Danger on the Road? 200,000 Utah Cars Have At Least Two Unfixed Recalls

Driving at high speeds on the freeway requires every part of a vehicle to function properly—whether it’s the airbags, brakes, tires, or seatbelts. However, millions of cars on the road today have unresolved safety defects, creating serious risks for both drivers and passengers.

According to the latest data from CARFAX, more than 58 million vehicles in the U.S. currently have an open recall that has not been addressed. That’s one in every five cars, and the number has surged by 16% in just two years.

The Hidden Dangers of Unfixed Recalls

Many drivers remain unaware of these safety issues, while others may delay repairs, assuming they aren’t urgent. Em Nguyen from CARFAX warns against this mindset:

“Some people may feel a little complacent,” she said.

For Maritza Vasquez, ignoring recalls turned into an expensive lesson. She owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata and was unaware that her car had two open recalls. When her engine failed, she took it to a shop, only to learn that because the recalls weren’t fixed, Hyundai refused to cover the engine replacement.

Her situation isn’t unique. In Utah alone, CARFAX reports that 161,000 vehicles currently have two or more unresolved recalls.

Why Fixing Recalls Matters

Unresolved recalls can impact both safety and finances. Nguyen stresses that fixing recalls is crucial, not only to avoid costly repairs later but also to prevent potential accidents.

“Neglecting to fix recalls can absolutely affect your wallet in the long run,” Nguyen said. “Of course, recalls are free to fix.”

Beyond personal safety, an unfixed recall can put other drivers and passengers at risk. Malfunctions in critical systems—like brakes or steering—could lead to accidents, endangering everyone on the road.

How to Check for Recalls

If you’re unsure whether your car has an open recall, there are free tools available:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website
CARFAX recall check

Simply enter your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or license plate, and you’ll see any outstanding recalls.

By law, automakers are required to repair recalled vehicles for free at authorized dealerships, as long as the car is 15 years old or newer—regardless of whether you’re the original owner.

Taking a few minutes to check your vehicle for recalls could prevent costly repairs and, more importantly, help keep you and others safe on the road .

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keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.