Each year, millions of cars are recalled due to issues ranging from small glitches to serious safety problems. Recalls play an important role in keeping drivers and passengers safe. 

Here are the top 10 car manufacturers with the highest recall rates in 2024.

 

What Is a Car Recall?

Recalls happen when a car manufacturer or the government finds a safety issue that could lead to an accident or injury. If a car has a serious defect, the law requires the manufacturer to fix it, usually for free. This includes notifying the owner, offering repairs, and in some cases, warning people not to drive the vehicle until it’s been fixed.

Recalls can be issued by the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Once a safety defect is found, the manufacturer typically has 60 days to notify car owners.

And it’s not just new cars, manufacturers are required to fix safety issues for up to 15 years after the vehicle was first sold.

 

Why Do Car Recalls Happen?

Car recalls happen when a manufacturer or the NHTSA discovers a defect that could affect a vehicle’s safety, performance, or ability to meet legal standards. These issues can range from faulty brakes and airbags to problems with the steering system, electrical components, or even fire risks.

Most recalls are issued because a part or system isn’t working the way it should, and could increase the risk of a crash or injury. In some cases, the issue may not be dangerous right away, but it still needs to be fixed to prevent problems down the line.

Recalls are meant to protect drivers, passengers, and everyone on the road by making sure cars stay as safe and reliable as possible.

 

What Manufacturer Had the Most Recalls in 2024?

Manufacturer	Number of Recalls	Number of Vehicles Recalled	Safety Concerns
Chrysler	72	4,804,287	Rearview camera images not displaying, disabled electronic stability control, loss of ABS/traction control from module failure, and high-voltage battery failures that could cause fires.
Ford Motor Company	67	4,777,428	Loss of power from an undetected low battery, unexpected downshift can cause loss of control, high-pressure fuel pump failures, and tail light failures.
BMW	36	1,832,968	Water pump connector short circuit, starter motor and relay overheating, integrated brake system malfunction, and rupturing driver’s airbags.
General Motors	34	1,872,567	Tailgate opening while driving, rear-wheel lock-up from transmission value failure, inaccessible front seat belts, and emergency braking activating unexpectedly.
Mercedes-Benz	28	409,752	Glass sunroof panel detaching, airbags deploying improperly, ECU software causing engine stalls, transmission control unit software may cause stalls.
Hyundai	25	1,109,978	Trunk emergency release failure, rearview camera display issues, loss of drive power from a damaged charging unit, and unintentional airbag deactivation or deployment.
Jaguar Land Rover	21	123,194	Rearview camera display issues, high-voltage battery overheating, suspension arm detachment, oil leaks from cracked filter housings, and unintended transmission shifting.
Daimler Trucks	21	51,693	Unexpected engine shutdown and stalls, brake light failure, fuel leaks from filter hoses, and steering control loss due to tie rod issues.
Kia	20	1,234,661	Missing seat mounting bolts, loss of drive power, instrument panel display issues, fire risk, battery safety plug overheating, vehicle rollaway, and potential headlight failure.
Honda	19	3,794,280	Fuel leaks, engine stalls from software errors, fuel pump failures, steering difficulties, high voltage battery issues, unexpected ABS activation, and unintended airbag deployment.

It’s worth mentioning that having a lot of recalls doesn’t mean a manufacturer is bad. Keep in mind that today’s cars are complex and have high safety standards.

 

Which Automakers Had the Fewest Recalls in 2024?

In 2024, Subaru had the lowest number of recalls among major brands, with just one that affected about 118,000 vehicles. Volvo also only had a few recalls that affected a relatively small number of cars. 

 

What Car Manufacturer Has the Most Recalls in 2025 So Far?

As of mid-2025, Ford leads all automakers in the number of vehicle recalls issued this year, with 51 separate recalls in the U.S.

Following Ford, Volkswagen has issued 14 recalls, and General Motors has announced 11 recalls during the same period. While Ford’s recall count is notably higher, it’s worth noting that the total number of vehicles affected is lower compared to the same timeframe in 2024. 

 

How to Check If Your Car Has Been Recalled

The best way is to visit the NHTSA recall website and enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can usually find the VIN on your dashboard near the windshield or on the inside of the driver’s side door.

Once entered, the site will show you any safety recalls that have yet to be addressed. If your car has an open recall, the manufacturer is required to fix the issue for free, whether that’s a repair, replacement, or software update.

It’s a good idea to check your VIN at least once a year, especially if you’re driving an older car or bought it used.

 

Does a Recall Mean My Vehicle Is a Lemon?

No, a recall doesn’t automatically mean your car is a lemon.

 

Lemon Law vs. Recalls

Recalls are usually issued for safety-related defects that show up in a group of vehicles. Lemon laws, on the other hand, deal with ongoing problems that keep happening and seriously affect your car’s safety, value, or use. 

If your car has had the same issue repeatedly and it still isn’t fixed, you might have a lemon. In that case, it’s a good idea to speak with a lemon law attorney who can help you understand your rights and whether you have a case.

It’s also important to know that as of late October 2024, California’s Lemon Law no longer covers used cars, even if they’re still under warranty or have had multiple warranty repairs.

 

Contact Our California Lemon Law Firm Today!

If you think your car might be a lemon or have problems with a recall, contact Norman Taylor & Associates today! Our California lemon law firm specializes in helping people with lemon law cases and can give you advice to protect your rights as a car owner.

Call 818-244-3905 for a FREE case review.

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