With almost six months done out of the year, 2024 has seen almost 500 recalls filed with U.S. regulators, affecting a wide array of vehicles and parts.
Not every recall is the same, some affect only a handful of cars while others can affect millions. More than six million units have already been recalled this year just between the top three recall leaders—Ford Motor, Kia America, and Stellantis (Chrysler FCA).
Here are the 5 largest recalls of 2024 so far.
Tesla
Tesla's January 30 recall of almost 2.2 million vehicles is the largest of 2024. The notice applied to essentially every Tesla on the road since 2012—the Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and the Cybertruck.
Compared to other recalls, the issue was somewhat minor. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the vehicles' brake, park, and antilock brake warning lights were too small and out of compliance with federal standards. As a solution, Tesla issued a free over-the-air software update to its fleet and adjusted the size of the warnings.
Some have argued whether or not the recall should be labeled as such, pointing out that there is a difference between having to physically take the recalled car into a dealership for a fix or waiting at home while it updates. However, all updates that pertain to safety are legally labeled as a recall.
Ford Motor
Ford Motor's largest recall of 2024 affects almost 1.9 million Explorer SUVs made between 2011 and 2019, or the entire fifth generation of the model.
Documents filed with the NHTSA in January said that the clips holding the trim covering the roof supports near the windshield can come loose and potentially fly off the car, posing a threat to other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall came after Ford received 164 consumer complaints and regulators determined the problem was a safety hazard. By the time the recall was filed, Ford said it knew of 568 consumer complaints and more than 14,000 warranty reports alleging that the parts were missing or detached.
Ford told the Associated Press at the time that just 5 percent of Explorers are expected to be affected by the problem. Notifications were sent to owners on February 16, and dealers were instructed to inspect the trim pieces and add adhesive to hold them in place, if necessary.
Stellantis
Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep and Chrysler, is recalling 1.033 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a software bug that could increase the risk of a crash.
This affects models across the automaker's lineup: the 2021-2022 Dodge Durango; 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica; 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee; 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models; as well as the 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles.
According to the NHTSA, the radio software present in those models may prevent rearview cameras from properly displaying when in reverse, which could increase the risk of a crash. To fix the problem, Stellantis will update the radio software present in the affected vehicles for free.
Honda Motor
In February, Honda Motor issued a recall affecting over 750,000 vehicles across its mainline and Acura luxury brands. The recall affected vehicles including the 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Odyssey, and versions of the Civic, as well as other vehicles.
The weight sensor in the front passenger seat of those vehicles may crash and short circuit, meaning, if a crash occurs, the airbags for that seat may deploy even if an infant or small child is occupying it.
Licensed Honda dealers are required to replace the seat weight sensors for free, and owner notification letters were sent to customers on March 28.
General Motors
In February, General Motors said that it would recall more than 570,000 vehicles across the Chevrolet and GMC brands, citing issues with power-unlatching tailgates. The part's electronic switch may short circuit if water gets into it, which can cause the tailgate to unlatch while the vehicle is parked.
GM added that if a driver doesn't manually close the gate before driving, any cargo put in the truck bed may fall out of the vehicle and onto the road, becoming a safety hazard. The company said it had identified 136 complaints, including one allegation of a minor injury and three complaints describing property damage.
The recall affects some 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks and some GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 pickups. Dealers were instructed to replace part of the switches for free; letters to owners went out on May 17.
