The average age of vehicles on the road has never been higher, yet CARFAX estimates that one in four vehicles is behind on recommended maintenance.
Driving the news: The average age of vehicles on the road in 2025 hit 12.8 years, according to the Bureau of Transportation.
The average age for passenger cars is 14.5 years and 11.9 years for light trucks.
The average age has increased by a full year since 2019.
Behind on maintenance: Overall, CARFAX found that roughly 25% of vehicles are behind on tire rotations, oil changes, air filter replacements, brake services, transmission and brake fluid changes, and more.
In 38 states, the percentage was 25% or greater.
Southern states top the list: The state with the highest percentage of vehicles behind on maintenance was Mississippi at 31%.
Virginia, Texas, Alabama, and Georgia were all at 27%.
Five other states rounded out the top 10: South Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas, Arizona, and New York, each at 26%.
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Bottom line: Knowing the number of drivers behind on maintenance, it may be a good time for dealers to think up how to get customers caught up in the service department and keep them safely moving down the road.
“Manufacturer-recommended maintenance is designed to help keep vehicles running safely and reliably while helping drivers avoid potentially costly problems down the road,” Em Nguyen, Director of Public Relations at CARFAX, told CDG News.
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