Many studies have investigated the effect of alloying elements on the recrystallization behavior of work hardened austenite. However, the recrystallization behavior of high carbon low alloy steel has not been systematically investigated yet. In this study, the effects of alloying elements, focusing on the carbon content, are examined by means of double hit compression test. The following conclusions were obtained: (1) The independent effect of carbon content on recrystallization behavior is not observed. (2) The effects of Nb, Ti and V addition on inhibiting recrystallization are promoted when carbon content is increased from 0.1% to 0.55%. (3) The carbon content dependency of the effects of Nb and Ti addition on recrystallization becomes weaker when deformation and holding temperature become lower. (4) C-V complexes or very fine VC clusters are postulated to be responsible for retarding recovery and recrystallization of 0.55%C-0.1%V steel, which shows the very strong inhibition effect.