CARFAX: Urgent 'Do Not Drive' Recalls Spike 65% Since Summer 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

CARFAX reports a significant 65% increase in "Do Not Drive" recalls since summer 2024, now affecting 725,000 vehicles nationwide. These critical recalls, issued by automakers and NHTSA, require immediate vehicle parking due to severe safety risks including potential brake failures and defective airbags.

The report reveals that while dangerous recalls have spiked, the total number of vehicles with unrepaired recalls has decreased by 4 million to 54.6 million nationwide. California leads with 118,400 affected vehicles, followed by Texas (61,200) and Florida (40,600). Eight state DMVs now utilize CARFAX's Vehicle Recall Search Service to identify vehicles needing urgent attention.

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• Critical 'Do Not Drive' recalls increased 65% since summer 2024, affecting 725,000 vehicles
• 54.6 million vehicles still have unrepaired recalls nationwide
• Severe safety risks include potential brake failures and explosive airbag defects

Automakers Warn Owners With 'Do Not Drive' Recalls To Not Operate Those Vehicles

CENTREVILLE, Va., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a concerning spike affecting hundreds of thousands of drivers nationwide, 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.

"When it comes to safety recalls, overlooking or ignoring them can put lives at risk," said Patrick Olsen, Editor-in-Chief at CARFAX. "The good news is that checking for open recalls is fast and simple with our free online tools, like at Carfax.com/recall, and repairs are always free for consumers. Every driver should know their vehicle's status and act without delay."

Here are the Top 15 states with vehicles that have a "Do Not Drive" recall:

1	CA	118,400
2	TX	61,200
3	FL	40,600
4	AZ	28,000
5	OH	25,400
6	PA	23,500
7	NC	22,400
8	GA	21,900
9	TN	21,300
10	IL	18,800
11	SC	18,100
12	VA	18,100
13	NY	18,000
14	MI	17,500
15	WA	17,400

CARFAX data also found that the total number of vehicles in the country with at least one recall has dropped by about four million since last year, to 54.6 million vehicles with unrepaired recalls nationwide. This decline underscores the impact of CARFAX, the Automakers, and NHTSA's efforts in creating greater awareness of open recalls and having them fixed.   

"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.

Consumers can check for free online at CARFAX whether their vehicle has an open recall. The CARFAX Car Care app also sends free maintenance reminders, from recalls to oil changes, to help drivers keep themselves and their vehicles safe.

Editor's note: Localized numbers per state and DMA for the number of Do Not Drive recalls can be made available upon request. Interviews with a Carfax expert are available anytime. Please contact Em Nguyen at emnguyen@carfax.com.

About CARFAX

CARFAX, part of S&P Global Mobility, helps millions of people every day confidently shop, buy, service and sell used cars with innovative solutions powered by CARFAX^® vehicle history information. The expert in vehicle history since 1984, CARFAX provides CARFAX Car Listings, CARFAX Car Care, CARFAX History-Based Value and the flagship CARFAX Vehicle History Report to consumers and the automotive industry. CARFAX owns the world's largest vehicle history database and is nationally recognized as a top workplace by The Washington Post. Shop, Buy, Service, Sell – Show me the CARFAX^®.

S&P Global Mobility is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets.

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SOURCE CARFAX

FAQ

How many vehicles are affected by 'Do Not Drive' recalls in 2025?

According to CARFAX, 725,000 vehicles are currently affected by 'Do Not Drive' recalls, representing a 65% increase since summer 2024.

Which states have the most vehicles with 'Do Not Drive' recalls?

The top three states are California (118,400 vehicles), Texas (61,200 vehicles), and Florida (40,600 vehicles).

How many total vehicles have unrepaired recalls in 2025?

54.6 million vehicles nationwide have unrepaired recalls, which is a decrease of 4 million compared to the previous year.

What makes a recall a 'Do Not Drive' recall?

'Do Not Drive' recalls are issued when a vehicle's defect is so dangerous that it should not be operated under any circumstances due to severe risks of crashes, fires, or serious injuries.

How can vehicle owners check for open recalls?

Owners can check for recalls for free at Carfax.com/recall or through the CARFAX Car Care app, which also provides maintenance reminders.