Recall safety information removed from used-car finance checks, but will return at a later date

Safety recall information has been temporarily removed from the Federal Government's used-car finance checks.

The absence of this information will oblige used-car buyers to do their own time-consuming research to find out if the vehicle they are buying is subject to a safety recall.

While the primary purpose of a PPSR check is to make sure customers do not unwittingly buy a used car that still has finance owing on it, the recall information was an extra layer of peace-of-mind for buyers and had been welcomed by consumer advocates.

A technical glitch has put a pause on vehicle recall information being included on PPSR reports – and the government agency responsible for the finance checks told Drive it does not know how when this information will return.

A Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) report – formerly known as a REVS check – is one of the most important tools available to motorists who are looking to purchase a used vehicle.

For a $2 fee, the online PPSR check allows motorists to use a car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find out if it has finance owing, been written off or recorded as stolen.

Since the beginning of March, the PPSR check has also included the safety recall status of a vehicle, informing prospective owners about whether the car has any outstanding faults which had been identified by the Department of Infrastructure.

MORE: Buying or selling a car online – 12 red flags to look for

In a media statement issued last week, the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) – the agency which issues PPSR checks – announced vehicle safety recall data would removed from PPSR reports as of 30 March 2023, due to a technical glitch with the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System (NEVDIS) data.

According to AFSA a “larger than expected number” of PPSR reports said to contact the vehicle’s manufacturer for more recall information, rather than including the car’s recall status on the report for motorists as intended.

“We have decided to remove vehicle safety recall data from the PPSR while we work with our supplier to address the issues with the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System (NEVDIS) data,” AFSA said in a media statement. 

“Searches that have returned a ‘contact manufacturer’ result can be clarified with the relevant manufacturer. The manufacturer will always be the most up-to-date source regarding vehicle safety recall information.”

While a small number of car-makers – such as Toyota and Mazda – have online portals which allow owners to enter their car’s VIN to check its recall status, most manufacturers require motorists to make an enquiry directly with their local dealer to obtain the information.

AFSA has advised the vehicle safety recall data will not appear on a PPSR report until further notice, as the agency attempts to resolve the technical issues with the Department of Infrastructure and NEVDIS.

Check if your car has been recalled here.

Check if there is finance owing on a car you plan to buy here.