Auto recalls are an inevitable part of the industry, but some manufacturers rack up far more than others. Here’s a look at the companies leading the recall charts so far in 2025—and over the past ten years.
2025 Recall Leaders (Jan–Jun)
- Ford Motor Company – 84 recalls
- Broke Ford’s own full-year record when it issued 88 safety recalls by mid‑year.
- Major campaigns include a 1.1 million‑vehicle software fix for frozen rearview cameras, an 850,000‑vehicle fuel‑pump recall that risked engine stalls, and nearly 700,000 vehicles recalled for fuel leaks.
- Forest River, Inc. – 21 recalls
- North America’s top RV and trailer maker continues to lead in recall count, often due to assembly errors (improper screw lengths, misaligned components) exacerbated by piece‑rate production incentives.
- Volkswagen Group of America – 17 recalls
- Issues range from air‑bag inflator alerts to transmission software updates.
- General Motors – 15 recalls
- Recalls span infotainment glitches to suspension component checks.
- Chrysler (Stellantis) – 14 recalls
- American Honda – 14 recalls
2025 Quarterly Trends
- Total vehicles recalled in Q2 2025: 7.3 million, the highest quarterly total since early 2024.
- Top defect categories:
- Back‑over prevention systems: 2.59 million vehicles
- Engine and cooling: 1.14 million
- Service brakes & hydraulics: 775,000
- “Do Not Drive” campaigns (all Ford): 2,350 vehicles
Top Recall Counts, 2015–2024
- Forest River, Inc. – 505 recalls
- Ford Motor Company – 458
- Chrysler (Stellantis) – 386
- Mercedes‑Benz USA – 332
- Daimler Trucks North America – 328
Forest River’s decade‑leading recall tally largely ties back to high production volume and hand‑assembly constraints. Ford’s recalls over the last ten years have similarly climbed thanks to increasingly complex electronics and fuel‑system technologies.
Why It Matters
- Safety impact: Recalls often address critical defects—fuel leaks, braking errors, software malfunctions—that can endanger lives.
- Consumer confidence: Frequent recalls can dent brand loyalty, even for market leaders.
- Manufacturing practices: Piece‑rate labor models may boost throughput but risk quality lapses, as seen at major RV plants.
Final Thoughts
Ford’s record‑setting recall pace in 2025 underscores the challenges of integrating advanced electronics and fuel systems at high volumes. Meanwhile, Forest River’s decade of recalls highlights the trade‑offs between rapid production and assembly precision. As automakers roll out ever more sophisticated features, proactive quality control and transparent customer outreach will be crucial for maintaining safety and trust on the road.
5 Automakers With the Most Recalls in 2025 & the Last Decade
