Modern vehicles have evolved significantly throughout the years. Today’s cars have a plethora of driver assistance features, safety measures, and aesthetic design elements that would have been unthinkable mere decades ago. However, even the most well-designed vehicles are prone to periodic design or safety flaws. When a vehicle’s manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) discovers an unsafe vehicle feature, a recall is issued to correct the defect and protect road users. In this article, we discuss what motor vehicle recalls are and what to do if you are affected by one.
What Are Motor Vehicle Recalls?
A recall order is issued when a vehicle is found to either have a serious safety-related defect or be non-compliant with federal laws and regulations (such as emissions standards). Recalls can be issued for issues as serious as catastrophic engine or transmission failure, or as relatively minor as a glitchy infotainment center. Regardless of why the recall is issued, repairs are performed at no cost to vehicle owners. If you already paid to have the issue noted in the recall fixed, you may be able to seek compensation from the vehicle’s manufacturer. The terms of reimbursement are typically outlined in the notice you will receive explaining what the recall is and how it may be corrected.
Which Vehicle Manufacturers Have the Highest Number of Recalls?
Over the past two years, Ford has led all automakers with a whopping 209 recall orders issued (and we aren’t even to the end of 2026 yet!). Ford’s 153 recall orders issued in 2025 set an annual record, beating the 77 recalls issued by General Motors (GM) in 2014. While Ford is on track to have less individual recall orders in 2026, it is highly likely that more individual vehicles will be affected than in the year prior.
Ford isn’t the only manufacturer to be plagued by recalls over the past years, though no other automaker comes close to the scale of recalls issued over the same timeframe. Chrysler (53), GM (27), and Volkswagen (25) all experienced a significant number of recalls in 2025.
What To Do if Your Vehicle is Recalled
If one of your family’s vehicles is affected by a recall order, the first step is to understand what it is you’re dealing with. Review the recall order and all associated documents provided by the NHTSA. In some cases, you may be able to continue operating your vehicle normally while you try to schedule a time to have it fixed at your local dealership. However, some vehicle defects may render your car unsafe to operate or cause an increased fire risk. By reviewing the recall materials, you’ll gain a better understanding of the situation and the steps you must take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
After reviewing the recall materials, schedule a service with your local dealership to address the problem. Some recall remedies are incredibly simple and efficient. It’s possible that the dealership just needs to check your vehicle to determine whether a flaw found in similar models is present, and that no further action may be needed. In other scenarios, your vehicle may need a software update, which can potentially be done through an over-the-air (OTA) update in the convenience of your own driveway.
Things become more challenging logistically if your vehicle needs parts repaired or replaced to make it safe for the road. If thousands of vehicles are affected by the recall order, it can take weeks or even months for your local dealership to get enough parts in to handle all of the repairs required in your area. As soon as you become aware of a recall order, it is in your best interest to call your local dealership and determine how soon they can service your car, SUV, or truck.
How to Check for Motor Vehicle Recalls
In most cases, you will receive notification from your vehicle’s manufacturer once a recall is created. However, it’s possible for recall notices to get lost in the mail or delivered to an incorrect address, so you should get into the habit of checking the NHTSA recall portal at least once or twice annually. You can search by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), license plate, or make / model / year.
Act Quickly to Address Recalls As They Arise
If you or a loved one is affected by a vehicle recall, don’t wait to call your local dealership. Repair work is free and helps keep you and other road users safe. Act now to get the issue remedied and get back on the road!