Almost 1 million vehicles on Canadian roads are operating with unrepaired recalls, according to data generated by Carfax Canada’s vehicle history reports.

Unfixed recalls are very common, the company said. They can include issues such as malfunctioning airbags, electrical problems that can cause a fire and leaks, as well as issues with fuel pumps, seatbelts, brakes and other components.

“Unfortunately, too many Canadians are unaware that the vehicle they want to buy has a safety defect that puts them at risk,” Carfax Canada president Shawn Vording said. “Checking for open recalls when buying a used vehicle is as critical as test driving it and knowing about past accidents.”

Open recalls are usually fixed by the manufacturer free of charge. Carfax Canada said its Car Care app includes notifications to car owners if their vehicle has a recall.

In 2025, one in four vehicles searched by Carfax Canada had at least one unfixed issue on its report, with most of the open recalls on vehicles registered in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. SUVs, sedans and crew cab pickups are the top three vehicle types with the most recalls reported in 2025.

In addition to the safety issues — recalls are often related to components that could fail while driving, including airbags, fuel systems and brakes — Carfax Canada noted recalls can have a significant effect on the value of a vehicle.

A vehicle with unrepaired issues can take longer to sell or trade in and could even lead to insurance implications and legal liability, the company said.

Carfax Canada said past accidents and damage are also determining factors when purchasing a used vehicle, adding in some cases future accidents can be prevented when open recalls are fixed promptly.

The company said one in four vehicles searched have damage or accident history.

That said, Vording pointed out “a recall or accident doesn’t automatically make a used vehicle a bad choice. 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.”

Another factor to consider is VIN fraud, which Vording has called “a serious threat” in the Canadian used-car landscape and recommended that car buyers should check a vehicle history report that includes a VIN fraud detection tool before purchasing a used car.

Carfax Canada also reminded used-car buyers to check for outstanding liens to avoid purchasing a vehicle with unpaid debt.