Tens of millions of vehicles are recalled every year in the United States. These recalls are issued to repair a wide range of problems that might affect the car’s safety or performance. Whether it’s a faulty windshield wipers or an airbag defect, automakers are always working to ensure that all of their vehicles meet their safety standards.
If you own a vehicle that’s part of a recall, you should be able to get the issues repaired free of charge. However, if for some reason they cannot fix the problem, you may be eligible for a buyback or compensation through the Magnuson-Moss Consumer Warranty Act – known as lemon law.
Lemon law exists to protect consumers against defective vehicles that do not conform to the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty. These laws apply to vehicles sold or leased in the state and are intended to protect consumers from defective vehicles that cannot be repaired.
With that said, there were plenty of automobile recalls in 2022, but some car manufacturers stood out from the rest. Here are the five companies that had the most recalls:
1. Ford
Ford issued 67 automobile recalls in 2022 alone – more than any other car manufacturer that year.
One of Ford’s biggest recalls involved a fractured driveshaft in nearly 250,000 F-250/F-350 Super Duty trucks. This defect could cause the vehicle to unexpectedly lose power, leaving drivers without control over their cars.
Some other notable recalls from Ford included engine oil leaks for their Bronco and Escape models, as well as transmission issues for a variety of their vehicles. If your Ford is affected by any 2022 recall, take it to a dealership for service as soon as possible.
Overall, the most recalled Ford models include:
- Mustang
- Ranger
- Fusion
- E-350
- Edge
If Ford cannot repair a manufacturing problem after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be eligible for a refund or replacement under your state’s lemon law. Defects like the ones listed above interfere with your vehicle’s safety, which could be sufficient grounds for a claim.
Some states – like California – extend lemon law benefits to used vehicles sold with a dealer warranty. If a used vehicle meets the state’s lemon law requirements within the shortened terms of the dealer warranty, which is usually good for 30 days or before 1,000 miles accrue on the odometer, the consumer can seek full benefits with a California lemon law lawyer.
2. Volkswagen
Volkswagen has the second-highest number of automobile recalls in 2022, with 45 in total.
The Volkswagen brand is respected across the world, but it’s no stranger to manufacturing defects.
In March, over 246,000 Volkswagen SUV models were recalled in North America for issues related to defective wiring harnesses impacting the brakes. There were many reports of drivers nearly getting rear ended by other vehicles due to sudden braking caused by the defect. Additionally, warning lights and alarms would go off – and driver’s side windows would randomly roll down.
All in all, the brand has been subjected to nearly 2,000 recalls, with the most defective models being:
- Jetta
- Golf
- Passat
- Beetle
- GTI
If you are experiencing any mechanical issues with your Volkswagen, get in touch with the manufacturer ASAP to begin the repair process.
3. Chrysler
With 38 recalls, Chrysler came in third for the most automobile recalls in 2022.
Back in November, nearly 250,000 Ram pickup trucks were recalled in the United States due to engine fires caused by transmission fluid leaks. Heat and pressure build up in the transmission, which expels fluid from the dipstick tube. If the fluid touches a hot part of the engine, it can spark a fire.
As of this writing, Stellantis North America – the parent company of Chrysler – is still working on a repair.
In addition to this recall, Chrysler models have been recalled nearly 670 times throughout the brand’s existence. The models with the most recalls are:
- Town and Country
- Chrysler 300
- Sebring
- Chrysler 200
- Lebaron
If you are experiencing any issues with your Chrysler due to shoddy manufacturing, get in touch with the automaker’s representatives to mitigate the issue(s).
4. Mercedes Benz
Mercedes Benz came in fourth place for automobile recalls in 2022, with a total of 33.
The most recent recall was due to complaints of brake failure. This happened due to moisture accumulation – resulting in corrosion to the brake booster housing units. There is also evidence this led to vacuum leaks and reduced braking performance.
Fortunately, there are no reports of crashes, injuries, or deaths, as of this writing.
Over the years, there have been over 1,800 recalls issued for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, with the most defective models being:
- C300
- Sprinter 2500/3500
- C350
- C63 AMG
- GLC300
If you are facing any mechanic issues with your Mercedes-Benz vehicle – that were due to mistakes in the manufacturing process – get in contact with the automaker today to begin the repair process.
5. General Motors
Finally, General Motors rounded out the top five for the most automobile recalls in 2022 with 32.
In April, more than 680,000 compact SUVs were recalled due to faulty windshield wipers. This was most prevalent in the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain models. Ball joints were shown to rust, which causes the wipers to fail – increasing the risk of crashes due to restricted vision.
In November, nearly 340,000 sport utility vehicles were subjected to a recall due to faulty lights. The daytime running lights were shown to remain on when the regular headlights were turned on. The result is a glare impacting other drivers.
GM, the face of the American auto industry, is no stranger to recalls. The models with the most issues are:
- GMC Savana
- GMC Yukon
- GMC Sierra 1500
- GMC Envoy
Get in touch with the manufacturer immediately if you notice a mechanical defect with your GM vehicle.
The Wrap Up
Purchasing a leasing a vehicle with manufacturer defects is extremely frustrating. We expect our vehicles to work flawlessly, but that’s not always the case. Fortunately, there are many avenues available today to seek fair compensation – whether it’s through recalls or pursuing a lemon law claim.
The most important factor in dealing with manufacturer defects is timing. The sooner you begin the mitigation process, the better. Driving a defective vehicle puts you and other drivers at risk – and reduces your chances of receiving compensation.
If your vehicle is experiencing defects, the next step may seem confusing. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a local lemon law lawyer for advice. Most are happy to point you in the right direction, regardless of whether or not you have a valid claim.
