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New CARFAX 'Recall Tracker' Sheds Light on the Nation's Most Urgent Auto Recalls

CENTREVILLE, Va., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Over a decade since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a nationwide recall due to the potentially life-threatening risks posed by Takata airbags, 5.7 million vehicles across the U.S. still carry these defective airbags, according to new data from CARFAX.

In a sign of progress, CARFAX data shows the number of cars on the road with Takata airbags has dropped by nearly 750,000 over the last year.

"Heightened and coordinated efforts by organizations like NHTSA and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, in partnership with CARFAX, have helped raise consumer awareness and close millions of recalls," said Faisal Hasan, Vice President of Data at CARFAX.

States Making the Most Progress – In the last 12 months, these five states have had the highest number of Takata airbag replacements or recall closures:

1. California: 107,500

2. Texas: 80,800

3. New York: 41,000

4. Illinois: 40,800

5. Florida: 35,200

Three of these states—California, Texas, and New York—also utilize the Vehicle Recall Search Service, a powerful tool built by CARFAX and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. This free service allows qualified entities, in particular state motor vehicle, public safety, and inspection departments to check vehicles for unrepaired recalls. The other participating states and territories are Ohio, Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland, Washington, and Puerto Rico.

Top 10 States With the Most Unrepaired Takata Airbags – Despite recent gains, millions of airbags remain unrepaired, especially in these 10 states:

1. Texas: 706,900

2. California: 631,440

3. Florida: 270,140

4. Pennsylvania: 183,460

5. North Carolina: 181,490

6. Ohio: 178,970

7. Arizona: 178,970

8. Georgia: 174,480

9. Tennessee: 173,360

10. New York: 165,220

To help close recalls nationwide, CARFAX has launched a new 'Recall Tracker' — a monthly resource designed to spotlight the most urgent recalls. The Recall Tracker not only helps keep consumers informed, but it also brings attention to unfixed recalls that could pose serious risks, including bodily harm or even death, according to NHTSA. By making these safety issues more visible, the tracker empowers consumers to take action and stay safe.

Consumers can also check, for free, whether their vehicle has an unresolved recall at carfax.com/recall. Monitoring apps like Carfax's Car Care app can help car owners receive timely reminders including alerts for recalls and oil changes.

Editor's note: The latest figures for Takata airbags in your state or market area can be made available upon request. Interviews with a Carfax expert are available anytime. Please contact Em Nguyen at emnguyen@arfax.com.