TAMPA, Fla. — Recalls requiring drivers to park outside are skyrocketing, according to new data released by CARFAX.
That data says nearly 4 million cars on the road nationwide have active “park outside” recalls.
That’s a 40% increase since May 2023.
“It means there's a significant risk of fire, even when the vehicle is not in operation. So, parked, cold, no human hands on it, there's the potential for a fire,” said CARFAX spokesperson Mike Lavigne.
According to CARFAX, the Tampa Bay area has seen a 28% increase in these recalls since May 2023, compared to a nationwide average of 40%.
“It isn't just a ‘park outside,’ it's park away from structures, as well. So, if your driveway is right next to your house, that's a bad spot to park if you are under a park outside recall. I recommend you get as far as possible away from your structure as you can,” said Lavigne.
10 Investigates reported last year there’s no federal or Florida law preventing dealers from selling used cars with open safety recalls.
You can search your Vehicle Identification Number – the VIN – on nhtsa.gov/recalls or the SaferCar app. Those tools will tell you details of any open safety recalls on that car in the past 15 years.
If there’s an unrepaired safety recall, the manufacturer has to fix it for free.
You can also sign up for emailed recall alerts on your car so you don’t miss future recalls.
You can find that VIN on the dashboard in front of the steering wheel, right above where it meets your windshield.