CARFAX Canada found that close to one million used vehicles for sale in 2025 had unfixed safety recalls, putting Canadian drivers at higher risk of accidents and injury.
The company analyzed millions of Vehicle History Reports generated last year and discovered that one in four vehicles searched had at least one open recall. The defects ranged from malfunctioning airbags to electrical issues that could cause fires, as well as problems with fuel pumps, seatbelts, and brakes.
“Unfortunately, too many Canadians are unaware that the vehicle they want to buy has a safety defect that puts them at risk,” said Shawn Vording, president at CARFAX Canada. “Checking for open recalls when buying a used vehicle is as critical as test driving it and knowing about past accidents.”
Most recalls were found on vehicles registered in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta. Sport utility vehicles, sedans, and crew cab pickups topped the list of vehicle types with the most recalls.
CARFAX Canada searches billions of data records across North America to provide vehicle history, market insights, and valuation data. It warned that unfixed recalls can significantly affect both vehicle safety and value. Many recalls involve components that could fail while driving, creating hazardous conditions on the road.
Vehicles with open recalls may take longer to sell or trade in. In some cases, unfixed issues could reduce the vehicle’s value or lead to insurance complications and legal liability.
CARFAX Canada reported that past accidents and damage remain key factors when purchasing used vehicles, with one in four vehicles searched showing damage or accident history. The company noted that future accidents can sometimes be prevented when open recalls are fixed promptly.
“A recall or accident doesn’t automatically make a used vehicle a bad choice,” Vording said. “What’s important is that used car buyers know about it to make a confident investment, negotiate fairly, and avoid unexpected surprises down the road.”
The company urged Canadians to check for unfixed safety issues when shopping for a used car. According to CARFAX Canada, open recalls are typically fixed by manufacturers at no charge.
