A recall and a technical service bulletin both say a car has a known problem, but they are different things with different rules. One is a legal duty to fix a safety defect for free; the other is advice from the maker to its dealers.
A recall
A safety recall is filed when a maker or NHTSA decides a defect creates a safety risk. US law requires the maker to notify owners and to fix it without charge (49 U.S.C. 30120). Recalls are public and searchable by VIN at NHTSA.
A technical service bulletin
A TSB is a notice from the maker to its dealers about a known problem and how to fix it: a noise, a software fault, a part that wears early. Many are not safety issues. There is no legal duty to fix a TSB problem for free; it is usually covered if the car is still under warranty, and sometimes as goodwill. Ask the dealer.
Why NHTSA has the bulletins
US rules (49 CFR 579.5) require makers to send NHTSA a copy of the notices, bulletins and other communications they send to more than one dealer or owner about any defect in their vehicles, safety-related or not, within five working days after the end of the month they are issued. NHTSA lists these manufacturer communications with each vehicle on its website.
When a bulletin becomes a recall
If a problem first handled by a bulletin turns out to be a safety risk, the maker can recall it, or NHTSA can investigate. Our study how long a defect hides looks at how long that can take.
What to do
- Check open recalls by VIN first: our VIN check.
- If your car has a symptom, ask the dealer whether a TSB covers it, and whether it is covered by warranty.
- If it is a safety problem and nothing is recalled, report it.
Quick answers
What is the difference between a TSB and a recall?
A recall covers a safety defect the maker must fix free under US law. A technical service bulletin is repair guidance from the maker to dealers for a known problem, often not safety-related, and free only under warranty or as goodwill.
Are TSB repairs free?
Not by law. A TSB repair is usually free while the car is under warranty, and sometimes as goodwill. Recall repairs are free by law.
Where can I find TSBs for my car?
Makers must send their bulletins and other defect communications to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.5), and NHTSA lists manufacturer communications with each vehicle on its website.
Related
- How to report a car safety defect, and why it matters
- How long does a recall repair take?
- Your car is recalled: what to do, step by step
Sources
- 49 CFR 579.5: notices, bulletins and other communications (Cornell LII)
- 49 U.S.C. 30120: remedies for defects and noncompliance (Cornell LII)
- NHTSA: Safety issues and recalls, check by VIN
This page explains US federal rules in plain words. It is not legal advice; for a dispute, the statute and NHTSA are the authority, and a lawyer can advise on your case.
Published 7 November 2026 by A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus. CarsMultiverse is an independent site, not an authority.