What Is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)? The Hidden Recall

What Is a TSB?

A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) is a document issued by a vehicle manufacturer to its authorized dealers describing a known problem with a specific vehicle or group of vehicles, along with instructions for how to fix it. Think of it as an internal repair manual for a known defect.

TSBs are sometimes called "the hidden recall" because they address real vehicle problems that the manufacturer acknowledges, but without the legal obligations and public notifications that come with an official safety recall.

How TSBs Differ from Recalls

Safety recalls:

• Issued when a safety-related defect is identified
• Manufacturer is legally required to notify all owners
• Repairs are always free, regardless of warranty status
• NHTSA oversees the process and tracks completion rates

Technical Service Bulletins:

• Issued for any known problem, not necessarily safety-related
• No requirement to notify owners
• Repairs may or may not be free depending on warranty status
• Owners must know about the TSB to request the fix

This difference matters. A vehicle could have a well-known problem that the manufacturer has a documented fix for, but if you do not know the TSB exists, you might pay full price for a repair that should be covered.

Common Types of TSBs

• Drivetrain noises — Transmission whine, engine ticking with documented fixes
• Software updates — Engine computer, transmission, infotainment calibrations
• Interior issues — Dashboard rattles, seat squeaks, wind noise
• Electrical problems — Intermittent warning lights, sensor malfunctions, battery drain
• Paint and body — Paint adhesion problems, corrosion issues
• Climate control — AC performance issues, unusual odors from ventilation

How to Find TSBs for Your Vehicle

Our VIN decoder: When you decode a VIN on our site, we display manufacturer communications (TSBs) when available from the NHTSA database.

Your dealer: Ask the service advisor to check for open TSBs on your vehicle. They have access to the manufacturer's full TSB database.

NHTSA website: The NHTSA complaints database includes manufacturer communications searchable by make, model, and year.

How to Use TSBs to Your Advantage

During warranty

If a TSB exists for a problem you are experiencing, the repair should be covered under warranty. Bring the TSB number to the dealer and reference it. This prevents the dealer from charging diagnostic time for a documented problem.

After warranty

Even after warranty, some manufacturers will cover TSB repairs as goodwill, particularly if the problem is well-known and widespread. Contact the dealer's service manager and reference the specific TSB number. If declined, call the manufacturer's customer service line directly.

When buying used

Checking for TSBs before buying tells you about known issues with that make, model, and year. Multiple TSBs for the same system suggest a systemic reliability concern.

TSBs Can Become Recalls

Sometimes a problem that starts as a TSB eventually becomes a safety recall when NHTSA receives enough consumer complaints. Filing a complaint with NHTSA adds data that can trigger a recall investigation.

Check Your Vehicle

Enter your VIN on our homepage to see manufacturer communications, recalls, consumer complaints, and safety ratings for your vehicle.