Most Recalled Car Brands in 2025: Numbers Revealing the Industry’s Fault Landscape

Vehicle recalls serve as a practical indicator for assessing the reliability of modern cars, especially as vehicles become increasingly dependent on electronic systems and advanced safety technologies. Recalls are issued when manufacturers identify defects that may affect the safety of vehicles already sold, prompting owners to return to dealerships for repairs at no cost. According to official data from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025 showed notable disparities among car brands in terms of recall volume and defect severity. Recurring issues largely centered around rearview camera failures and fire related risks, alongside more serious mechanical defects in certain cases.

Ranks Ten to Seven

Relative improvement among several major automakers

BMWUAE BMWEgypt BMWOman BMWBahrain BMWKuwait BMWQatar BMWKSA BMW

• Number of recalled vehicles: 508,338 cars

• Number of recall campaigns: 21 recalls

• Year over year comparison: A significant improvement compared to 2024, when over 1.8 million vehicles were recalled

Main issues:

• Corrosion of engine starters affecting approximately 200,000 vehicles

• Potential overheating that could increase the risk of fire

VolkswagenUAE VolkswagenBahrain VolkswagenEgypt VolkswagenKSA VolkswagenKuwait VolkswagenOman VolkswagenQatar Volkswagen Group

• Number of recalled vehicles: 663,663 cars

• Number of recall campaigns: 25 recalls

• Most affected models: Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport (2024–2025)

Main issues:

• Loose engine covers that may melt and cause a fire

• Rearview camera images that may appear distorted

TeslaUAE TeslaKSA TeslaKuwait TeslaQatar TeslaOman TeslaBahrain TeslaEgypt Tesla

• Number of recalled vehicles: 745,075 cars

• Number of recall campaigns: 11 recalls

• Year over year comparison: A sharp decline after leading all automakers in recalls during 2024

Main issues:

• Loss of electric power steering assistance in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles

• Defective rearview camera circuit boards that may fail to display an image

Kia

• Number of recalled vehicles: 982,346 cars

• Number of recall campaigns: 13 recalls

Main issues:

• Faulty fuel check valves in K5 models from 2021 to 2024

• Potential fuel tank expansion, melting, and increased fire risk

Ranks Six to Four

Figures nearing one million before climbing beyond it

General Motors

• Number of recalled vehicles: 998,260 cars

• Number of recall campaigns: 27 recalls

• Affected models: Escalade, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Sierra, Yukon

Main issues:

• Manufacturing defects in the 6.2 liter L87 V8 engine

• Potential for complete engine failure

Hyundai

• Number of recalled vehicles: 1,078,212 cars

• Number of recall campaigns: 21 recalls

• Most affected model: Palisade (2020–2025)

Main issues:

Potential failure of seat belt buckles

Honda

• Number of recalled vehicles: 1,560,813 cars

• Number of recall campaigns: 21 recalls

• Most affected model: Civic (2016–2021)

Main issues:

Manufacturing defect in 18 inch wheels that could lead to wheel detachment

Top Three Ranks

Widening gaps as recalls become the headline story

Stellantis

• Number of recalled vehicles: 2,776,952 cars

• Number of recall campaigns: 53 recalls

• Most notable models: Jeep WranglerUAE Jeep WranglerBahrain Jeep WranglerEgypt Jeep WranglerKSA Jeep WranglerKuwait Jeep WranglerOman Jeep WranglerQatar Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe

Main issues:

Potential defects in batteries used in plug in hybrid models

Toyota

• Number of recalled vehicles: More than 3.2 million cars

• Number of recall campaigns: 15 recalls

Main issues:

• Rearview camera malfunctions

• Potential failure of instrument panels

• Reverse lights on the Tundra may stop working due to moisture intrusion

Ford

• Number of recalled vehicles: 12.9 million cars

• Number of recall campaigns: 153 recalls

Main issues:

• Widespread problems with rearview cameras

• Fuel pump and fuel injector failures increasing fire risk

• Ruptured rear brake hoses

Exterior body trim pieces falling off on the Explorer

The 2025 recall figures highlight the growing challenges facing automakers as vehicle technology becomes more complex and production volumes continue to expand. In GCC markets, these numbers carry added weight when evaluating purchase decisions, as a recall related to an electronic system differs significantly from one affecting the engine or core safety components. In all cases, a manufacturer’s speed of response and ability to resolve defects remain just as important as the total number of recalls.