CENTREVILLE, VA – New research from Carfax shows that consumers are at considerable risk due to auto recalls being ignored. In fact, the number of cars for sale online with unfixed recalls increased an average of more than 25% in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. Buyers in these neighboring Midwest states need to be concerned about this disturbing trend. Fortunately, finding open recalls and getting them fixed is easy.

“Consumers seem to be more aware of this threat, but there’s still a long way to go,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “Before a car changes hands, there’s lots of opportunities for everyone involved to check for open recalls. Yet this data is proof that it’s not happening enough. A simple online check and visit with your local dealer is all it takes to help improve public safety.”

Nearly 2.1 million cars with open recalls were for sale online in 2012, an improvement from 2.7 million in 2011. Florida, California and Texas lead the nation with the highest number of cars in both years.

To help, Carfax offers a free public service for consumers to check for open recalls at recall.carfax.com. VIN-specific open recall information reported to Carfax by auto manufacturers also is included on Carfax Vehicle History Reports. Addressing open recalls is vital to a car’s safety, performance and resale value.

More detailed information about specific recall campaigns is available at www.safercar.gov.

Editor’s note: Individual stats for each state are available upon request. A Carfax representative is available anytime for interview via satellite, phone, Skype or in-person. Please contact Christopher Basso at 703-304-7727 to schedule.

About Carfax 
Carfax is the vehicle history expert for used car buyers, sellers and the automotive industry. Carfax created the Vehicle History Report in 1986 and maintains the largest vehicle history database ever assembled, comprising over 11 billion vehicle records from more than 44,000 sources across North America. A Carfax® Vehicle History Report™, the most trusted resource for vehicle history information, is an essential step in the used car buying process. Get free Carfax® Reports from dealers wherever used cars are sold online or look for Carfax Advantage™ dealers in your area and say ‘Show Me the Carfax’. For used car buying tips or to purchase a Carfax® Report, visit www.carfax.com.