Measuring long-term reliability in modern cars isn’t always straightforward, especially as vehicles become more complex and increasingly software-driven. Still, recall activity remains one of the clearest indicators of where manufacturers ran into trouble. A recall is issued when a safety-related defect is discovered in vehicles already on the road, requiring owners to return to dealerships for repairs at no cost.
Using official data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here’s how the major automakers stacked up in 2025—both in terms of how many vehicles were affected and how often problems surfaced. Not all recalls are equally serious, but the numbers give useful context, especially when paired with the nature of the defects.
BMW
508,338 vehicles recalled across 21 campaigns
BMW showed noticeable improvement compared to the previous year, when recalls exceeded 1.8 million vehicles. Still, 2025 wasn’t trouble-free. The most serious issue involved roughly 200,000 vehicles with starter motors that could corrode, overheat, and potentially cause a fire—enough to keep BMW on the recall list despite progress.
Volkswagen Group
663,663 vehicles recalled across 25 campaigns
Volkswagen Group also reduced its recall volume year over year. The biggest problems centered on 2024–2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs, including engine covers that could melt and distorted rearview camera images. Together, those two issues alone affected more than 170,000 vehicles each.
Tesla
745,075 vehicles recalled across 11 campaigns
Tesla made one of the biggest improvements in 2025 after leading all automakers in recalls the year before. Its largest campaign involved 376,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with power steering systems that could fail. Another 239,000 vehicles were recalled due to rearview camera circuit boards that could short and stop displaying an image.
Kia
982,346 vehicles recalled across 13 campaigns
Kia reduced its total compared to 2024 but still recalled nearly one million vehicles. The largest issue affected around 250,000 K5 sedans (2021–2024), where faulty check valves could allow air into the fuel tank, increasing fire risk due to expansion and melting.
General Motors
998,260 vehicles recalled across 27 campaigns
GM narrowly avoided crossing the one-million mark. Nearly 600,000 vehicles—including the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon—were recalled due to manufacturing defects in the 6.2-liter L87 V8, which could lead to catastrophic engine failure.
Hyundai
1,078,212 vehicles recalled across 21 campaigns
Hyundai returned to the “million-plus” category in 2025. More than 500,000 Palisade SUVs (2020–2025) were recalled due to seat belt buckles that might fail to latch properly. While not mechanically complex, the issue raised serious safety concerns.
Honda
1,560,813 vehicles recalled across 21 campaigns
Honda continued its multi-year improvement trend, down from 3.7 million recalls in 2024 and 6.3 million in 2023. Still, one recall stood out: more than 400,000 Civic models (2016–2021) were affected by a manufacturing error that could cause an 18-inch wheel to detach.
Stellantis
2,776,952 vehicles recalled across 53 campaigns
Stellantis ranked third overall, with recalls spanning Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo. The largest issue affected 320,000 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrids, where battery defects could lead to fire risk. In total, 10 separate recalls crossed the six-figure mark.
Toyota
3,200,000+ vehicles recalled across 15 campaigns
Toyota placed second in total vehicles recalled, a sharp increase from 2024. However, most issues were relatively minor:
- Over 1 million backup cameras that could black out
- Nearly 600,000 instrument panels that could fail
- 440,000 Tundra reverse lights affected by moisture
Notably, Toyota avoided major fire risks or structural failures.
Ford
12,900,000 vehicles recalled across 153 campaigns
Ford stood far above every other automaker in 2025. Backup camera failures alone accounted for nearly 4 million vehicles, but additional recalls involved fuel pump failures, cracked fuel injectors creating fire risks, ruptured rear brake hoses, and even exterior trim pieces that could detach while driving.
By sheer scale, Ford’s recall activity in 2025 dwarfed the rest of the industry.
