The number of critical “Do Not Drive” recalls has jumped more than 65% since the summer of 2024, to 725,000, according to CARFAX data.
Automakers working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issue “Do Not Drive” recalls when a vehicle’s defect is so dangerous that it should not be operated under any circumstances — not even for a short trip. The risk of a crash, fire, or serious injury is so severe that both manufacturers and federal safety regulators advise owners to park the vehicle immediately and have it towed to a dealership for repairs. These recalls often involve critical safety systems, including brake failures or defective airbags that can explode.
The Top 10 states with vehicles that have a “Do Not Drive” recall:
- California: 118,400
- Texas: 61,200
- Florida: 40,600
- Arizona: 28,000
- Ohio: 25,400
- Pennsylvania: 23,500
- North Carolina: 22,400
- Georgia: 21,900
- Tennessee: 21,300
- Illinois: 18,800
CARFAX data also found that the total number of vehicles in the country with at least one recall has dropped by about 4 million since last year, to 54.6 million vehicles with unrepaired recalls nationwide.
“Programs like the Vehicle Recall Search Service, launched in 2018 by CARFAX and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, help state motor vehicle, public safety, and inspection departments identify vehicles with unresolved recalls,” said Faisal Hasan, vice president of Data at CARFAX. “To date, this initiative has pinpointed millions of vehicles that need attention, making roads safer for everyone.”
Eight state DMVs use the Vehicle Recall Search Service: California, New York, Ohio, Arizona, Texas, Connecticut, and Maryland; Washington and Puerto Rico joined most recently. The Service is free for states and other qualified users.
