Getting Vehicle History for Free?

Used or abused?

My research into the issue of getting vehicle history information has me convinced it is impossible to obtain a complete motor vehicle history report ABSOLUTELY FREE!  I have found only one site that seems to collect and compile VIN-specific data from such sources as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other available databases.

Screenshot of sample VIN-specific Vehicle History from VIN Central.

One site, called "VIN Central"  that seems to be a one-stop-source for a lot broader scope of vehicle history by VIN than any others I found previously.

Although this site still leads you to a 'pay for ALL THE details trap', it gives links to actual filed complaints and issues with a particular vehicle based on the VIN. It looks like it is pulling data from such sources as NHTSA, and perhaps other similar ones.

Still not quite free!
Regarding actual Motor Vehicle History Reports, there is really no (totally) free lunch. Since today's motor vehicles are in the realm of big-ticket-purchases, it might be prudent in the long run to pay for a vehicle history report.

Almost free:
Many automotive websites offer free vehicle history reports based on the VIN, but only on the vehicles they are selling; much the same as most brick and mortar auto dealers will do, if requested to do so. Beyond that, consumers must pay to learn a specific vehicle's background.

Sites like CarFax.com give free basic VIN data, like model, year, etc.

Digging up free vehicle history yourself:
It is possible to obtain a fairly good idea about a motor vehicle's history through some clever and focused online research. Since motor vehicles all have VIN's, plugging that number into Google (or other) search field will bring up surprising information.

For example, plugging in VIN WBANB33594B108813 brings up a link to CarFax.com's basic vehicle report, which includes some limited information like how many records exist on the VIN (though they do not tell what those records are about); the actual model year (some sellers might be devious in this area, believe it or not!); and other basic information. For more detailed information, you have to pay.

You can get free recall info based on make, model and year of vehicle.

Dig some more:
Several websites offer vehicle recall details for free; although the info is only based on the make, model, and year of the vehicle, and not on specific VIN's. Helpful information, nonetheless; and it's free!

NHTSA offers SaferCar.gov site where you can dig; based on make, model, and year.

Keep digging:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration (NHTSA) website (link below) provides links to Recalls, Defects and Complaints Databases, where you can learn some valuable information about a particular motor vehicle make, model and year. Again, not to a specific VIN history, but still useful data.

Dig some more:
You can also learn about motor vehicle fuel economy based on make, model and year through the U.S. Dept. of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website (link below). Since fuel economy is generally of prime concern, this information can add value; and it's free.

Conclusion:
So, although an official Vehicle History Report might cost a nominal fee, it should be considered. You will have to weigh the cost of such a comprehensive, VIN-specific history report against the cost of time and effort that might be needed to dig up your own history information.

Since it is possible to get general vehicle history information for free, you might be completely satisfied with the wealth of useful information you can learn by a few simple web searches using the VIN and make, model, and year of the vehicle you have in mind.

Tips & Warnings

• Search for VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
• Search for VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX recalls
• Search for Auto Recalls (make, model, year)
• Search for Auto Safety (make, model, year)

Resources

• Internet Auto Guide site
• U.S. NHTSA site
• U.S. D.O.E site
• Consumer.gov site
• CarFax site
• VIN Central site