In California, there are more than five million cars that have unfixed recalls, according to Christopher Basso with Carfax. He said minivans and SUVs have the highest rate of unfixed recalls.
But Basso said a feature on the company's My Carfax mobile app makes it easy to find recall information. The app allows you to check recalls by simply typing in a car's license plate.
"You plug in you license plate once, and you find out if there are recalls," said Basso, "but also get alerts for recalls in the future."
We walked through a parking lot at San Diego's Balboa Park and checked licensed plates. Nearly half of the cars had an outstanding recall, the app said. One vehicle belonged to Joan McCann who didn't know there was a recall on her Hyundai.
"They usually send postcards in the mail saying whatever recall it is," said McCann.
Amber Gray did not have a recall on her car but said it's not always easy to get recalls fixed when you have two young children.
"It's hard to get to the dealership to get it fixed when you're busy," said Gray.
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Steven Stratton said he doesn't remember getting a recall notice. "I'm glad I ran into you," said Stratton.
The My Carfax app is free and also keeps track of your car's oil changes and tire rotations. As for the time it takes to fix a recall?
"The little bit of time that it takes to get a recall fixed really pales in comparison to what can happen if you don't," said Basso.
