Buyer Beware – Millions of Used Cars have Open Recalls

Carfax today released new data claiming online shoppers may have unknowingly purchased more than 3.5 million used cars with unfixed recalls in 2013. Texas, California, Missouri, Florida and Ohio led the nation with the most recalled cars for sale online last year. While every state has unfixed recalled cars for sale, nearly one-third of the total were in those five states.Carfax claims that more than one in ten used cars for sale online has an open recall.

“The most important thing about open recalls is knowing there is one,” says Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “We found that in 42 states, consumers shopping online for used cars in March and April stand the greatest chance of buying one with an open recall. Whenever and wherever you shop, make sure to look for open recalls and have them fixed. Almost every recall will be fixed for free at your local franchise dealer.”

About Ken Zino

Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
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