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

This Article Is Relevant For: Used Car Buyers, Car Dealers, Auto Insurance, Auto Repair Shops

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

CENTREVILLE, Va., Sept. 3, 2025 -- 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:

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.

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 [email protected].