Not all recalls are created equal.

And according to Carfax’s data, the most dangerous kind of recalls is on the rise — in a big way.

The provider of vehicle history reports warns of a “concerning spike” in “Do Not Drive” recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, affecting hundreds of thousands of drivers nationwide.

Carfax said its data shows those recalls are now affecting some 725,000 vehicles, having soared more than 65% since the summer of 2024.

Automakers working with NHTSA issue “Do Not Drive” recalls when a vehicle’s defect is so dangerous it should not be operated under any circumstances — not even a short trip. The risk of a crash, fire, or serious injury is so severe manufacturers and federal safety regulators advise owners to park the vehicle immediately and have it towed to a dealership for repairs.

“Do Not Drive” recalls often involve critical safety systems, such as brake failures or defective airbags that can explode.

“When it comes to safety recalls, overlooking or ignoring them can put lives at risk,” Carfax editor-in-chief Patrick Olsen said. “The good news is checking for open recalls is fast and simple with our free online tools, like at Carfax.com/recall, and repairs are always free for consumers. Every driver should know their vehicle’s status and act without delay.”

Carfax found nine states have more than 20,000 vehicles under “Do Not Drive” recalls, led by California with 118,400. Texas is next at 61,200, followed by Florida (40,600), Arizona (28,000), Ohio (25,400), Pennsylvania (23,500), North Carolina (22,400), Georgia (21,900) and Tennessee (21,300).

While the most severe recalls are rising, Carfax said its data also found the total number of U.S. vehicles in the country with at least one recall has dropped by about four million in the past year, with 54.6 million currently under an unrepaired recall.

“Programs like the Vehicle Recall Search Service, launched in 2018 by Carfax and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, help state motor vehicle, public safety and inspection departments identify vehicles with unresolved recalls,” Carfax vice president of data Faisal Hasan said. “To date, this initiative has pinpointed millions of vehicles that need attention, making roads safer for everyone.”

Eight state motor vehicle departments use the Vehicle Recall Search Service, the company said, including California, New York, Ohio, Arizona, Texas, Connecticut, Maryland and Washington, with Puerto Rico joining most recently. The service is free for states and other qualified users.

Consumers can check for free online at CARFAX whether their vehicle has an open recall. The CARFAX Car Care app also sends free maintenance reminders, from recalls to oil changes, to help drivers keep themselves and their vehicles safe.