5 Most Notorious Vehicle Safety Recalls in 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive safety, manufacturers and regulatory bodies work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of drivers and passengers. Despite these efforts, recalls remain a critical aspect of vehicle ownership, highlighting the urgent need to address potential defects promptly. Here, we present an overview of five noteworthy vehicle safety recalls of 2024.

These recalls were selected based on their major impact, both in terms of the number of vehicles affected and the high percentage of defects identified. This guide highlights key facts and crucial details to help you understand the issues and actions being taken to resolve them.

Recent High-Profile Recall Issues:

Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick: A widespread recall addressing the loss of drive power from undetected low battery issues.
Honda Odyssey, Pilot, and Passport: Significant recall due to rear view camera image failures that affect driver visibility and safety.
Tesla Autopilot: Safety issues with the advanced driver-assistance system prompted a massive recall of Tesla models, highlighting insufficient controls to prevent driver misuse.
Tesla Warning Lights: Incorrect font size on critical warning lights, potentially impeding driver awareness and response lead to the recall of millions of vehicles.
Ford Explorer: Recall due to exterior A-pillar trim detachment, which can pose serious road hazards.

Detailed Recall Information

1. Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick Recall

Power Loss Caused By Lack of Low Battery Alert

A low battery charge that is undetected can lead to the failure of essential electrical systems, such as hazard lights, and potentially cause a total loss of driving power, significantly heightening the risk of an accident.

NHTSA Recall No.: 24V267000
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Affected Models and MYs: 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport, 2022-2023 Ford Maverick
Potentially Affected: 456,565 vehicles
Estimated Percentage with Defect: 100%
Issue: Loss of drive power due to undetected low battery
Defect/Component: Electrical System, Power Train
Remedy: Ford dealers will recalibrate the body control module and powertrain control module at no cost. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on June 3, 2024. For more information, owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Description of the Defect, Safety Risk and Cause: The undetected low battery charge can cause the vehicle to lose power suddenly, posing a significant safety risk. The defect is due to improper calibration during assembly.
Full Report: [Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-267]

2. Honda Odyssey, Pilot, and Passport Recall

Rearview Image Could Fail to Display

If the rearview camera fails to display an image, it compromises the driver's ability to see behind the vehicle, greatly increasing the likelihood of a collision or injury.

NHTSA Recall No.: 23V431000
Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Affected Models and MYs: 2018-2023 Honda Odyssey, 2019-2022 Honda Pilot, 2019-2023 Honda Passport
Potentially Affected: 1,209,673 vehicles
Estimated Percentage with Defect: 50%
Issue: Rearview camera image may not display/FMVSS 111
Defect/Component: Back Over Prevention
Remedy: Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector at no cost. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 24, 2023. Owners can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Description of the Defect, Safety Risk and Cause: The defect is caused by improper cable connections, leading to potential failures in displaying the rearview camera image, thus increasing the risk of crashes during reversing.
Full Report: [Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-431]

3. Tesla Autopilot Recall

Inadequate Autopilot Safeguards Against Misuse

When Autopilot is active, and the driver neglects their responsibility to control the vehicle, they may be unprepared to take over in critical moments, especially if the autosteer disengages unexpectedly, thus elevating the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall No.: 23V838000
Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Affected Models and MYs: 2012-2023 Tesla Model S, 2016-2023 Tesla Model X, 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3, 2020-2023 Tesla Model Y
Potentially Affected: 2,031,220 vehicles
Estimated Percentage with Defect: 100%
Issue: Autopilot controls insufficient to prevent misuse
Defect/Component: Electrical System
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update at no cost. Owner notification letters for the Tesla Autopilot Recall were mailed on February 10, 2024. Owners can contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Description of the Defect, Safety Risk and Cause: The lack of sufficient controls to ensure driver engagement can lead to misuse of Autopilot, causing the driver to be unprepared in critical situations, thus raising the crash risk.
Full Report: [Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-838]

4. Tesla Warning Lights Recall

Undersized Warning Lights Font Size

Smaller-than-required font sizes on warning lights can make crucial safety alerts difficult to read on the instrument panel, thereby increasing the danger of accidents due to missed warnings.

NHTSA Recall No.: 24V051000
Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Affected Models and MYs: 2012-2023 Tesla Model S, 2016-2024 Tesla Model X, 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3, 2019-2024 Tesla Model Y, 2024 Tesla Cybertruck
Potentially Affected: 2,193,869 vehicles
Estimated Percentage with Defect: 100%
Issue: Incorrect font size on warning lights/FMVSS 105
Defect/Component: Electrical System
Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update at no cost. Owners can contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Description of the Defect, Safety Risk and Cause: The warning lights’ font size is too small, making critical safety information hard to read, which could result in drivers missing important alerts, thereby increasing the risk of crashes.
Full Report: [Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-051]

5. Ford Explorer A-Pillar Trim Recall

A-Pillar Exterior Trim May Dislodge and Fall Off

The exterior A-pillar trim might come loose and detach from the vehicle while driving, posing a potential hazard to other road users and increasing the risk of collisions.

NHTSA Recall No.: 24V031000
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Affected Models and MYs: 2011-2019 Ford Explorer
Potentially Affected: 1,889,110 vehicles
Estimated Percentage with Defect: 5%
Issue: Exterior A-pillar trim detach
Defect/Component: Structure
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, at no cost. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 16, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Description of the Defect, Safety Risk and Cause: Improper assembly can lead to the A-pillar trim (designed to support the roof and act as a frame for the windshield) to become loose or detach, posing a road hazard and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Full Report: [Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-031]

Why These Recalls Matter

These recalls are significant not only due to the sheer number of vehicles affected but also because of the potential safety risks they pose. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users. The high defect percentages underscore the urgency for affected vehicle owners to seek the necessary repairs.

How to Stay Informed and Safe

Staying informed about vehicle recalls can make a substantial difference in your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here are some steps and resources to help you stay updated:

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): The NHTSA website offers a comprehensive recall database. By entering your vehicle's make, model, and year, you can find detailed recall information. The site also provides resources on understanding the recall process and reporting safety issues.
Consumer Reports: Known for its in-depth vehicle reliability reports, Consumer Reports frequently publishes articles and lists detailing vehicles with high recall rates. They provide insights into common issues that lead to lemon law claims and general vehicle reliability.
State Attorney General Websites: Many states offer resources on lemon laws and publish lists of vehicles with high lemon law claim rates. Check your state's attorney general website for detailed information on lemon laws and affected vehicles.

Steps to Identify Specific Models:

Visit the NHTSA Website: Use the recall lookup tool to find recall information specific to your vehicle by entering its make, model, and year.
Check Consumer Reports: Look for articles and reports on car reliability and recall histories.
Review State Lemon Law Resources: Visit your state's attorney general website to find information on lemon law claims and frequently cited vehicles.

Conclusion

By staying proactive and informed, vehicle owners can ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Recalls play a crucial role in automotive safety, and addressing them promptly is vital. If your vehicle is among those affected by the recalls listed above, contact your dealer to arrange for the necessary repairs without delay. Stay safe and stay informed.