Ural's lineup has 9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 5 models (2003–2026) and averages 4.5/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Ural's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Ural — VIN decoder & full model lineup
The URAL brand hails from the Soviet Union, producing incredibly robust and durable vehicles primarily designed for extreme conditions – think Siberian winters and rough terrain. These trucks were renowned for their simplicity, reliability, and ability to handle demanding jobs, often utilized by military, agricultural, and industrial sectors. ForCar.org allows you to decode any URAL VIN to unlock a wealth of information including full vehicle specifications, comprehensive recall history, and detailed technical data.
Buying or selling? See current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Ural models 5
Every Ural model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Ural Motorcycles 5
Ural recalls
Across the Ural lineup, ForCar tracks 9 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Ural recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Most-recalled system across Ural: Wheels:rim. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Ural reliable?
Across rated models, Ural averages a 4.5/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 5 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Ural Motorcycles competes in the niche sidecar motorcycle segment globally, with virtually no direct competitors at the brand level. The closest competitors are Triumph Bonneville and Royal Enfield Continental GT in retro-roadster styling and Harley-Davidson Sportster in heritage-cruiser positioning, although none of these brands offer factory-built sidecar motorcycles. Ural's positioning emphasizes adventure, two-wheel-drive sidecar functionality and Russian manufacturing heritage. Sanctions on Russian goods limit US growth.
Ural models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Ural models
Fuel-economy rankings for Ural are being compiled — check the most fuel-efficient cars meanwhile.
Safest Ural models
NHTSA safety rankings for Ural are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a Ural window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Ural's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Ural window stickers →How to read a Ural VIN
Every Ural built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Ural and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Ural
The Soviet government established Irbit Motor Plant (IMZ) in February 1941, three months before the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, by relocating BMW R71 production tooling that had been purchased through Sweden in 1939. The original M-72 was virtually identical to the BMW R71 and was produced by Soviet workers using copied tooling. Post-war, Ural continued the M-72 design through evolutionary updates. The 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union privatized Ural, and the 2000 acquisition by US-based investors led by Ilya Khait modernized the production line and ABS, fuel injection and current safety systems. Ural production was suspended in 2022 due to Russia-Ukraine sanctions, with limited resumption from 2023 forward.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1941 |
| Headquarters | Irbit, Russia |
| Parent company | IMZ-Ural |
| Slogan | "Side Car Adventure" |
| Models tracked | 5 (2003–2026) |
Ural — frequently asked
How do I decode a Ural VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Ural models are there?
ForCar tracks 5 Ural models spanning 2003–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Ural made?
Ural is headquartered in Irbit, Russia, founded in 1941. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Ural recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Ural model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Ural is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Ural warranty?
New Ural vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Ural dealer.