Statistics show about three times as many people buy used cars instead of brand-new, and more than a million of those pre-owned vehicles are now on the market with open recalls that were never fixed.
As the pre-owned sales manager for the Crest Automotive Group, Mark Zurales is used to checking over every detail of each used car that ends up on their lots.
He said his business finds two to three cars a week with unrepaired defects named in nationwide recalls.
“A lot of people in their mind just think, ‘If they don’t disclose something, the vehicle is worth more,’ but we have so many tools at our disposal to tell immediately,” Zurales said.
Fifteen million vehicles were recalled last year, and that number is growing. This year, 20 million auto recalls are expected - the most since 2004.
Now a new study by vehicle history company CARFAX shows one in three used cars for sale have active recall notices.
“They’re unfortunately not being fixed by their owners; they’re being driven on the roadways every day. They’re for sale right now,” said Christopher Basso of CARFAX.
Reputable dealers will find and fix any recalled vehicles before putting them up for sale, but there are plenty of others on the market from private sellers or less reputable lots that still need the recall repairs.
In Tennessee, CARFAX estimates at least 25,000 pre-owned cars with open recalls are for sale right now.
No matter where drivers may go to get a used car, experts said adding recalls to one’s checklist is worth the time, especially since the original dealers will fix the issue for free.
“Do yourself a favor: Make sure you’re getting the history of the vehicle,” said Zurales.
CARFAX offers a free search for open recalls by “VIN” number on its website.
Recalls can be searched for by make and model through SaferCar.gov , a website run by the federal government.
