In the first quarter of 2024, the United States saw a significant increase in vehicle recalls,...
The automotive industry is grappling with an unprecedented surge in vehicle recalls, with over 21 million issued year-to-date in 2024 alone. When factoring in un-repaired vehicles from prior years, over one in four vehicles on U.S. roads have at least one open recall. With approximately 291.1 million registered vehicles nationwide, this translates to 72.7 million vehicles currently on the road with an open recall! This staggering figure highlights a critical and ongoing challenge for manufacturers as they struggle to maintain quality control amidst increasingly complex vehicle technologies. The sheer volume of recalls not only poses significant safety risks for millions of drivers but also erodes consumer confidence in the reliability of their vehicles. As safety concerns continue to mount, the need for stricter quality assurance measures and proactive recall management is more pressing than ever. Manufacturers must prioritize rigorous testing and swift response strategies to address defects, safeguard drivers, and restore trust in the automotive industry.
Summary of Recalls in Q3 2024 and YTD 2024
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Over 21 Million Vehicles Recalled YTD 2024: Despite a slight decrease from 2023, the sheer volume of recalls continues to highlight significant safety concerns, with 6.5 million vehicles recalled in Q3 2024 alone.
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Tesla Leads in Recalls, But All Are Fixable via OTA Updates: Tesla topped the list in Q3 2024 with nearly 1.9 million vehicles affected, all of which can be addressed through Over-the-Air updates, which the NHTSA is required to refer to these issues, which are fixed without any physical attention, as a recall.
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Electrical Systems Remain the Top Recalled Component: Advanced vehicle technologies have driven a surge in electrical system recalls, accounting for 6.3 million vehicles YTD 2024, making it the most recalled component across the industry.
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Top Four Manufacturers Responsible for 84.6% of Q3 Recalls: Tesla, Chrysler/Stellantis, BMW, and General Motors accounted for the majority of recalls in Q3 2024, indicating concentrated safety challenges among these major automakers.
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Improved Recall Management with OTA Remedies: Over 34% of vehicles recalled YTD 2024 can be fixed via OTA updates, up from 21% in 2023, reflecting the industry's shift towards more efficient and customer-friendly recall solutions.
BizzyCar's Q3 2024 Recall Report
Tesla Leads Recalls in Q3 2024, But All Can Be Completed via OTA Update; Chrysler/Stellantis, BMW, and General Motors Beat Out Ford for Most Recalls
In Q3 2024, Tesla emerged as the leader in vehicle recalls, with over 1.8 million vehicles affected, all of which can be resolved through Over-the-Air (OTA) updates—still reported as recalls per NHTSA requirements. While OTA updates provide consumer convenience, they may represent a missed opportunity for dealerships, which typically rely on in-person recall repairs to drive service revenue. Meanwhile, traditional manufacturers like Chrysler/Stellantis, BMW, and General Motors saw a rise in recalls this quarter, surpassing Ford, signaling a shift in the recall landscape. This trend underscores the growing complexity of modern vehicles and the challenges legacy automakers face in upholding quality and safety standards.
As Cars Become More Technologically Advanced, Electrical Systems Are the Top Recalled Component
As vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, integrating advanced technology and connectivity features, electrical systems have emerged as the most frequently recalled component in 2024. This surge in electrical-related recalls underscores the challenges manufacturers face in maintaining quality control over intricate electronic architectures and software systems that now govern everything from infotainment to critical safety functions. As cars transform into complex digital platforms on wheels, even minor electrical faults can pose significant safety risks, potentially leading to unexpected malfunctions or system failures that endanger drivers. The trend highlights a pressing need for automakers to invest in more robust testing, diagnostics, and monitoring systems to ensure the reliability and safety of these advanced technologies, as well as to restore consumer confidence in an era of rapid automotive innovation.
Beyond the Numbers: How Dealerships Are Leveraging Recalls to Enhance Customer Trust and Service Revenue
While vehicle recalls are often seen as a burden, many dealerships are transforming this challenge into an opportunity to strengthen customer trust and boost service revenue. By effectively managing recall campaigns, dealerships can increase service drive traffic, providing them with valuable face time to address customers' concerns and perform necessary repairs. This not only ensures vehicles are safe and compliant but also opens the door to upsell opportunities, such as routine maintenance or additional services, that can enhance the customer experience. Proactive recall management demonstrates a dealership’s commitment to customer safety and satisfaction, building stronger relationships and fostering loyalty. By turning a traditionally negative situation into a positive touchpoint, dealerships are not just resolving safety issues—they are also creating a foundation for long-term business growth and customer retention
Total Recalls and Vehicles Affected
- Total Recalls Issued in Q3 2024: 90 recalls issued.
- Total Vehicles Affected in Q3 2024: 6.37 million vehicles.
- Total Recalls YTD (Q1-Q3 2024): 21.04 million vehicles.
Year-to-Date (YTD) Highlights:
- Ford Leads in Issued Recalls: 45 recalls (Chrysler follows with 42).
- Tesla Leads in Vehicles Affected: 4.4 million vehicles, surpassing Ford's 4.1 million and Chrysler's 3.8 million.
- OTA Updates: Of the 21 million vehicles affected by recalls YTD, 7.13 million (33.9%) can be repaired via Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.
- Safety Concerns: 19.6 million vehicles (93.3% of total recalls) pose a risk of crash and/or injury.
Top Components Recalled YTD:
- Electrical Systems: 6.3 million vehicles (30.1% of total recalls)
- Structure: 2.4 million vehicles (11.6%)
- Air Bags: 2.4 million vehicles (11.4%)
- Back Over Prevention: 2.1 million vehicles (10.3%)
Leading Brands in Q3 2024
The top brands with the highest number of vehicles affected by recalls in Q3 2024 are as follows:
- Tesla: 1,858,774 vehicles affected (all of which can be addressed via Over-the-Air updates).
- Chrysler/Stellantis: 1,641,232 vehicles affected.
- BMW: 1,528,222 vehicles affected.
- General Motors: 503,879 vehicles affected.
- Ford Motor Company: 454,577 vehicles affected.
Largest Recalls of Q3 2024
- Telsa: 1,849,638 - Certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- Chrysler/Stellantis: 1,227,808 - Certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- BMW: 720,796 - Certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
- General Motors: 449,671 - Certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Park Outside and Do Not Drive Advisory
In Q3 2024, one recall from Chrysler/Stellantis included a "Park Outside Advisory" for 22,276 vehicles, indicating a potential fire risk and advising owners to park their vehicles outdoors to prevent property damage or personal harm. Since January 2024, 576,482 vehicles have received this advisory. This year, 19.6 million vehicles have been affected by recalls that pose a crash risk or increase the risk of injury, emphasizing the urgent need for effective risk mitigation by manufacturers and vehicle owners.
Year-to-Date (YTD) Recalls by Brand
The top brands for YTD recalls issued in 2024 are:
- Ford Motor Company: 45 recalls.
- Chrysler/Stellantis: 42 recalls.
- BMW: 20 recalls.
- Hyundaia: 20 recalls.
- Mercedes-Benz: 19 recalls.
YTD Vehicles Affected by Brand
The brands with the most vehicles affected by recalls in 2024 YTD are:
- Tesla: 4,411,725 vehicles.
- Ford Motor Company: 4,115,442 vehicles.
- Chrysler/Stellantis: 3,890,222 vehicles.
- BMW: 1,816,678 vehicles.
- General Motors: 1,158,746 vehicles.
- Toyota: 1,141,945 vehicles.
- Kia: 1,133,358 vehicles.
- Honda: 1,087,760 vehicles.
- Volkswagen: 825,727 vehicles.
- Hyundai: 659,244 vehicles.
- Mercedes-Benz: 359,753 vehicles.
- Mazda: 131,710 vehicles.
- Subaru: 118,723 vehicles.
- Nissan: 106,812 vehicles.
- Jaguar/Land Rover: 93,779 vehicles.
- Porsche: 45,498 vehicles.
- Volvo: 17,409 vehicles.
Download the BizzyCar Q3 2024 Recall Infographic: https://info.bizzycar.com/q3-24-recall-report
Opportunity for Dealers
Recalls present a significant opportunity for dealerships to not only enhance customer safety but also to boost service department revenue and customer loyalty. By effectively managing recall campaigns, dealers can increase service drive traffic, leading to additional upsell opportunities and improved service efficiency. Addressing recalls promptly builds trust with customers, showcasing the dealership's commitment to their safety and well-being. Moreover, recalls provide a touchpoint for dealerships to re-engage with inactive customers, fostering long-term relationships and enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
Safety Advisories for Consumers
The NHTSA emphasizes the importance of not ignoring recall notices, as unresolved issues can lead to accidents or injuries. Vehicle owners are encouraged to check the NHTSA's website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) for open recalls to stay informed and ensure their vehicles are safe.
Conclusion
Our mission at BizzyCar is to enhance road safety by offering the automotive industry an intelligent, comprehensive solution for managing service recalls efficiently, thereby improving recall completion rates, customer satisfaction, and dealership success. The data from Q3 2024 underscore the urgent need for this mission, revealing a concerning landscape in automotive safety with widespread defects impacting millions of vehicles, reflecting the complexity of modern vehicles and emphasizing the critical importance of vigilant safety oversight. Vehicle owners are encouraged to regularly check recall notices, a practice that aligns with BizzyCar's commitment to promoting safer roads and informed vehicle ownership, ensuring vehicles remain safe and compliant.
Past BizzyCar Recall Reports
Q1 2024: https://blog.bizzycar.com/automotive-recall-alert-over-9-million-vehicles-affected-in-q1-2024
Q3 Recall Data Source: https://datahub.transportation.gov/Automobiles/NHTSA-Recalls-by-Manufacturer/mu99-t4jn
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About BizzyCar
BizzyCar is an AI-driven, automated Service Recall Management Platform for auto dealers. It leverages the most accurate recall data available to identify vehicles with open recalls and utilizes artificial intelligence to proactively schedule recall appointments for customers to bring their vehicles into the dealership to complete these recalls. For more info visit: https://bizzycar.com
