A recent report from WCPO 9 reveals that the number of people driving recalled vehicles that have gone unrepaired has only continued to grow.
Although vehicle recall fixes cost consumers nothing and keep them driving safely, many neglect to stay informed on what may be affecting them. According to Patrick Olsen of CARFAX, last year saw over 50 million vehicles that were unrepaired or with open recalls.
As of July 1, 2024, that number has only continued to increase, sitting at 57.7 million vehicles.
WCPO 9 spoke with a couple of drivers on whether they’re aware of any recalls on their vehicles. One SUV driver said she didn’t know–another man replied he’s never even checked.
Drivers who are unaware of recalls may often be risking their safety, especially with a 40% increase in “park outside” recalls between May 2023 and March 2024. The problem predominantly affects older vehicles, too. While 83% of newer vehicles have recall repairs completed, it’s only 29% of vehicles that are 10 years or older.
But with new recalls coming out each week, it can be hard for the average consumer to stay informed, and notices often don’t reach the intended person, as Matt Overbeck of Overbeck Auto Services in Cincinnati, Ohio, noted. Those who do receive the notices sometimes throw them out, thinking it’s junk mail.
“You move, the car gets sold, you purchase a car, we don't know where the car went,” explained Overbeck. “So sometimes those notices just go unnoticed.”
