DMV Urges New Yorkers to Check for Vehicle Safety Recalls and Make Potentially Life-Saving Repairs
- The NY Pulse
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
Thousands of Vehicles Under ‘Do Not Drive’ Warning Due to Dangerous AirbagsOne in Five Registered Vehicles in New York Has an Open, Unfixed Recall
ALBANY, NY — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is sounding the alarm on vehicle safety recalls, urging residents to check their cars for potentially life-threatening defects. As part of Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, the DMV is highlighting the urgent need for New Yorkers to address outstanding recalls—especially those involving deadly Takata airbags, which have been linked to at least 28 deaths across the United States.
With one in five registered vehicles in New York having an open recall, thousands of drivers are unknowingly at risk every time they hit the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some of these recalls are so severe that they come with a “Do Not Drive” warning, meaning the vehicle should not be operated until the necessary repairs are completed.
Takata Airbags: A Widespread and Deadly Threat
The Takata airbag recall remains the largest single automotive recall in U.S. history, affecting nearly 42 million vehicles nationwide. These defective airbags pose an extreme danger, as they can explode upon deployment, sending metal shrapnel flying at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. The result can be catastrophic, leading to severe injuries or death. Despite repeated warnings from manufacturers and regulators, many affected vehicles remain on the road, putting drivers, passengers, and others at risk.
“No vehicle safety recall should be overlooked; getting the repairs made can be extremely important for your safety, especially if they involve airbags, defective steering systems, or faulty brakes,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. “We want you to be safe. That’s why our website makes it easy to find the national safety recall lookup tool so you can check if your vehicle has a recall and find out how to get it fixed for free.”
How to Check for Recalls
The DMV has made it simple for New Yorkers to check if their vehicle is under recall. By visiting the DMV website, drivers can access the national recall lookup tool, which provides instant information on open recalls and how to schedule a free repair. To use the tool, you’ll need either your license plate number or the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Your VIN is a 17-character code that can be found on your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield, or the driver’s side doorjamb.
Additionally, New Yorkers are notified of open recalls during their annual vehicle inspections. However, drivers don’t have to wait until inspection time to take action. By signing up for recall alerts, vehicle owners can stay ahead of potential dangers and address safety issues as soon as they arise.
The Growing Recall Problem in New York
A recent study by CARFAX found that as of late 2024, 2.3 million vehicles in New York had open, unfixed recalls—an alarming 17% increase from 2022. New York ranks fourth in the nation for vehicles with at least two or more unresolved recalls, totaling over 528,000. Only Texas, California, and Florida have higher numbers of unaddressed vehicle safety issues.
Many recalls involve critical vehicle components such as braking systems, steering mechanisms, fuel leaks, and fire hazards, making it crucial for drivers to take action immediately.
More Than Just Vehicles: Other Dangerous Recalls
Beyond vehicles, recalls also affect essential safety equipment such as child car seats, tires, and vehicle accessories like bike racks. If any of these items are recalled, manufacturers are legally required to repair or replace them free of charge, or in some cases, provide a full refund. Consumers can check for recalls on these products by visiting the NHTSA website.
Don’t Wait—Act Now
The consequences of ignoring a safety recall can be deadly. That’s why the DMV is urging all New Yorkers to take a few minutes to check their vehicles and address any outstanding recalls immediately. The fix is free, but the cost of inaction could be devastating.
To check for open recalls and schedule a repair, visit the DMV website today. It’s a small step that could save your life—or someone else’s.
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