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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 2023. 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 2023, 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 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: Jaguar – 5 recalls affecting 2 models
The I-Pace EV (pictured) was responsible for three of the five recalls here: its battery can suffer from degradation and thus thermal overloads, leading to a fire risk. The other affected model was the F-Pace, which had recalls over powertrain software module and the coolant pump.
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19: Nissan – 5 recalls affecting 4 models
A fault in the drive motor may cause a short circuit in the Ariya (pictured), while pressing the brake and accelerator at the same time on the Juke can cause the hybrid system to reset and induce a stall. The Micra had an issue around seat belt anchorages, while the Leaf had an issue around unintentional acceleration after the cruise control was deactivated.
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18: Porsche - 5 recalls affecting 4 models
Two recalls affected the Panamera (incorrectly attached rear seat belt brackets and possible air-conditioning pump corrosion), while the 911 had issues around incorrect side air-bag deployment. Like the Panamera, the Macan (pictured) also had a recall around rear seat belt brackets. Finally, the Carrera GT supercar was recalled due to a chassis component corrosion issue.
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17: Volvo – 5 recalls affecting 10 models
The S60 (2019-2023) had three recalls around front airbags, the oil line, and braking software. The XC90 (2015-2023), C40 (2023), V60 Cross Country (2018-2022), S90, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, and XC60 (pictured) also had recalls for the same braking issue. The XC90 also had recalls around the rear seat belt buckle and steering.
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16: Jeep – 6 recalls affecting 8 models
The Grand Cherokee (2021-2023) had recalls for an issue around the second-row seats, rear coil springs and steering column. The Compass (2022-2023, pictured), Cherokee (2015-2016), Gladiator (2021), Grand Wagoneer (2021-2022), Renegade, Wagoneer and Wrangler all had one recall each, and all for different reasons.
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15: Audi – 6 recalls affecting 13 models
There were airbag-related recalls for many Audi models: A4 (2004-2011), A5 (2008-2012), A6 (2004-2011), Q4 e-tron (2023), Q5 (2008-2012), S4 (2004-2011), S6 (2004-2011), R8 (2014-2017), RS6 (2004-2011), and TT (2014-2017). A defective welding seam-related recall was announced for the A4 (2023-pictured), A5 (2023), Q3 (2023), Q7 (2023), and Q8 (2023).
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14: Hyundai – 7 recalls affecting 7 models
There were oil-supply related recalls for the i40 (2018-2020), and Kona (2018-2020), fuel-pump recalls for the i30 (2018-2020) and Tucson (2018-2020), and fuel-tank and seatbelt recalls for the Santa Fe (2020-2022, pictured).
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13: Fiat - 8 recalls affecting 6 models
There were a number of recalls for different issues affecting the 500 (2023), 500X (2022-2023, pictured), 500e (2020-2021), Doblo (2022-2023), Panda (2023), Scudo (2021-2022), Tipo (2022-2023), and Ulysse (2021-2022).
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12: Renault – 9 recalls affecting 6 models
There were recalls for different issues affecting the following models: Captur LPG (2023), Clio LPG (2023), Clio (2022-2023, pictured), Kangoo (2023), Koleos (2022-2023), Megane Saloon (2022-2023), Megane (2023), and Zoe (2022).
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11: Kia – 9 recalls affecting 11 models
There was a major recall to address potential fuel or oil leaks that can cause over-heating, and this issue affected several models: Cerato (2011-2018), Forte (2011-2018), Optima (2011-2018), Sorento (2011-2018), Sportage (2011-2018).
There was also a recall for a faulty unit that can increase braking distance and this impacted Ceed (2018-2020), Proceed (2018-2020), Sportage (2018-2020), and XCeed (2018-2020, pictured).
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10: Land Rover – 11 recalls affecting 5 models
There was a recall to address an oil-leak issue that can be a fire risk for Defender (2022-2023), Discovery (2022-2023), Range Rover (2022-2023), and Range Rover Sport (2022-2023). There was a coolant pump recall for the Velar (2021-2023, pictured), Defender (2021-2023), Range Rover (2018-2022) and Range Rover Sport (2018-2022).
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9: Volkswagen – 11 recalls affecting 12 models
There was a major recall around faulty airbag propellant for several older VW models: Crafter (2008-2014, 2005-2011), Eos (2008-2014), Fox (2008-2014), Golf Cabriolet (2008-2014, pictured), Golf (2008-2014), Passat (2008-2014, 2007-2010), Polo (2008-2014), Sharan (2008-2014), and T5 (2007-2010).
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8: DS Automobiles – 14 recalls affecting 4 models
There were nine recalls for the DS7 Crossback (2019-2023, pictured) model alone in 2023. This was for issues with software, the four-wheel-drive system among many other things. There were four recalls for the DS 4 (2022-2023) and five recalls for the DS3 Crossback (2017-2023).
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7: Ford – 16 recalls affecting 9 models
There was a major recall to address a fault where an oil leak could cause an engine fire, and this affected several models: Fiesta (2019-2022), Focus (2019-2022), Kuga (2019-2022, pictured), and Puma (2019-2022). There were several different issues affecting other models including Expedition (2020-2021), F-150 (2022-2023), Mustang (2020), Ranger (2022-2023), and Tourneo (2022).
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6: Toyota – 16 recalls affecting 16 models
There was a software update problem leading to a recall for several Toyota models: Aygo (2022-2023), bZ4X (2021-2023), C-HR (2022-2023), Camry (2023), Corolla Cross (2022-2023, pictured), Highlander (2023), Hilux (2021-2023), Mirai (2023), Prius PHEV (2023), and RAV4 (2022-2023). The Toyota ProAce and ProAce City had a total of 10 recalls.
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5: Citroën – 20 recalls affecting 12 models
There was a major recall for a software error that can lead to higher emissions, and this affected several models: Berlingo (2020-2022), C- Elysée (2019-2022), C3 (2020-2022), C4 (2020-2022), C4 Picasso (2020-2022), C5 Aircross (2019-2022, pictured), Jumper (2020-2022), Jumpy (2020-2022), and Spacetourer (2020-2022). Both the C3 and C5 Aircross had seven recalls in total each.
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4: Opel – 21 recalls affecting 11 models
The same software error that impacted Citroën also had a similar impact on Opel, a sister company. In this case the problem affected the following models: Astra L (2021-2022), Combo (2020-2022), Corsa (2021-2022), Grandland X (2020-2022, pictured), Mokka (2020-2022), Movano (2021-2022), Vivaro (2020-2022), and Zafira (2020-2022).
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3: BMW – 21 recalls affecting 20 models
There were major recalls to repair airbag faults for a large number of BMW models in 2023: 1 Series (2003-2015), 1 Series (2012-2014), 2 Series (2022-2023), 3 Series (2003-2015), 4 Series (2014), 5 Series (2012-2014), 6 Series (2012-2014), iX (2021-2023), iX1 (2022-2023), M2 (2014), M3 (2012-2014), M4 (2014), X1 (2009-2015, 2012-2014, 2020-2023), X3 (2003-2015), X4 (2014), X5 (2023), X6 (2006-2014, 2012-2014, 2023), X7 (2023, pictured), and XM (2023).
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2: Peugeot - 27 recalls affecting 13 models
The same software error that impacted Citroën and Opel also had a major impact on the following Peugeot models: 208 (2020-2022), 301 (2020-2022), 308 (2019-2021, pictured), 2008 (2020-2022), 3008 (2020-2022), 5008 (2020-2022), Boxer (2020-2022), Expert (2020-2022), Partner (2020-2022), Rifter (2020-2022), and Traveller (2020-2022).
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1: Mercedes-Benz: 38 recalls affecting 20 models
There was a recall for the exit warning function that affected the Mercedes AMG GT (2022-2023), CLS (2022-2023), and E-Class (2022-2023, pictured). There were recall for improper adhesive bonding that affected the C-Class (2000-2010), CLC (2000-2010), CLK (2000-2010), CLS (2004-2010), and E-Class (2000-2010). The new EQS EV had four recalls.
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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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