Though we often expect new vehicles to be in perfect working order, reality has shown us that this is not always the case. As consumer rights advocates, like dogged California Lemon law attorneys, can attest, some manufacturers seem to rack up more recall issues than others.
Not all of these are serious recalls, mind you, but it’s still something to keep in mind. Purchasing a vehicle, after all, is a serious investment, and you’ll want to stay current on which automobiles are more likely to work as intended and which are prone to having safety issues.
Recalls From 2014-2018
To analyze recalls from earlier in the past decade, we’ll be taking a look at a report from Reader’s Digest, which analyzed data from I See Cars to compile a ranking of the most recalled vehicles from that five year stretch. As they point out, the list is only compiling the number of recalls, and it’s important to bear in mind that some automakers with fewer recalls may have had more serious issues behind them:
General Motors
Recalls: 213
Vehicles affected: 54,942,962
Ford
Recalls: 209
Vehicles affected: 24,892,471
Chrysler
Recalls: 208
Vehicles affected: 40,726,068
Mercedes-Benz
Recalls: 117
Vehicles affected: 3,150,014
Volkswagen
Recalls: 109
Vehicles affected: 6,510,514
There’s a reason General Motors tops that list, by the way. You’ll recall that 2014 was the year of the great GM recall scandal, when the company came under major scrutiny not only because of faulty ignition switches installed in their vehicles, but because of evidence that they knew about the faulty switches “since at least 2003” and were slow to act in resolving the issue.
Recalls From 2019
Our information for 2019 recalls comes from Cars.com, who went through the trouble of tallying up the most recalled vehicles from that year and sorting them into a top ten list. Here are the numbers, and the issues associated with each recall:
Cadillac/Chevrolet/GMC Pickup Trucks
Vehicles recalled: 3.5 million
Issue: Weak vacuum pumps
Subaru Forester/Impreza/WRX/STI/Crosstrek
Vehicles recalled: 1.3 million
Issue: Potential brake light switch malfunction
Nissan/Infiniti Cars/Trucks/SUVs/Vans
Vehicles recalled: 1.2 million
Issue: Backup camera malfunction
Ford Explorer
Vehicles recalled: 1.2 million
Issue: Potentially fractured rear suspension toe link
Toyota Cars/Minivans/Suvs/Trucks
Vehicles recalled: 928,000
Issue: Airbag inflators
Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Sedans/Hatchbacks/SUVs
Vehicles recalled: 863,000
Issue: Catalytic converter issues
Ram 1500/2500/3500 Pickup Trucks
Vehicles recalled: 693,100
Issue: Potential tailgate actuator limiter fracture
Volkswagen Convertibles/Coupes/Hatchbacks/Sedans/Wagons
Vehicles recalled: 679,000
Issue: Potential rollaway
Volkswagen Passat/Atlas
Vehicles recalled: 662,100
Issue: Headlight troubles
Chevy/GMC SUvs/Trucks
Vehicles recalled: 638,000
Issue: Unexpected braking issue
And these are just the most prevalent recalls. Make sure to do your research before a new automobile purchase, and save yourself the headache of time-consuming repairs down the line.
