California’s Recall Crisis: 1.5 Million Vehicles with Dangerous Unfixed Recalls + What Drivers Need to Know Now

California drivers may unknowingly be putting themselves and others at risk of preventable accidents caused by dangerous defects, as data reveals that 1.5 million vehicles in the state have two or more unresolved recalls.

Nationwide, one in five vehicles has at least one open recall, according to a CARFAX report, highlighting a growing automotive safety crisis. These recalls often involve critical safety components such as airbags, brakes, and seatbelts — issues that could lead to catastrophic failures if left unaddressed.

For a state like California, where car ownership is high and roadways are busy, the stakes are particularly significant. Addressing these recalls is not just about compliance, it’s about saving lives and preventing accidents.

“We understand the devastating impact that defective vehicles can have on lives and families,” said Chris Hagan, partner and attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark. “Every driver has a responsibility to ensure their vehicle is safe, not just for themselves but for everyone sharing the road. Addressing recalls isn’t just about compliance; it’s about preventing tragedies that could easily be avoided.”

RECALL CRISES

CARFAX data shows that the number of vehicles with unresolved recalls has increased by 16% in just two years, with over 58 million cars nationwide affected. Among these, more than 14 million vehicles have two or more open recalls, significantly raising the risk of accidents caused by faulty components.

California ranks second in the nation for vehicles with multiple unresolved recalls, trailing only Texas. The top 10 states with unresolved recalls are as follows:

1. Texas: 1.6 million
2. California: 1.5 million
3. Florida: 901,000
4. New York: 528,000
5. Georgia: 509,000
6. Ohio: 508,000
7. Pennsylvania: 508,000
8. North Carolina: 477,000
9. Illinois: 406,000
10. Arizona: 389,000

With 1.5 million cars carrying two or more open recalls, the Golden State faces unique challenges:

• High Traffic Volume: California’s densely populated cities and highways mean that defective vehicles are more likely to contribute to accidents.
• Used Car Market: Many Californians purchase used cars without realizing they have unresolved recalls due to insufficient disclosure requirements.

Despite free repair programs offered by automakers, millions of drivers fail to address recalls for several reasons:

1. Lack of Awareness: Many vehicle owners are unaware their cars have open recalls. Letters sent by manufacturers often go unread or fail to reach second-hand buyers.
2. Inconvenience: Drivers may delay repairs due to busy schedules or lack of transportation alternatives while their cars are being serviced.
3. Used Car Sales: While federal law prohibits selling new cars with open recalls, there is no such requirement for used cars. This leaves many buyers unaware of potential safety issues.

Unresolved recalls can lead to serious accidents and injuries. For example, defective airbags, such as those involved in the Takata recall (the largest automotive recall in history), have caused dozens of fatalities nationwide. Faulty brake systems, too, can fail during emergencies, increasing the likelihood of collisions. And seatbelt malfunctions can prevent proper restraint during crashes, leading to severe injuries.

WHAT TO DO

To protect yourself and others on the road, it’s crucial to address open recalls immediately. Here’s how:

1. Check Your VIN: Visit CARFAX.com/recall or NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if your car has any unresolved recalls.
2. Schedule Repairs: Contact your local dealership to arrange free repairs for any open recalls. Automakers cover all costs associated with these fixes.
3. Stay Informed: Sign up for free monitoring services like CARFAX Car Care, which alerts you to new recalls and tracks your vehicle’s maintenance history.
4. Advocate for Disclosure Laws: Support policies requiring used car dealerships to disclose open recalls before selling vehicles.

California has taken steps to address the recall crisis, as well. The DMV now issues notices about unresolved recalls when drivers register their vehicles And organizations like AAA Southern California and the Office of Traffic Safety promote public awareness campaigns encouraging drivers to check their recall status regularly.

However, more must be done to ensure compliance and protect drivers from preventable accidents. Stricter legislation could require used car dealerships to fix open recalls before selling vehicles. In addition, expanded outreach efforts could target underserved communities where recall awareness is lower.

“The need for action is clear,” Clark said. “By checking your VIN regularly, scheduling repairs promptly, and advocating for stronger disclosure laws, we can call help make California’s roads safer for everyone.”

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.