Vehicles with unfixed recalls may be putting millions of drivers and used car buyers at risk this year. According to Carfax, more than 57 million recalled vehicles – greater than one out of every five vehicles in the U.S. – currently are in use across the country. The company's annual research also suggests that people living in the southern parts of the country are most likely to have cars with open recalls. Southern states like Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama and Arizona are some of the top states with the highest open recall percentages.

California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York have the most vehicles with open recalls.

"For more than two decades, Carfax has helped lead efforts to get recalled cars fixed," said Dick Raines, president of Carfax. "Our primary concern is safety. Carfax, the manufacturers and others have made it easier than ever for drivers to keep up with recalls. Plus, many recall repairs are completed in less than a day. We urge people to prioritize taking that all-important step of bringing their recalled vehicle in to a dealer to be fixed."

Carfax offers a free service that notifies people about open recalls. Consumers can have their vehicles continuously monitored for recalls by Carfax free of charge through the myCarfax.com app. By entering the license plate or VIN, myCarfax.com users save up to eight vehicles and get recall alerts on their mobile device. Making this information readily available for drivers can help boost closure rates of open recalls.

"Carfax told me the car had an open recall. I found out that it was the driver's airbag," said consumer Robert V. in Redmond, Ore. "After purchasing the car it went to the local BMW dealer where it was replaced in less than an hour. I was treated royally, chatted about the car and soon was on my way. I did appreciate knowing beforehand."

The new data also suggests that work-life balance may be a factor for some vehicle owners not knowing about a recall or getting it fixed. Light trucks and SUVs – vehicles often used by businesses and busy families – are the ones most likely to have unfixed recalls.

Consumers worried about buying a used car with unfixed recalls can shop with confidence at carfax.com. Every vehicle listed for sale there comes with a free Carfax Report, which includes open recall information reported to Carfax.