Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about My Recall Buddy and product recalls.
General
What is My Recall Buddy?
My Recall Buddy is a free service that tracks product safety recalls from five official U.S. government agencies (CPSC, NHTSA, FDA, and USDA). We make it easy to search, browse, and stay updated on recalls that could affect your family.
Is My Recall Buddy free?
Yes! My Recall Buddy is completely free to use. You can search recalls, view detailed information, and sign up for weekly email digests at no cost.
How do I report a product issue?
My Recall Buddy does not accept product reports. To report unsafe products, contact the appropriate government agency directly: CPSC.gov for consumer products, NHTSA.gov for vehicles, or FDA.gov for food and medical products.
Data Sources
Where does your recall data come from?
We pull data directly from official government APIs and websites: CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture).
How often is recall data updated?
We check for new recalls throughout the day: FDA Enforcement Reports, NHTSA, and USDA update twice daily (4am & 4pm UTC). CPSC updates once daily. FDA Live Alerts update every 30 minutes between 6am-11pm UTC, ensuring you get the latest safety information as quickly as possible.
What's the difference between FDA Enforcement Reports and FDA Live Alerts?
FDA Enforcement Reports are official recalls with assigned recall numbers and classifications (Class I/II/III). FDA Live Alerts are real-time press releases that appear as soon as companies announce recalls, often before the FDA has completed classification. Both are important for staying informed.
How far back does your recall database go?
Our database includes all recalls from January 1, 2025 forward, with daily updates from official government sources. Recalls from October 1, 2025 onward include AI-enhanced insights featuring simplified summaries and consumer guidance to help you understand what matters most.
Using the Site
How do I search for recalls?
Visit our Recalls page and use the search bar to enter product names, brands, or keywords. You can also filter by category (food, baby products, automotive, etc.) and date range to narrow your results.
How do I check if my vehicle has been recalled?
Visit our Vehicle Recalls page and search by make, model, and year to find relevant vehicle recalls from NHTSA's database.
What should I do if I find a recall for a product I own?
Each recall page includes clear action steps and a link to the official government notice. Follow the instructions provided, which typically include stopping use, contacting the manufacturer, and arranging for a refund, replacement, or repair.
Email Alerts
How do weekly email digests work?
Sign up on our Email Alerts page to receive a weekly summary of the most important recalls. You can customize which categories you're interested in to receive only relevant updates.
Can I unsubscribe from emails?
Yes, every email includes an unsubscribe link at the bottom. You can also manage your subscription preferences from your account settings.
Privacy & Trust
Is my information secure?
Yes. We take your privacy seriously and use industry-standard security practices. We only collect information necessary to provide our service (like your email for alerts). Read our Privacy Policy for complete details.
Can I trust the recall information?
We display recall information exactly as it appears from official government sources. However, we always recommend verifying important information by clicking through to the official government notice linked on each recall page.
Still have questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Check out our How It Works page for more information.
Learn How It Works