CARFAX and SafeDealsAI Work Together to Warn Dealers and Consumers of the 2.5M Recalled Vehicles on the Road

Early in May, BMW, Ford, Honda, and Fiat Chrysler issued critical warnings for specific vehicle models due to safety recalls. BMW joined the list by issuing a "Do Not Drive" warning for 90,000 vehicles built between 2000 and 2006, related to defective Takata airbags. Shortly after, Chrysler announced a "Park Outside" warning for the recall of 2014 to 2016 Jeep Cherokees, highlighting a fire risk. SafeDealsAI (a DealerXT product) leads the way in warning and notifying dealers and consumers of these recalls prior to purchase.

Neglected Safety Recalls Pose Risks Despite Dire Warnings

Despite the severity of these warnings, many drivers are disregarding the potentially life- and property-threatening defects. CARFAX's recent study reveals that over 2.5 million vehicles subject to "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" safety recalls remain unrepaired as of May 1.

Understanding "Do Not Drive" and "Park Outside" Recalls

"Do Not Drive" and "Park Outside" notifications are recalls issued by automakers and federal safety officials. The former advises drivers against operating their vehicles due to serious safety issues that could lead to accidents or physical harm. The latter warns of vehicles with a high fire risk, urging owners to park them outside of garages, parking structures, and away from buildings.

SafeDealsAI’s Efforts to Raise Awareness and Address the Issue

Patrick Olsen, Editor in Chief at CARFAX, expresses concern over the alarming number of unrepaired vehicles, stating that approximately 20 to 25 percent of these recalled vehicles remain unfixed. SafeDealsAI, a legal disclosure software used by dealers and consumers, aims to raise awareness and decrease these figures by notifying a dealer at the time of sale if a vehicle has an open safety recall and if so, encourages the dealer to have the recall repaired. SafeDealsAI also discloses the recall information to the buyer.

Study Reveals Startling Numbers and Possible Factors

CARFAX conducted a comprehensive study spanning five years of recalls, examining individual registrations and safety inspection reports to determine if vehicle owners had completed the necessary repairs. The findings left researchers startled by the magnitude of unrepaired vehicles.

Factors Influencing Lack of Repairs and Recommendations

Various factors contribute to the lack of repairs, including notifications sent via first-class mail, which may go unnoticed or be dismissed as scams. Additionally, time constraints and the essential nature of vehicles for daily routines and livelihoods hinder repair efforts.

State-by-State Breakdown of Unrepaired Vehicles

CARFAX's study identified six states with over 100,000 unrepaired vehicles, led by California with 245,000 cases. Other states include Texas (242,000), Florida (237,000), New York (118,000), Pennsylvania (106,000), and Ohio (101,000).

Serious Consequences Highlighted by Previous Incidents

A tragic incident involving an airbag rupture in a Ford Ranger, under a "Do Not Drive" warning, resulted in a fatality, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority (NHTSA) in November. These incidents underscore the genuine concerns and potential consequences of neglecting recall repairs.