Should I buy a car with an outstanding recall?

An outstanding recall isn't usually a reason to walk away from a car — but it's worth weighing up before you commit, since it affects timing and negotiation, not just safety.

Things worth considering:

• The repair is free — recalls are funded by the manufacturer, so fixing it shouldn't cost you anything beyond the time to book it in
• Severity varies — some recalls are minor, others involve safety-critical systems like brakes, steering, or airbags, so check what the specific recall actually covers before deciding how urgent it is
• It can be a useful negotiating point — a car with an unresolved recall is sometimes priced to reflect the inconvenience, even though the fix itself is free
• It's rarely the only thing to check — an outstanding recall is a good reminder to look at the car's wider history too, since accident damage, mileage discrepancies, or outstanding finance are far more common causes of buyer regret than recalls themselves

Before buying, run the vehicle's registration through a recall check, alongside a broader history check, so you know exactly what you're dealing with before you commit — and can factor the time needed to resolve it into your decision.