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Despite daunting development budgets, defects in cars still get revealed only after thousands of examples encounter the real world, away from the development tracks and computer simulations.
The EU has an agency called Safety Gate, which was previously called Rapid Exchange of Information System, which seeks to flag up safety risks for all products on sale in the EU, including cars. This leads to cars being recalled to have remedial work carried out, almost always at the cost of the original manufacturer, not the consumer.
The website car-recalls.eu specialises in deciphering the data from the system – and it has just compiled a list of the most recalled car brands in Europe for 2024. Now clearly the companies with larger model ranges tend to have the most recalls, so please bear that in mind when viewing the data. Looking at 20 car brands in total, we start at the brand with the fewest recalls of the 20 in 2024, and work our way up to the car brand with the most recalls in Europe over the past 12 months:
Editor’s note: Due to the extent of defects with certain models, not all affected cars, model years and defects have been named. Follow the link on the last slide to get a full rundown of all defects affecting all models and for how to find out about recalls affecting your car
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20: Mini – 5 recalls affecting 2 models
The Mini Aceman (2024, pictured) was recalled for a fire-risk from a short-circuiting battery, and this issue also affected the current Cooper EV, as well as the previous generation Cooper (2018-24).
The previous generation Cooper EV (2022-24) also saw a recall, as a result of faulty battery cases that allowed water ingress.
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19: Honda – 5 recalls affecting 10 models
A faulty circuit board that could trigger the passenger-side airbag was recalled in the Civic, CR-V, Accord, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, and Pilot (2020-21). There was a separate recall for the Civic (2022-23, pictured) because of a battery issue that could have provoked electrical failure.
Meanwhile, there was another recall for the HR-V, CR-V and Jazz because of a fuel pump issue, which also affected the Civic and NSX. The CR-V was recalled for a battery fuse issue, and finally the ZR-V for a potentially faulty right-hand front headrest.
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18: DS – 6 recalls affecting 3 models
The vacuum pump was subjected to a recall on examples of the DS3 built between 2017-2019, whereas a separate airbag-related recall was also issued for examples built between 2009 and 2017 (pictured).
In addition, examples of the 2022 DS3 Crossback fitted with the DV5R E6.3 diesel engine were recalled due to adverse NOx emission readings. The 2024 DS3 Crossback was also impacted by a power steering issue, and the DS7 Crossback was recalled for an issue with its battery software.
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17: Alpina – 6 recalls affecting 5 models
The XD3 (2016-24, pictured) was recalled twice for faulty screws holding down the rear lashing rails in the boot, which could detach in the case of an accident. The corrective measures of the first recall were unsuccessful however, so a second recall was issued to rectify the problem.
Various other models were also inevitably impacted by issues shared with their BMW counterparts, which you can read about on the Car Recalls website.
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16: KIA – 6 recalls affecting 9 models
An HECU issue that could have potentially caused an engine compartment fire led to a recall of the Sorrento (2010-14), while the EV9 was issued with a recall due to a potential loss of braking performance. The Picanto (2024, pictured) was subject to multiple recalls because of an issue with the Speed Limit Assist System, as well as for a short circuit in the exhaust circulation valve – the latter being something that also impacted the Stonic (2024).
The potential degradation of the oil supply hoses meant recalls for the K9 and the Stinger, whereas the Seltos and the Soul were recalled for an airbag issue, and the EV6 for a charging issue. Finally, the Soul EV was also issued with several recalls.
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15: Jeep – 6 recalls affecting 9 models
The Grand Cherokee was recalled for airbag deployment issues, as well as for an issue with the exhaust gas recirculation cooler in models built between 2018-20. Meanwhile, the Avenger was subjected to recalls for both power-steering and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) issues.
Malfunctioning clutch pressure plates saw a recall of both the Wrangler (pictured) and the Gladiator, whereas the Compass and Renegade were recalled for a faulty brake pedal that could collapse under braking. The EV variants of the Compass and Renegade were recalled separately for a charging issue.
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14: Fiat – 8 recalls affecting 6 models
Insufficiently secured seating that could move in the event of an accident led to recalls of both the Scudo and Ulysse, while the Scudo also had issues with incorrectly fitted rear suspension springs and insufficiently secured radio screens.
The 500X was recalled because of a faulty brake pedal that could collapse under braking, and the Doblo was also recalled for various issues. In addition, the 600/600E (pictured) was recalled for a power steering issue, and examples of the Ducato (2023) for a hydraulic leak that could lead to reduced steering assistance.
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13: Audi – 9 recalls affecting 4 models
The e-tron saw several recalls; the culprits being issues with the foot brake connection, as well as voltage losses in battery cell modules.
Elsewhere, the Q8 e-tron was impacted by a potential brake fluid leak, the Q3 was recalled because of a seatbelt tensioner issue, the e-tron GT because of a battery module issue, and examples of the Q7 and Q8 (pictured) built in 2023 because of an airbag issue.
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12: Porsche – 9 recalls affecting 6 models
As a result of an issue with the centre lock wheel fastening system, examples of the 911 (992) Carrera GTS, Carrera 4 GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, GT3, GT3 RS and S/T (pictured) built between 2023-24 were all issued with a recall. This issue also affected examples of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, 718 Spyder RS and Panamera built during the same period.
In addition, the Taycan was recalled for issues with the rear seatbelts, as well as for a battery cell issue, the 911 (992) for an issue involving the fitment of the front and rear windows, and the original generation of Panamera for a defective front-right wheel carrier.
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11: Renault – 10 recalls affecting 6 models
The Traffic III Spacenomad campervan (2022) was recalled for a potential issue with the stability of the roof-mounted bed, whereas the Master and Master E-tech models saw recalls for various issues. Meanwhile, the Duster was also subjected to several recalls.
Additionally, other models involved in recalls included the Zoe (pictured) for a short-circuiting battery, the Austral and Espace for an electrical issue with the front seats involving the ‘easy access’ function, and the Traffic for a sensor configuration issue with the airbag and seatbelt pretensioners.
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10: Toyota – 11 recalls affecting 14 models
Insufficiently secured seating, as well as a rear suspension issue, provoked recalls for the ProAce/Verso, whereas the Corolla was affected by a brake fluid pressure issue. The Highlander and ProAce City were also caught up in recalls.
Elsewhere, the Corolla Cross and BZ4-X, as well as the Prius and Mirai, were affected by recalls, while previous generations of the Rav4, Avensis, Hilux, Corolla, Auris and Yaris (pictured) built between 1999-2017 were called back for potential airbag issues. Amongst other models, the Tundra, Land Cruiser and C-HR were also affected by various recalls.
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9: Peugeot – 11 recalls affecting 12 models
Expert and Traveller models were recalled for several issues, including insufficiently secured seating that could move during an accident, as well as incorrectly fitted rear suspension springs, whereas the Rifter had an issue with defective front brake discs.
The 5008 and 3008 had an issue with corrosion on the front subframe, provoking a recall, whereas examples of the 208 (pictured), 2008, 301, 308, 3008, and 5008 (2022) fitted with the DV5R E6.3 diesel engine were found to be producing adverse NOx emissions. Several other recalls, affecting the likes of the 208, 508, 3008, Partner and Rifter amongst others, were also issued during the year.
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8: Lexus – 12 recalls affecting 7 models
An electrical issue affecting the ECU meant a recall for the UX (pictured), while an issue with the forward-facing camera software impacted the NX. As a result of an issue with camera casings allowing for water ingress, a recall was also issued for the UX and RZ, the NX and RX, the LX600/500D, the LS500/500H and the ES.
Additionally, the LX600 was called back for a crankshaft bearing issue, the NX and RX for having a defective immobiliser design, and examples of the RX300 and NX300 built between 2018-22 were also recalled for a fuel pump issue.
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7: Vauxhall/Opel – 12 recalls affecting 10 models
Examples of the Movano were affected by several recalls, as were the Zafira and Vivaro, and a hydraulic braking issue meant a recall for the Combo. Elsewhere, versions of the Mokka (pictured), Crossland, Corsa and Astra fitted with the DV5R E6.3 diesel engine were also called back for producing adverse NOx emissions.
Examples of the Mokka and Corsa built in 2024 were affected by a power steering issue, whereas the Grandland X was recalled for an issue with its battery management software. Further recalls also affected models including the Corsa, Meriva and Astra.
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6: Hyundai – 12 recalls affecting 12 models
Over 64,000 examples of the Sante Fe built in 2024 were recalled for an airbag issue, and over 3000 i20s were also called back for a faulty EGR valve. The Genesis and Genesis Coupe were impacted by issues, while examples of the i40, Veloster, iX35 and Grand Santa Fe built between 2010-14 were all recalled for a brake fluid leak.
Additionally, other models impacted by recalls included the Kona, Elantra, Tucson and i30, as well as the Ioniq 5 (pictured) and Ioniq 6.
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5: Volkswagen – 12 recalls affecting 16 models
A seatbelt anchorage issue affected Amaroks built between 2022-23, while recalls were issued for the Tiguan, Crafter, Polo, Sharan, Golf, Eos and Passat (2006-17), as well as examples of the Up! (pictured), Fox and T6/Transporter, for an airbag propellent issue.
In addition, the Caddy saw a recall for a brake fluid issue, the ID4 and ID7 for a seating issue, and further recalls impacted models including the Golf, Passat, Arteon and Touareg.
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4: Ford – 13 recalls affecting 12 models
A particulate filter issue led to the recall of over 760,000 diesel Ford vehicles worldwide, including models like the Fiesta, Galaxy, Mondeo, Kuga, Ranger and Focus (pictured) that were built between 2014-23. The Tourneo Custom, Ranger and Transit Custom were each issued with recalls, while the new Mustang was also affected by several issues.
Elsewhere, examples of the Kuga built between 2022-23 were recalled for a fuel injector issue, while the Bronco, Galaxy and S-Max were also impacted by various issues. Furthermore, an overheating issue forced a recall of older examples of the S-Max, Galaxy, Kuga, Mondeo, Focus and C-Max that were built between 2014-15.
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3: Citroen – 15 recalls affecting 12 models
A defective vacuum pump meant a recall was issued for the C4, C4 Picasso, C4 Cactus, C3, C3 Aircross and Berlingo, while the Spacetourer and Jumpy were affected by insufficiently secured seating, as well as incorrectly fitted rear axle springs. The Jumpy had an additional recall for a radio screen fitment issue.
In addition, examples of the C5 Aircross, C4, C4 Picasso, C-Elysee, C3 and C3 Aircross built in 2022 were all called back for an emissions issue, while various other recalls also affected models including the Berlingo, C5 Aircross (pictured) and Jumper.
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2: BMW – 23 recalls affecting 21 models
Due to a servomotor issue, the XM, X7, X6, X5, IX2, X2, IX1, X1, I7, 7 Series, I5, 5 Series and 2 Series (2022-24) were all on the receiving end of a recall, whereas a steering issue affected the I7, 7 Series, I5, 5 Series and M5 (2024).
The X3/X3M (2016-24) was recalled twice for an issue with the attachment of the rear lashing rails, and a large number of older models, ranging from 2003-2018, were called back for an airbag issue. Additionally, further recalls affected several other models, including the M5, X2, 1 Series, 3 Series, and 2 Series/M2 (pictured).
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1: Mercedes – 24 recalls affecting 22 models
Over 53,000 examples of the S-Class (pictured) built between 2020-23 were recalled for an exhaust system issue, and a further 8800 examples of older models built between 2010-16, including the C and E-Class, CLS, GLE and M-Class, were also recalled for a power steering issue.
The electric EQA and EQB were recalled for a pyrofuse issue, amongst several other models, while the Sprinter 4x4 was also affected by an issue with the rear suspension. There were several other additional recalls, which affected models from the A-Class to the AMG-GT 4-Door and EQS.
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How do I find out if my car is affected by a recall that I’m not aware of?
UK car owners can easily find out by visiting this DVLA website and entering their car registration number. It will also reveal the car’s current MOT status:
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
If you believe there has been a recall but your car has not had the remedial work done, then you should contact a main franchised dealer for your car’s make in your locality for further assistance. Such work is normally carried out free of charge, although your car may be off the road for a time and a courtesy car is not always offered.
However, it’s very important that the work is done as soon as possible because your safety may be at stake. Additionally, your car may prove hard to sell on if recall work has not been done. Non-UK drivers can check their car’s recall status by sending their car’s unique VIN number to a local franchised dealer.
You can see the full table from car-recalls.eu here
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