What is the most important thing to check on an imported US car?

The title history. Decode the VIN and look for a salvage, rebuilt or flood brand — a US title brand follows the car in the national record even when the local paperwork looks clean, so it is the one check that catches the biggest hidden risks.

Can I check a US-imported car for free?

Yes. A free VIN decode plus an official US safety-recall check takes seconds and needs no account. It will not show the full title and accident history — that is a paid report — but it confirms the specs and flags open recalls before you go further.

What does a US-imported car's history not show in the photos?

Salvage or flood branding, odometer rollback and prior accident repairs are all invisible in a listing’s photos. Cars bought at US auctions are often ex-salvage, so the VIN history is exactly the part you cannot see.

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How to check a car imported from the USA

June 24, 2026

Cars built for the US market carry a 17-character VIN and leave a detailed record in American databases. If you're buying an imported American car in Europe, that record is exactly what you can check for free here. Here's how to read it.

1. Decode the US VIN

Enter the 17-character VIN to decode the make, model, year, engine and factory. US-built cars decode in full because the data comes from the US NHTSA database — the same source the car was first registered against.

2. Check official safety recalls

US recalls are published per model and VIN. Our free check lists open safety recalls from official NHTSA records. For an import, confirm any recall was actually repaired — a recall fixed in the US should have paperwork; one done in Europe may not show here.

3. Look for a salvage or title brand

Many cheap US imports were declared a total loss after an accident or flood and carry a 'salvage' or similar title brand. That history follows the car but is not always disclosed by the seller. A full history report surfaces title brands; you can also ask the seller for the US title document and read it carefully.

4. Match the mileage and the paperwork

Check that the odometer reading matches the car's age and the import documents. US cars show mileage in miles, not kilometres — make sure any conversion was done honestly. Cross-check the VIN on the windscreen, the door jamb and the import papers: they must all be identical.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important thing to check on an imported US car?: The title history. Decode the VIN and look for a salvage, rebuilt or flood brand — a US title brand follows the car in the national record even when the local paperwork looks clean, so it is the one check that catches the biggest hidden risks.
Can I check a US-imported car for free?: Yes. A free VIN decode plus an official US safety-recall check takes seconds and needs no account. It will not show the full title and accident history — that is a paid report — but it confirms the specs and flags open recalls before you go further.
What does a US-imported car's history not show in the photos?: Salvage or flood branding, odometer rollback and prior accident repairs are all invisible in a listing’s photos. Cars bought at US auctions are often ex-salvage, so the VIN history is exactly the part you cannot see.

Check a VIN now

Put it into practice — run a free VIN decode and safety-recall check.