BulkRecalls.
BulkRecalls vs. Carfax VRSS

A self-serve alternative while you wait on Carfax VRSS approval.

Carfax's Vehicle Recall Search Service (VRSS) is a free, VIN-exact batch recall checker built with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, accepting up to 10,000 VINs per batch. It's a strong tool — but it's gated behind an approval process for dealers, fleets, insurers, and DMVs, not instant self-serve signup. BulkRecalls takes a different tradeoff: create an account now, paste or upload your VIN list, and start reviewing campaign matches today.

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Two different starting points

Both tools can help you work through a VIN list at scale. The difference is what you need before you can start, and what each one checks.

Carfax VRSS

  • Free for approved dealers, fleets, insurers, and DMVs
  • VIN-exact recall matching, up to 10,000 VINs per batch
  • Requires an organizational approval/vetting process before use
  • Automation reportedly available via file upload or API connection

BulkRecalls

  • Instant self-serve signup — no approval process, no payment details required to start
  • Campaign matching by year, make, and model (verify VIN-specific applicability separately)
  • Paste VINs or upload a CSV, with a saved vehicle workspace you return to
  • Scheduled daily rechecks, a review dashboard, and CSV export

Know which question each result answers.

VRSS checks a specific VIN against manufacturer-reported recall data, once you're approved to use it. BulkRecalls matches NHTSA campaigns by year, make, and model and keeps a saved, recurring record of your inventory. A year/make/model match does not confirm that your specific VIN has an unrepaired recall — use the manufacturer or NHTSA's own VIN lookup to confirm an individual vehicle.

Verify before you rely on it.

Confirm VIN-specific applicability and completed repairs with the manufacturer or an authorized dealer.

Open NHTSA VIN lookup
Common questions

Before you decide.

Is BulkRecalls a replacement for Carfax VRSS?

No — they answer related but different questions. If you're already approved for VRSS and only need an occasional VIN-exact check, it remains a free, authoritative option. BulkRecalls is built for ongoing year/make/model campaign review without an approval process, with a saved inventory you can recheck and export over time.

Does BulkRecalls use the same recall data as Carfax?

Both ultimately trace back to NHTSA and manufacturer-reported recall campaign data. BulkRecalls decodes vehicles and matches campaigns directly from NHTSA sources by year, make, and model.

Can I switch from a manual VRSS process to BulkRecalls?

Yes. Export or prepare a CSV of your VIN list with a vin column, then upload it to BulkRecalls to start a saved, recheckable inventory.

Your next inventory check starts here

Bring your vehicle list to BulkRecalls.

Create your account, add your vehicles, and review NHTSA campaign matches in one workspace.

Create account

Start without payment details.

Account creation is available now. Paid plans and inventory allowances are still being finalized; signing up does not start a paid subscription.