In 2023, Ford has once again claimed the title of the most recalled brand in America, marking the third consecutive year it has held this dubious distinction. Data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) until December 20 reveals that Ford has issued a staggering 54 recalls, impacting a substantial 5,692,135 vehicles.

The scale of Ford’s recalls is notably higher than its closest competitor, Kia, which trails behind with approximately 3 million affected vehicles. A significant portion of Kia’s recalls is attributed to a single incident involving leaking brake fluid, posing a potential fire hazard.

While Ford’s recall figures have decreased from the previous year, where 65 recalls affected 8.5 million cars, the American automaker still maintains a considerable lead over its peers. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles USA secured the second position with 45 recalls affecting 2.7 million vehicles, followed by BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Nissan in the top five.

Interestingly, the recall landscape for 2023 brings a surprise as Volkswagen, which held the second position in 2022, is notably absent from the NHTSA’s official pie chart. Despite the chart only showcasing 12 brands, a specific search for Volkswagen revealed a total of 18 recalls affecting 332,700 cars. The reduction in recall instances for Volkswagen raises questions, prompting inquiries into the strategies or changes implemented by the German automaker.

While Ford continues to lead in the overall number of recalls, Tesla takes the spotlight for the largest single recall in 2023. Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assist system was subject to a significant recall in early December, impacting a substantial 2,031,220 vehicles. This recall, which covers nearly every Tesla built for the US market, was prompted by NHTSA’s determination that the Autopilot system lacked sufficient safeguards against misuse. Tesla plans to address this issue through an over-the-air software update, minimizing potential financial implications for the company.

Sources: NHTSA, Automotive News (subscription required)