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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 the 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 in 2022. 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 30 car brands in total, we start at the brand with the fewest recalls of the 30 in 2022, 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 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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30: Ferrari – 1 recall from 2 models
Ferrari issued two recalls for its 488 GTB (pictured) and its 458 Italia. This concerned ventilation and pressure issues on the cap of the brake fluid reservoir, resulting in potentially severe drops in braking capacity.
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29: Mini – 1 recall from 4 models
Mini announced one recall in 2022 affecting its Convertible, Countryman, Clubman (pictured) and Cooper models. Key components in the seat belt retractors may be faulty, leading to an impairment in the restraint function, increasing risk of injury.
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28: Tesla – 2 recalls from 3 models
Tesla has announced one recall affecting its Model 3 and Model S (pictured) range. Driving at high speeds can cause damage to the bonnet latch, causing the bonnet to open and obstructing the driver’s view. The Model Y’s suspension arms can become detached from the steering knuckles, risking a loss of control.
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27: Porsche – 2 recalls from 3 models
The 2021 to 2022 Porsche 911 (pictured) was recalled due to potentially faulty seatbelts in which the fixtures could detach in the event of an accident. The 2020 Cayenne and Taycan models were recalled because of issues with their rear axles, causing uneven wear on the tyres.
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26: Lexus – 2 recalls from 4 models
The Lexus GS (pictured), IS and RC models were recalled due to potential fuel leaks from the flange attaching the vent tube to the fuel tank. The NX was recalled due to missed spot welds around the shock absorber, which could cause the shock absorber to become detached from the body panels.
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25: Jeep – 2 recalls from 4 models
With the 2020 to 2021 Compass (pictured), one recall concerns safety issues with the functioning of the driver and passenger side airbag, additionally the Grand Cherokee has faulty software which may cause the deactivation of the driver, passenger and knee airbags.
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24: Jaguar – 2 recalls from 4 models
For the 2022 F-Type (pictured), XE, F-Pace and XF, a recall was made concerning a risk of complete loss of seatbelt pretension in a crash. The vehicles affected were manufactured between January and March 2022. The 2007-2018 Jaguar XF’s was recalled due to airbag material that may degrade over time, causing metal fragments to pass through the airbag and hit the driver.
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23: Honda – 2 recalls from 4 models
For the 2005-2014 Civic (pictured) and Accord, a recall was made due to wear issues on the drive shaft, meaning it may break when subject to high torque. For the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline models, a recall was made due to a risk of the bonnet opening at high speed.
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22: Suzuki – 2 recalls from 5 models
A recall was made for the Swift and the Ignis due to fire concerns arising from a short-circuiting risk with the positive 12 Volt cable. Another recall was made for the 2015-2022 Swift and Baleno (pictured) due to issues with the braking systems.
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21: Volvo – 2 recalls from 10 models
Volvo made a recall for its XC90, XC60, V90, S90/S90L, V60 and S60 models due to issues with the combustion engine not starting. The XC40 Recharge was recalled due to damaged cables on the accelerator pedal leading to unintentional acceleration, more than 2100 examples of the XC40 (pictured) were recalled.
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20: Dodge – 3 recalls from 2 models
There was one recall for the Durango (pictured) due to the risk of the rear spoiler becoming detached whilst driving. RAM Truck had two recalls. The first was due to incorrectly tightened wheel nuts causing a wheel to detach. The second was due to corrosion issues with the side airbag.
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19: Renault – 3 recalls from 3 models
The Arkana (pictured) was recalled due to issues with the steering management assistance for models manufactured between 2019 and 2021. The Master model was recalled due to fuel leak risks in the engine compartment arising from faulty injection ramps. The Zoe’s recall arose from short circuiting issues during charging cycles.
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18: Maserati – 3 recalls from 4 models
Maserati issued one recall for its Ghibli (pictured) and Levante models, citing a combustion risk from a leaking pressure and temperature sensor within the fuel line. Additionally, for Levante mHEV models, a recall was made due to electrical faults at the motor resulting in sparks and a burning smell.
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17: Skoda – 3 recalls from 4 models
The 2021 Fabia (pictured) was recalled because the rear right seat backrest was incorrectly welded. Some of the Kodiaq and Octavia engine covers were found to come loose under aggressive driving, resulting in a recall to reduce the risk of fire. The Octavia was subject to an additional recall. Models built between 1 January 2019 and 28 February 2022 may have a defective fuse that could lead to an electrical fire.
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16: Seat – 3 recalls from 5 models
Seat’s numbers still include those of Cupra. The Leon (pictured) and Tarraco models were recalled due to an increased fire risk arising from a faulty fuse. A separate recall happened for the Tarraco and the Cupra Ateca because some engine covers were found to come loose under aggressive driving, resulting in a fire risk – as with its Skoda sibling models. Additionally, Leon models were recalled due to the excessive movement of loads in the baggage compartment in the event of an accident.
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15: Fiat – 5 recalls from 4 models
The 500 Hybrid (pictured) was recalled to due to fire risks around the auxiliary battery. Fiat also recalled its regular 500 model due to issues with the steering mechanism. The Ducato was recalled because of faulty side-marker lights, affecting models manufactured between 27 March and 22 November 2021. The Scudo had a recall due to issues with the cables connected to its battery. Finally, the Tipo was found to have defective wheel rims and was subsequently recalled.
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14: Audi – 5 recalls for 12 models
A5s, A6s, A7s, A8s, Q5s, Q7s, Q8s and e-trons manufactured between 2019 and 2021 were recalled because of issues with their rear axles, causing uneven wear on the tyres. Recalls were placed for the TT and Q3 (pictured) because some engine covers were found to come loose under aggressive driving. The A3 e-tron and Q3 e-tron were recalled due to short circuit risks leading to fires. The A3/RS3 was recalled due to issues with the front seatbelt restraints.
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13: Hyundai – 6 recalls for 7 models
The Genesis was recalled due to issues with its electronic control unit. The older Ioniq (manufactured between 2016 and 2019) needed a recall because of acceleration and power issues. The newer Ioniq (pictured) was recalled due to issues with its parking brake. Hyundai had to recall their i10s and i30s due to faulty seat belt tensioners.
The iX35 and Santa Fe models were recalled due to issues with the antilock braking systems. The Kona also had to be recalled due to problems with its fuel filter.
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12: Mazda – 6 recalls for 9 models
The Mazda 2, 3 (2015 and 2018-2019 models), 6, CX-3 and CX-5 were recalled due to fuel pump issues. The Mazda 3 had two additional recalls concerning issues with the fuel tank and fuel injectors. The Mazda 5 (made from 2005-2010, pictured) had problems with its passenger air bag and was recalled. The CX-5 was recalled due to braking issues.
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11: Land Rover – 7 recalls for 4 models
The Land Rover Defender had two separate recalls due to axle issues and faults with seatbelt pre-tensioners. The Land Rover Discovery and Discovery Sport (pictured) had three separate recalls arising from faulty driver-side airbags, leaky fuel hoses and issues with some front seat belt pre-tensioners.
The Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar also suffered from pre-tensioner issues and were recalled. Range Rovers (manufactured between 2020 and 2022) were also recalled due to faulty particulate filters and incorrectly fitted collision sensors.
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10: Kia – 7 recalls for 7 models
Kia had to recall its XCeed, Sorento, ProCeed, and Ceed due to defective front seat belt tensioners. The EV6 was recalled due to a potentially faulty electric parking brake. The Sorento was also recalled due to a faulty gearbox, wiring harness issues and fuel leaks. The Soul (ICs and EVs) was recalled due to problems with their frontal impact and collision sensors.
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9: DS Automobiles – 8 recalls for 3 models
DS Automobiles had to recall the DS3 for emissions issues and short circuiting problems with the battery. The DS4 suffered from incorrectly installed airbags and issues with its towing eye, meaning it can become disconnected when being towed. For these issues, issues it was recalled. The DS7 had multiple recalls due to heavily wearing tyres, emissions software issues and battery voltage faults.
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8: BMW – 8 recalls for 12 models
Similar to MINI, BMW had to recall its Gran Tourer, 3 Series, M3, X1, X2, i3, i4 models as components in the seat belt retractors may be faulty, leading to an impairment in the restraint function. The Active Tourer also has faulty doors that may involuntarily open during a side collision. BMW has also recalled its i3, i4, i7 (oictured) and iX model because of high voltage battery failures.
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7: Ford – 10 recalls for 7 models
Ford had to recall the Focus concerning wheel axle strength issues. The Kuga suffered seat belt retention issues and was recalled. The Mustang Mach-E (pictured) had two separate recalls concerning the fitting of the glass roof and windscreen. The Ranger had four separate recalls due to faults with the steering column, the rear silencer, the rear differential and the front wheel axle. Issues with the front wheel axle also caused Ford to recall the Everest.
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6: Citroën – 11 recalls for 10 models
The Berlingo, C3, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso, C5 Aircross (pictured) had to be recalled due to emissions issues, similar to that of DS. Three models were recalled due to voltage issues, two models were recalled due to rear brake issues. Other recall issues included defective rear suspension, leaky fuel hoses, water heater problems and driveshaft issues.
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5: Vauxhall/Open – 12 recalls for 10 models
Vauxhall had to recall its Astra models for three separate faults: defective side door components, improper airbag fitment and driver airbag faults. The Cascada (pictured), Meriva and Zafira were also recalled due to issues with the driver airbag. The Zafira also suffered from potentially defective rear brakes (also impacting the Vivaro) and wiring voltage problems. The Mokka suffered from a faulty windscreen wiper and the Insignia had to be recalled due to corroded track rods.
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4: Toyota – 14 recalls for 10 models
Three recalls were issued for the Aygo X (pictured), two of which were due to issues with the brakes. The C-HR and Yaris were recalled due to faulty radar sensors, and the RAV4 was recalled due to faulty seat-belt retractors. The ProAce was recalled for three separate issues: damaged fuel tubes, incorrect ECU calibration and a faulty window de-fogger. Recalls were issued for the Highlander, Tundra and Camry.
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3: Volkswagen – 14 recalls for 12 models
The Polo (pictured) suffered from four recalls due to a faulty spoiler, faulty passenger and driver airbags and a faulty panoramic sunroof. A recall was issued for the T-Roc because some engine covers were found to come loose under aggressive driving. The Passat suffered from multiple recalls and the Golf, Crafter, Fox, Caddy and Arteon had recalls too.
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2: Peugeot – 15 recalls for 10 models
Similar to Citroën, Peugeot had issues with their emissions software which led to the recalling of a variety of models including the 308, 2008, 208, 3008 and 5008. The 301 (pictured) was recalled due to driveshaft issues.
Similarly to DS Automobiles, the 308 had to be recalled due to towing issues. Five separate faults were noted for the Expert model including fuel line issues, rear brake defectiveness and rear window overheating.
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1: Mercedes-Benz – 39 recalls for 24 of its models
Seven recalls were made for the S-Class, six of which were for the latest generation model (pictured). There were multiple recalls across the range – indeed 39 from 24 models. Nearly a million examples of the C-Class, E-Class, G-Class, S-Class, Vito, V-Class, CLS, GLC, GLE and GLS built between January 2017 and October 2021 were recalled to rectify a possible engine fire risk in April 2022.
Another million examples of the ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class built between 2004 and 2015 were recalled over a faulty brake issue in June 2022. 315,000 Sprinter vans built between 2017 and 2020 were also recalled for faulty brake lights.
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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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