after the vehicle has been sold
- It can affect safety, emissions or legal compliance
- The repair is mandatory and free of charge for the owner
What kinds of problems lead to a recall?
Typical recall issues include:
- Faulty airbags
- Brake or steering defects
- Engine or fuel system problems
- Electrical faults that affect safety
- Emissions systems not meeting legal standards
These are not maintenance issues - they are manufacturer responsibility.
What does “active recall” mean?
An active recall means:
- Your vehicle is affected
- The problem has not yet been fixed
- The manufacturer is still waiting for the repair to be done
Once the repair is completed, the recall is closed for that vehicle.
Why is this important in Portugal now?
According to the IMT:
Since 1 March 2026, if a vehicle goes to the mandatory periodic inspection (IPO) with an uncorrected active recall:
- The recall is recorded in the inspection report
- The vehicle fails the inspection
This is why the IMT strongly recommends checking before inspection.
How do you check if your vehicle has a recall?
Portugal has an official free platform:
It can be checked by:
Licence plate (Matricula) or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
Check if your vehicle is covered by a recall for safety or emissions reasons.
If so, contact an authorised dealer (Concessionários) of the brand immediately (click on the link and then again on the brand name), who will carry out a free repair of your vehicle.
Repairs linked to recalls are always free, even if:
- The warranty has expired
- The car is old
- You are not the original owner
Disclaimer
afpop considers in good faith that all the information provided is true and accurate after having endeavoured to so confirm to the best of its ability. However, afpop is not qualified to render any technical advice, recommendation or information, nor is it under any legal duty to do so. Therefore, afpop declines any responsibility for possible damages arising directly or indirectly to members or non-members from alleged incorrect or misleading advice, recommendation or information and strongly advises all members to seek always the services of qualified practitioners and/or professionals for any technical matters, such practitioners and/or professionals being exclusively responsible for possible damages arising from their activity, including their technical opinions that may be inserted in our publications.