Vehicle recalls by manufacturer for the last 5 years have affected millions of drivers across the U.S., from compact sedan owners to full-size truck handlers. Whether you already own the ride of your dream, or are considering buying or leasing your next vehicle, knowing which car brands in the U.S. have had the most recalls in recent years and why is the key to staying safe on the road.
Recalls occur when a vehicle has a safety issue due to a manufacturing defect or negligence and needs to be fixed by the manufacturer, usually at no cost to the owner. And over the last few years, such issues have become more common. From fire hazards and brake failures to high-profile airbag problems, even trusted brands like Toyota, Ford, Chevy, and others have faced large-scale safety campaigns.
In this blog, we will walk you through the biggest vehicle recalls by top auto manufacturers in the U.S. in the last 5 years, focusing on which models were involved, what caused the problems, and how the companies responded.
We’ll also show you how you can check if your car is among the affected using the free tools that every car owner should know about: the official NHTSA recalls database and a free recall check by VIN.
Let us begin.
What Is a Vehicle Recall and Why Does It Happen?
A vehicle recall happens when a car is prone to a safety hazard and needs to be fixed by the respective automaker. Such a massive callback is always due to something serious, like brakes that might fail, engines that could catch fire, or airbags that don’t work properly. In short, recalls are about keeping people safe.
These recalls are typically triggered by either the automaker discovering a defect or the government stepping in, most often through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
If NHTSA finds out that a vehicle does not meet federal safety standards or poses a risk, it can order a recall, and the automaker must notify affected owners and offer a free fix.
The good news is that you do not need to wait for an official letter to arrive at your doorstep. You can use tools like the vehicle recalls by VIN search and a free recall check by VIN, which can be incredibly helpful. They let you check if your car is part of any recall. You do not need to visit a mechanic or spend any money.
Recall Trends in the U.S. (2019–2025)
Vehicle recalls have increased in the U.S. over the last five years. In 2023 alone, over 33 million vehicles were recalled. That number stayed high in 2024 and 2025, showing that recalls are not slowing down.
As per NHTSA, most recalls are caused by safety issues like engine fires, brake problems, or airbags that don’t work. With cars getting more complex, especially the electric vehicles and smart features, more things can go wrong. Brands like Ford, GM, Hyundai, Tesla, and Toyota have led in total recall numbers.
What’s worse is that this is not even the major concern. The biggest concern is that not all owners get their cars fixed. The government says that nearly 4 out of 10 recalled cars still go unrepaired. This not only puts your safety at risk but also the other people and drivers on the road.
List Of Top Vehicle Recalls by Manufacturer in USA In Last 5 Years
Some of the most well-known car brands in the U.S. have recalled hundreds of thousands, sometimes even millions, of vehicles over the past five years. And what is surprising is that these were not just minor issues. We are talking about problems that could cause road accidents, fires, or complete system failures.
In the past five years, these types of issues seem to have escalated, not only for one car brand. Here we have listed the most significant recalls from each major automaker between 2019 and 2025. To help you understand better and exactly what to watch out for, we have mentioned the involved models, what caused the problem, and how it was handled.
Ford Motor Company Recalls
In 2022, Ford recalled the 2021 Mustang Mach-E AWD due to a software bug that caused sudden power loss or acceleration. It was fixed through an over-the-air update or a free dealer visit. In 2023 and 2025, around 700,000 Escape and Bronco Sport SUVs were recalled for fuel injector cracks that could lead to engine fires. Another 850,000 vehicles, including F-150 and Explorer models, were recalled in 2025 for fuel pump failures, causing stalling.
Ford didn’t stop there. They also dealt with camera problems across 18 models, brake fluid leaks in Expedition and Navigator SUVs, and even faulty child safety locks in the 2025 Bronco.
General Motors Recalls
In 2021, GM recalled nearly all 2017–2022 Chevrolet Bolt EVs due to battery defects that could cause fires. The company replaced the battery modules and advised owners to park outside and limit charging until repairs were complete.
About 50,000 Camaro, Cadillac CT4, and CT5 vehicles were recalled in 2025 due to a transmission valve defect, leading to sudden power loss or rear wheel lock-up. The issue was fixed through component replacement and software updates. Other major recalls included exploding seatbelt pretensioners in Silverado and Sierra trucks, brake sensor corrosion in Malibu, XT4, and Encore GX models. These were handled by replacing affected parts and improving insulation or sealing.
Toyota Motor Corporation Recalls
In late 2023, Toyota recalled over 1.1 million vehicles, including Camry, RAV4, Highlander, and several Lexus models, due to a faulty sensor that could disable the passenger airbag. Dealers replaced the part, and owners began receiving fixes in early 2024.
A few months later, about 106,000 Tacoma trucks were flagged for worn brake hoses that could leak fluid. Another 280,000 Tundra, Sequoia, and Lexus LX 600 models were recalled for a transmission glitch that caused creeping in neutral. Additional recalls targeted nearly 400,000 Tacomas with axle weld issues and 41,000 Corolla Cross Hybrids with a braking software error. Issues were handled either by part replacements or simple software updates at dealerships.
One Toyota owner on TikTok received three different recall letters for her Corolla in less than a year and joked, “Toyota, am I about to die??” It’s a reminder that even when recalls are handled properly, they can rattle owners and raise big safety concerns.
Hyundai and Kia Recalls
In 2023, Hyundai and Kia launched one of the biggest fire-risk recalls in recent memory. Over 3.3 million vehicles were affected. Models like the Elantra, Accent, Tucson, Forte, Soul, and Sorento were at risk due to electrical shorts in the ABS, which could spark fires, even when parked.
That fire risk was not theoretical. One Hyundai Santa Fe owner shared on Reddit: “My Santa Fe caught fire today,” after the vehicle ignited while parked due to an ABS short. Cases like these highlight how serious the recall really was. Owners were urged to park outside as a precaution, while dealerships replaced fuses and installed software updates.
Kia followed up in 2024 with a separate recall of more than 400,000 Telluride SUVs. There was a problem with the driveshaft. Some vehicles could roll away while parked, a serious safety concern. Around the same time, Hyundai dealt with recalls tied to fuel pump failures and oil leaks that raised the risk of stalling mid-drive.
There were other trouble spots as well. Some Elantras, Santa Fes, and Sportages had airbag or brake issues, while others faced engine fire risks. Thankfully, most of these problems were resolved through free repairs, and in many cases, dealer service was quick and straightforward.
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Honda Recalls
Honda has had its fair share of recall issues lately, some more frustrating than others. In 2021 and 2022, they flagged thousands of CR-Vs, Accords, and Civics for faulty fuel pumps and seatbelt pretensioners. If those failed in a crash or caused an engine to stall, it was a real safety problem, so owners were urged to get them fixed right away.
Then in 2023, more than 330,000 Civic and HR-V models ran into a weird but serious issue with the side mirrors. They could actually fall off while driving. Not ideal on the highway. Around the same time, certain CR-V hybrids had to be recalled due to overheating battery cables that posed a fire risk.
Other hiccups included camera glitches and software bugs in newer hybrid and EV models. Most fixes were handled quickly through free dealer repairs, and Honda sent out recall notices by mail to make sure owners stayed in the loop.
Nissan Recalls
In 2022, Nissan recalled over 800,000 Rogue and Rogue Sport SUVs for a key fob defect that could accidentally shut off the engine while driving. The company redesigned the key and offered replacements to affected owners. By 2023, several Altima and Sentra models were recalled for steering column failures and tie rod issues that could cause drivers to lose control. Dealers inspected and replaced the components as needed.
Other recalls in recent years involved faulty backup cameras, brake fluid leaks, and stalling in hybrid systems. Most of these were resolved through in-dealer service, with Nissan issuing prompt safety notices.
Volkswagen Group Recalls
Volkswagen had trouble with its larger SUVs in recent years. In 2022, it recalled around 250,000 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models for a wiring defect that could trigger random airbag lights or disable the airbags altogether. Dealers fixed it with harness inspections and replacements.
Audi, part of the VW family, had its own set of issues. In 2023, airbag detection systems failed in models like the A3, Q5, and e-tron. A software update was released to fix the glitch, and owners were notified directly.
There were also smaller recalls for fuel leaks, camera malfunctions, and suspension bolts working loose. While not headline-grabbing, they still affected thousands of drivers, most of whom had repairs covered under warranty.
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Stellantis Recalls (Jeep, Dodge, RAM, Chrysler)
If there is one thing Stellantis brands haven’t escaped in recent years, it is mechanical headaches. In 2023, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer SUVs were recalled for steering columns that could detach from the rack, a major safety concern. The company acted fast with part inspections and replacements.
RAM trucks also made headlines. Between 2022 and 2025, hundreds of thousands were recalled for tailgate latches that could pop open mid-drive, and faulty fuel pumps that caused sudden stalling. Drivers were told to watch for warning lights and bring trucks in for service.
Chrysler and Dodge were not left out either. Recalls covered airbag sensor issues, backup camera failures, and seat belt pretensioner defects across models like the Pacifica and Charger. Most fixes were done in-dealer, often under existing warranties.
BMW Recalls
BMW has also dealt with a number of mechanical and electronic recalls in recent years. In 2024, nearly 1.5 million vehicles, including X-series and 5/7 Series models, were recalled for a braking control module defect. It could lead to loss of brake assist and ABS, which dealers fixed by replacing the module and updating the system software.
Earlier in 2021, Select 2, 3, and 4 Series cars were flagged for seatbelt mounting bolts that were not properly welded. BMW also issued a recall for faulty starters in some X5, X7, and 3 Series models in 2024 due to overheating risks. All repairs were free and done at authorized service centers.
Subaru Recalls
Subaru’s biggest recent recall came in 2022, when over 271,000 Ascent SUVs were pulled due to loose ground bolts in the PTC heater. The defect posed a fire risk, so owners were advised to park outside until the fix was completed. Dealers handled it by tightening or replacing affected components.
In 2023, the all-electric Solterra was recalled for wheel hub bolts that could loosen and cause wheels to fall off. This serious safety concern affected only 1,200 units. Other recalls in recent years covered issues with brake-light switches and steering columns in models, like the Outback and Forester.
Mercedes-Benz Recalls
Mercedes-Benz has faced a string of safety-related recalls, mostly related to structural components and electronics. In 2025, nearly 93,000 GLC models were recalled for a sunroof defect that could cause serious injuries in a crash. Dealers reinforced the roof frame to reduce the risk.
In earlier years, fire risks led to recalls of GLE and EQS models with electrical faults near the fuse box. Smaller recalls also covered rearview camera issues and sunroof panels detaching on the highway. Most fixes required a quick visit to the dealership.
Mazda Recalls
Mazda’s most widespread recall happened in 2021 and 2022 when about 200,000 CX-5, Mazda3, and CX-30 models were found to have defective fuel pumps. If left unchecked, they could cause the engine to stall without warning. Dealerships replaced the pump assemblies free of charge.
Another set of recalls was due to headlight control modules and throttle response issues. Drivers reported flickering headlights and occasional surges, both traced to control system glitches. Most of these were fixed through updated software or parts.
Tesla Recalls
Tesla has issued dozens of recalls since 2021, most of them software-related and handled through over-the-air updates. One of the largest came in 2023, when over 2 million vehicles needed a fix to improve Autopilot’s driver attention system.
Earlier that same year, about 360,000 Teslas with FSD Beta were recalled for risky behaviors like rolling through stop signs. In 2021, more than 350,000 Model 3 vehicles were also recalled due to rearview camera cable wear. While many fixes didn’t require a service visit, Tesla sent out notifications to all affected owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check vehicle recalls by VIN?
To check recalls by VIN, locate your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (usually found on your dashboard near the windshield or inside the driver’s door), then enter it at the official website of NHTSA. The tool will show any active recalls linked to your exact vehicle.
Are vehicle recalls free to fix?
Yes. If your car is part of a safety recall, the manufacturer is required to fix it at no cost to you. This includes both parts and labor, even if the warranty has expired. You just need to take your vehicle to an authorized dealership.
What are the most recalled car brands in the U.S. recently?
In the last five years, major recalls have come from brands like Ford, General Motors (Chevrolet), Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, and Tesla. These recalls have affected millions of vehicles and covered everything from fire risks to faulty airbags and braking systems.
What should I do if I get a recall notice?
Don’t ignore it. Contact your dealership right away to schedule a repair, even if your car seems fine. Recalls are issued for real safety concerns, and fixing them quickly helps keep you, your passengers, and others on the road safe.
Conclusion
Over the last five years, millions of vehicles have been recalled for serious issues, from stalling engines to fire risks. Major brands like Ford, Toyota, Tesla, and Kia were all affected. If you are unsure about your car, use a free recall check by VIN on the NHTSA website, for free. It’s quick, easy, and could prevent a bigger problem down the road.
Keeping up with vehicle recalls by manufacturer for the last 5 years is not just good maintenance, it’s about keeping everyone around you safe.
