Millions of Americans drive vehicles with active safety recalls. Thousands of them live right here in the Evergreen state, a report published by Carfax states. If you own one of these vehicles, you and your loved ones might be at risk.
Millions Of Vehicles Pose Accident, Injury Risks To Occupants
The report, which was published in May, 2023, shows that 2.5 million vehicles in the United States have an active “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside” warning-related recall that remains unaddressed.
Currently, there are 200 vehicle models impacted by these safety recalls. Most automakers whose vehicles are sold nationwide are affected. Many of these vehicles pose serious accident and injury risks to drivers and passengers due to steering, fuel line, airbag, and electronic-related issues.
While one in every five vehicles in the US had some open recall by 2022, researchers explained, recalls with “Park Outside” or “Do Not Drive” warnings are the most dangerous.
Federal, State Regulators Worry Their Efforts Won’t Prevent Deadly Car Crashes
Regulators both with the state and federal governments work tirelessly to push for innovation and safety in the auto industry. Even major players in the car industry work hard in order to make equipment issues less likely to happen. Despite their dedication to safety, carmakers continue to struggle to develop safe vehicles that are free from recall-related risks.
“Despite efforts by state and federal governments, and the auto industry itself, too many consumers are driving in vehicles that have been deemed too dangerous to drive, or that shouldn’t be parked in or near a home for fear of a fire,” Carfax General Manager for Data, Faisal Hasan, explained.
In order to help prevent accidents and make roads safer across the country, drivers themselves must do more to help.
“Officials and communities need to break through consumer recall notice fatigue and drive home the message: We can save lives today by getting these recalls fixed.”
Drivers Have Options When it Comes To Preventing Recall-Related Accidents
If you worry your vehicle was impacted by one of the many active “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside” recalls, you should contact your automaker to update your contact information. Too often, automakers lose track of their clients after address changes.
Additionally, you can stay on top of auto recall reports by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s search tool that helps you look up auto recalls by entering your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The Carfax website also has a similar feature.
For more information on Carfax’s report and how the open recall issue impacts Washington drivers, follow this link.
