Model year record

2001 Ford F-150

8 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,461 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 11V385000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 1,100,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2011-07-29
Owners notified: 2011-09-12

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.

Safety risk

AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.

Manufacturer remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALERS MAY INSTALL A CABLE SUPPORT UNDER THE STRAP AS AN INTERIM REPAIR OR A STEEL REINFORCEMENT OVER THE EXISTING STRAP AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. ANY REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S21

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V388000

Vehicle speed control

Component: Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 4,500,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2005-09-07
Owners notified: 2005-09-12

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Safety risk

A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V258000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor

Component: Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 1,083,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-08-08
Owners notified: 2001-08-20

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.

Safety risk

LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V227001

Seat belts: front: buckle assembly

Component: Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 1,400,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-07-16
Owners notified: 2001-07-25

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER'S AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT FULLY LATCH. FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLES AND IF THE BUCKLE FAILS THE INSPECTION PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V095000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 670
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-03-23
Owners notified: 2001-03-20

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE WAS DAMAGED DURING FINAL ASSEMBLY.

Safety risk

IF THE HOSE IS DAMAGED, BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAK AND STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-248-0186 OR 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V082000

Air bags: frontal

Component: Air bags: frontal
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 268
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-03-12
Owners notified: 2001-03-19

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE INFLATOR CANISTER IN THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE WELD NEAR THE IGNITER.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN REDUCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION, OR A BURN INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V396000

Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual

Component: Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 495,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-11-28
Owners notified: 2001-03-06

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE LOCATIONS OF SEATING POSITIONS EQUIPPED WITH TETHER ANCHORAGES, AND DO NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THESE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE F150 SC OWNER GUIDES DO NOT PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE TAURUS/SABLE OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE CENTER REAR SEATING POSITION AS HAVING LATCH COMPATIBLE LOWER ANCHORAGES.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH OWNER GUIDE INSERTS REVISED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES. CUSTOMERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED THAT IF THEY PREFER, THEIR DEALER WILL AFFIX THE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V348000

Seat belts: front: retractor

Component: Seat belts: front: retractor
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 830
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-10-30
Owners notified: 2000-11-09

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT FULLY RETRACT THE BELT.

Safety risk

THIS COULD CAUSE SLACK IN THE SEAT BELT WHEN WORN, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Vehicle speed control	104	120,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	97	92,000 mi
Electrical system	96	90,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	92	125,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	91	98,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: head restraint	78	62,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	65	90,000 mi
Engine	47	150,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	40	50,000 mi
Seat belts	39	96,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	35	49,000 mi
Unknown or other	35	100,000 mi
Structure: body	31	123,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	25	41,000 mi
Tires	24	60,050 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly	23	61,000 mi
Air bags	22	101,617 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting	17	140,000 mi
Service brakes	16	164,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	16	24,890 mi
Tires: tread/belt	14	50,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	13	154,600 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	13	58,453 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	13	52,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	12	65,000 mi
Power train	12	110,000 mi
Steering	12	120,000 mi
Structure	12	82,000 mi
Suspension	12	85,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	12	39,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor	11	18,000 mi
Wheels	11	102,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring	10	43,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	10	125,000 mi
Suspension: front	10	107,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	10	60,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	8	137,805 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	7	102,180 mi
Equipment	7	135,000 mi
Seats	7	140,000 mi
Structure: body: door	7	70,000 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire	7	64,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition	6	50,000 mi
Fuel system, other	6	101,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	6	145,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly	6	42,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper	6	28,000 mi
Exterior lighting	5	90,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: auxillary tank	5	170,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission	5	60,050 mi
Tires: sidewall	5	45,000 mi
Visibility: windshield	5	107,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	5	54,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor	5	86,828 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	4	130,000 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft	4	33,998 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	4	48,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint	4	35,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch	3	—
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	3	120,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	3	118,146 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly	3	—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys	3	70,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	3	119,852 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	3	71,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	3	35,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines	3	—
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter	3	8,200 mi
Power train: axle assembly	3	62,600 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit	3	98,802 mi
Seat belts: front	3	15,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage	3	12,500 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner	3	15,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module	3	63,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder	3	—
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	3	85,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables	3	160,000 mi
Visibility	3	86,828 mi
Wheels: rim	3	8,300 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	2	—
Air bags: side/window	2	—
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	2	102,355 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator	2	—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)	2	38,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	2	32,337 mi
Firerelated	2	250,000 mi
Interior lighting	2	—
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift	2	41,000 mi
Seat belts: rear/other	2	50,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	2	2,000 mi
Steering: column	2	35,000 mi
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device	2	40,000 mi
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)	2	35,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	2	—
Tires: bead	2	24,111 mi
Visibility/wiper	2	28,780 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	2	—
Air bags: on-off switch assembly	1	57,000 mi
Child seat: shell: infant	1	—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables	1	42,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly	1	—
Electrical system: starter assembly: relay	1	—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	1	—
Electronic stability control (ESC)	1	45,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	1	55,300 mi
Equipment: electrical	1	45,000 mi
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack	1	—
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer	1	—
Exterior lighting: tail lights	1	—
Exterior lighting: turn signal	1	200 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system	1	120,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap	1	—
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch	1	117,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch	1	—
Parking brake	1	—
Parking brake: conventional	1	—
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)	1	95,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch	1	—
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft	1	—
Power train: driveline	1	—
Seats: mid/rear assembly	1	57,950 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module	1	35,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum	1	—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar	1	—
Steering: linkages	1	—
Steering: linkages: arm: idler and attachment	1	35,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	1	—
Structure: body: bumpers	1	—
Structure: body: hood	1	—
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments	1	158,000 mi
Structure: body: trunk lid	1	—
Suspension: front: control arm	1	35,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm	1	35,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm	1	35,000 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber	1	35,000 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar	1	35,000 mi
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly	1	182,000 mi
Tires: valve	1	—
Trailer hitches	1	—
Unknown	1	46,300 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages	1	—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	1	45,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear	1	—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior	1	—
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly	1	45,280 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	1	—

The 2000 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2002 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.