The Are The 5 Carmakers With The Most Recalls In 2025

Even carmakers that are typically known for reliability are ranking high on this list

Posted: January 9, 2026 - 8:11AM
Author: Dimitar Angelov

2025 was another dynamic year for the automotive industry, with many new models arriving or existing ones getting a comprehensive refresh. That said, not everything is all well and good, and there have been many recalls issued by companies due to problems, especially with new models.

While many of the usual suspects are ranking high (which is not where you want to be on this list if you are a carmaker), you can also see names that are usually well-regarded when it comes to quality and reliability. There are surprisingly many variables that contribute to why there are so many service recalls, and we are going to look at them in the end. For now, here are the 5 car companies that had the most service recalls in 2025. There are a few in there that might shock you.

It is important to note that remedies for some of these recalls are only going to be available in 2026. I am also not listing all the recalls from every manufacturer as the article will become too long.

1. Ford

Ford has more service recalls in 2025 than the next 9 brands combined

This one probably isn’t a surprise. Ford’s “Built Tough” slogan may be ringing hollow here as the American company takes pole position by a very big difference. This isn’t me disrespecting the company, I actually like some of the stuff they make, especially the Mustang. In 2025, Ford recalled approximately 12.9 million vehicles through 153 separate recalls.

Some of these are fairly minor issues, while others are more serious, These include the following:

Rearview camera glitch due to software defects - over 1.0 million vehicles were affected, most of which produced between 2021 and 2024. The issue manifested itself through a blank or frozen infotainment screen or delayed images. The result is decreased visibility and a higher risk of a crash. Affected models include the Ford F-150, Bronco, Transit, Edge, Escape, Mustang, Expedition, as well as Lincoln Navigator and Nautilus. The solution is a free-of-charge software update at a dealership or over-the-air update. Recall number - 25S49 / 25V-315.

Brake performance issues - Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models produced between 2022 and 2024 can suffer from reduced braking performance. The front brake lines may contact the air cleaner outlet pipe, potentially causing brake fluid leaks, leading to loss of braking power. The solution is inspection and replacement of the outlet pipe or brake line at a dealer. The recall is under number 25S47.

Fuel pump failure - approximately 850,000 vehicles affected, including Ford F-150, F-250, F-550 Super Duty, Explorer, Bronco, Mustang, Lincoln Aviator, and Navigator, primarily 2021 and 2023 model years. Ford is still working on a solution for the issue, which will be fixed free of charge at specialized dealerships.

Transmission valve body recall - Certain 2024-2025 Ford Bronco, F-150, Ranger, Explorer, Mustang, and the 2025 Lincoln Aviator can experience reverse gear failure or unintended movement when in reverse or neutral on the 10-speed automatic, due to improper machining of the valve body. This is an expansion of a previous recall from 2023 (number 23S54). The solution is complete transmission replacement, free of charge. The recall is listed under number 25S19.

Other Ford recalls include oil leaks due to misaligned oil plug (2024-2025 Ford F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator), airbag and door-latch issues (2025-2026 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport / approximately 230,000 vehicles affected), and improperly secured seat-belt anchor bolts (2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator), to name a few.

2. Toyota

Toyota recalled around 3.2 million vehicles in 2025

This may come as a shock to some, but Toyota is in second place for the most recalled vehicles in 2025. A total of approximately 3.2 million Toyota and Lexus models have been recalled in 2025 for various issues. Most of these are fairly minor, but there are a few that are more serious. I have reported on a few of these recalls, which include the following:

Engine issues with the V35A engine. Toyota’s new twin-turbo V-6, which can be had in both hybrid and non-hybrid form has developed a bit of a reputation, and not in a good way. Early on, Toyota Tundra, Sequoia, and more recently the Lexus GX550 experienced issues with metal shavings in the oil. The company recently issued an expanded recall for the V-6. Approximately 229,000 vehicles are affected, including around 17,000 Lexus GX550s, previously exempt from the recall. Toyota is currently working on a permanent solution and will be notifying affected owners in January 2026.

Memory loss has affected a wide variety of Toyota and Lexus models, including the Corolla, Corolla Cross, Yaris, Yaris Cross, RAV4, Highlander, CH-R, Crown, Crown Signia, Lexus LBX, RX, TX, NX, and LM350h, produced between 2022 and 2025. Most of these vehicles are sold in North America while others like the CH-R making a comeback in 2026.

The issue is caused by a bug in the software of a combined measuring device that can cause its memory to deteriorate. This means that driver settings and likely, the initial learning process (when a car adapts to the owner’s driving style) may not work properly. Think of it as Toyota’s cars suffering from “car dementia”. Over a million vehicles are affected. Recall numbers: 25TB08 / 24V381.

Parking assist control unit recall affects approximately 1.24 million Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru vehicles produced between 2021 and 2025, withe some 2026 models potentially affected. The recall is due to a software glitch in the Parking Assist control unit, which works with the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM). The infotainment screen can freeze if you switch in reverse shortly after starting the vehicle, causing false images to appear, potentially causing an accident. The recall is under number 25SD-108 for Toyota and Lexus models.

A total of 15 models are affected, including 2021-2024 Toyota RAV4, 2021-2025 Toyota Highlander, 2021-2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (J300 and J250), 2021-2025 Lexus ES, 2024-2025 Lexus LM, 2021-2025 Lexus UX, 2021-2025 Lexus RX, 2021-2025 Lexus NX, 2021-2025 Toyota bZ4X, 2021-2025 Subaru Solterra, 2023-2025 Lexus RZ, 2024-2025 Lexus LBX, 2021-2025 Lexus LC. 2021-2025 Toyota Prius, and 2021-2025 Toyota Mirai.

Potential fire hazard. For the most part, this is a BMW recall (which is also on this list), but it also concerns 1,469 units of the Toyota GR Supra, produced between 2020 and 2022. The issue relates to a potential fire hazard due to the possibility of water coming into contact with the starter relay, which could cause gradual corrosion and eventually lead to a short circuit, resulting from overheating of the electrical connections and starter.

3. Stellantis

The Dodge Charger is back, but the moterh company, Stellantis, racks up service recalls like there is no tomorrow

Around 2.8 million Stellantis vehicles have been recalled in 2025 in a total of 53 separate recall campaigns. These include models from RAM, Jeep, Chrysler, and more. Here are some of the major ones.

Plug-in hybrid battery recall - approximately 320,000 units of the 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe were recalled due to problems with the battery and potential fire risk. There have been 19 incidents reported, with one injury. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and avoid charging until the issue is remedied. The recall is under serial number NHTSA 68C.

Engine debris - approximately 112,859 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Wrangler 4xe, produced from 2023 to 2025 were recalled due to sand or debris contamination in the engine block that may cause severe engine damage and pose a fire risk. Stellantis is still working on a solution, which will be applied free of charge.

Hybrid power loss - approximately 91,787 Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV models were recalled due to a faulty hybrid control module, which may cause loss of power and potentially result in an accident. Stellantis began notifying owners in September 2025, and is currently working on a permanent fix.

Related story: I Sold My American-Built Hybrid SUV For A Toyota Land Cruiser And It Is Already A Much Better Experience

Brake-warning light - a total of 2,885 RAM heavy duty trucks for the 2026 model year are affected by a faulty cluster, failing to illuminate the brake warning light. The solution is a complete cluster replacement, free of charge.

Some other Stellantis recalls in 2025 include a brake pedal failure on hybrid models (approx. 44,500 models affected). The affected models are Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet. This is a global recall. Airbag failure on 2022-2025 Chrysler Pacifica and Voyager (around 250,651 vehicles affected). Rearview camera glitch on over 79,000 Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L models.

4. Honda / Acura

Honda recalled 1.56 million vehicles in 2025, but overall, it continues to be one of the most reliable car brands

In 2025, Honda and its luxury arm, Acura, recalled a total of approximately 1.56 million vehicles. Luckily, most technical service bulletins were for minor issues, but there are some among them that may pose danger. Here are some of the more major ones.

Engine stall and/or loss of power - affected a total of approximately 294,600, including 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S, 2022–2025 Acura MDX Type-S, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot. The issue revolves around an ECU error, specifically for the fuel injectors, which can cause stalling and/or power loss. Recall number 25V-031.
Brake Pedal Defect Recall - affected approximately 259,000 vehicles including certain 2021–2025 Acura TLX, 2023–2025 Acura MDX, and 2023–2025 Honda Pilot. The brake pedal pivot pin was not properly secured, potentially causing it to shift and impair braking. The recall is listed under number 25V391. The solution is to replace the brake pedal assembly if necessary, at no cost.
Brake issues - this is actually a pleasant surprise, because Honda and Acura are among the few carmakers that recall older vehicles. This issue affects Acura ILX models produced between 2016 and 2020. The issue is that contaminated brake fluid can damage or deform interior seals, causing reduced braking performance. Around 70,000 vehicles are affected.
Other Honda and Acura recalls include the electronic power-steering (EPS) software - Recall 25V-582 - which affects around 17,334 Acura RDX SUVs produced for the 2025 model year. Hybrid powertrain power-loss due to software error on 2023-2025 Accord - approx. 256,000 vehicles affected. 2023-2024 Honda Accord and CR-V high-pressure fuel pump failure, 2023-2024 Accord and HR-V missing rivets from seat-belt pretensioners, and more.

5. BMW

BMW performed one of the most comprehensive service recalls in 2025, due to a potential fire hazard

The Bavarian premium brand has recalled over 1.5 million vehicles due to various recalls. One stands out in particular, not only for the number of vehicles affected, but also due to its severity. Here are the highlights:

Electrical fire hazard. I briefly touched upon this when talking about the GR Supra fire hazard recall. However, those numbers pale in comparison to BMW’s massive recall, involving 1,145,385 vehicles. Due to water getting into the starter relay, there is a danger of a short circuit, which can cause a fire. According to NHTSA, the affected models will be produced between 2019 and 2022, but Car Recalls suggests this goes back to cars manufactured in 2015. The affected models include: BMW 1 through 8 Series, X3 through X7, Z4 (including E89 and G29), and certain Toyota GR Supra models. You can insert your VIN here to check if your vehicle is affected.

Power loss risk - affecting over 70,000 BMW EV models, including i4, i5, i7, and iX models. Software issues can cause power loss, but are easily remedied through an over-the-air (OTA) update or at a dealer, free of charge. Recall number - 25V395.

Steering system recall - around 36,900 BMW X3 produced in 2025 and 2026 are affected. The issue manifests itself through unexpected steering wheel movement while the vehicle is parked. The fix is a no-cost software update at a dealer or OTA.

Starter-motor fire hazard - a total of 145,102 US vehicles are affected. These include 2019–2020 BMW X5, 2019–2020 BMW X7, 2020–2025 BMW 840i, 2020–2022 BMW 740Li, 2020 BMW 340i, and 2020 BMW X6. The starter may overheat, causing various protective materials and components around the engine bay to ignite. The solution is a redesigned part, replaced free of charge. Recall number - NHTSA 25V644.

Other BMW recalls in 2025 include windshield seal water leak - 1,406 vehicles affected, including BMW X5 and X7, built in 5-20 August 2025 (for the 2026 model year). There are continuous recalls related to the starter and potential fire hazards.

Other brands in the top 10

Hyundai and Genesis - around 1.08 million vehicles recalled. Last year, Hyundai issued one of the most comprehensive recalls, including models produced all the way back in 2007. This includes my Genesis Coupe, and I was pleasantly surprised when I got the call from a local Hyundai dealership. The main issue is potential short-circuit of the EPS system due to contaminated brake fluid, which may damage the seals.

GM (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick) recalled around 998,000 vehicles over 27 separated service campaigns. The recalls include issues with the 6.2-liter L87 V-8 engine, brake failure on medium-duty trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD/5500HD/6500HD, tailgate issues on trucks, and more.

Kia chimes in with 982,000 recalled vehicles in 2025. Some of the issues include damaged purge control system check valve allowing air into the fuel tank (2021-2024 K5), HVAC blower motor harness (2021-2023 Sorento), piston oil-ring failure (2021-2023 Seltos and Soul), damage to floor wiring assembly (2023-2025 Niro - EV, hybrid, and PHEV), software issues with bod domain control (BDC) unit (2023-2025 Sorento), and more.

Tesla recalled approximately 745,000 vehicles in 2025 due to issues with the rearview camera display failure (024–2025 Model 3, 2024–2025 Model S, 2023–2025 Model X, and 2023–2025 Model Y) Other Tesla recalls for 2025 include Battery Pack Contactor Failure (certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y), exterior trim (2024-2025 Cybertruck), loss of power-steering assist (Model 3 and Model Y on pre-2023.38.4 software), and more.

Volkswagen - around 663,000 recalled vehicles in 2025. The issues include loose engine cover (2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport), gear indicator software recall (2021–2023 Volkswagen ID.4, 2022–2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron & Q4 e-Tron Sportback), rearview camera software failure (some 2024–2025 Atlas), and more.

Why recalls aren’t necessarily a bad image.

While a high number of recalls may be alarming, it also shows carmakers’ continuous strive to perfect their models and provide a better ownership experience. The automotive industry is more competitive than ever, and many models are being rushed to market, meaning stuff usually goes wrong. This is especially true for the early model years of any model, but let me know what your opinion is. Maybe you have experience with one of these brands. If so, I would love to hear about it in the comments below.

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

All images taken from the official manufacturer websites