The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publishes vPIC, which decodes VINs and lists makes and models, and a recalls API by vehicle.
None — no key, no signup. Every example runs as-is.
Full reference: https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/api/
DecodeVinValues returns one flat record.
curl "https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/api/vehicles/DecodeVinValues/5YJ3E1EA7KF317000?format=json"{
"Count": 1,
"Message": "Results returned successfully. NOTE: Any missing decoded values should be interpreted as NHTSA does not have data on the specific variable. Missing value should NOT be interpreted as an indication that a feature or technology is unavailable for a vehicle.",
"SearchCriteria": "VIN(s): 5YJ3E1EA7KF317000",
"Results": [
{
"ABS": "Standard",
"ActiveSafetySysNote": "",
"AdaptiveCruiseControl": "Optional",
"AdaptiveDrivingBeam": "Standard",
"AdaptiveHeadlights": "",
"AdditionalErrorText": "",
"AirBagLocCurtain": "",
"AirBagLocFront": "1st Row (Driver and Passenger)",
"AirBagLocKnee": "1st Row (Driver and Passenger)",
"AirBagLocSeatCushion": "",
"AirBagLocSide": "1st Row (Driver and Passenger)",
"AutoReverseSystem": "Standard",
"AutomaticPedestrianAlertingSound": "Standard",
"AxleConfiguration": "",
"Axles": "2"
}
]
}curl "https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/api/vehicles/GetModelsForMakeYear/make/honda/modelyear/2020?format=json"{
"Count": 81,
"Message": "Results returned successfully",
"SearchCriteria": "Make:honda | ModelYear:2020",
"Results": [
{
"Make_ID": 474,
"Make_Name": "HONDA",
"Model_ID": 1861,
"Model_Name": "Accord"
},
{
"Make_ID": 474,
"Make_Name": "HONDA",
"Model_ID": 1863,
"Model_Name": "Civic"
}
]
}curl "https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=honda&model=civic&modelYear=2020"{
"Count": 5,
"Message": "Results returned successfully",
"results": [
{
"Manufacturer": "Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)",
"NHTSACampaignNumber": "21V215000",
"parkIt": false,
"parkOutSide": false,
"overTheAirUpdate": false,
"ReportReceivedDate": "25/03/2021",
"Component": "FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP",
"Consequence": "Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.",
"Remedy": "Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.",
"Notes": "Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.",
"ModelYear": "2020",
"Make": "HONDA",
"Model": "CIVIC"
},
{
"Manufacturer": "Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)",
"NHTSACampaignNumber": "23V458000",
"parkIt": false,
"parkOutSide": false,
"overTheAirUpdate": false,
"ReportReceivedDate": "29/06/2023",
"Component": "SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER",
"Consequence": "Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.",
"Remedy": "Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.",
"Notes": "Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.",
"ModelYear": "2020",
"Make": "HONDA",
"Model": "CIVIC"
}
]
}