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There were more than 160 safety recalls this year, from minor issues to life-threatening mechanical failures. These are the brands that had the most.
The German luxury brand had 33 recalls this year, down from almost 50 last year.
Luxury brands dominate the top ten most recalled carmakers, taking three of the top five spots.
Ford was the second most recalled brand with 13, followed by Land Rover with 10, Kia with eight and Jeep, Toyota and BMW with seven each.
There were 166 vehicle recalls this year, up slightly from the 164 issued last year.
The year’s biggest, involving 176,048 models, was issued by Mazda for a faulty rear view camera on its Mazda3 and CX-3.
There were more than 160 vehicle safety recalls this year. Picture: Supplied.
Electric cars also featured prominently in the list of luxury recalls, suggesting high-end brands are still coming to grips with the emerging technology.
Mazda recalled the most individual cars (185,750) ahead of Mercedes-Benz (83,190) and market leader Toyota (54,150).
Other luxury brands to make the top ten included Audi and Porsche.
Luxury brands are more prone to product recalls because their cars are generally more complex, with more hi-tech features. They also tend to have a wider range of models.
A Mercedes-Benz spokesman said the brand adopted a “precautionary and stringent” approach to safety.
“Our continual product monitoring, backed up by advanced digitalisation, means we are able to detect the tiniest deviations at a very early stage in the production process,” he said.
Mercedes-Benz topped the list of most recalled brands for 2023. Picture: Supplied.
“We consistently set the very highest standards on such matters – regardless of whether a recall impacts one vehicle or a larger number of vehicles.”
He said the brand regretted the inconvenience to customers but considered it “our duty to act consistently and decisively in line with our brand promise”.
Emerging Chinese brands GWM-Haval and MG had just one recall, while BYD, Chery and LDV had none.
Most recalls issued were relatively minor – such as incorrect headlight adjustment or seatbelt warnings – but many carried warnings of “potential death or serious injury” resulting from fires or loss of control.
Here are the ten most recalled brands in detail.
Some recalls involved minor issues, but a number included life-threatening mechanical failures. Picture: Supplied.
MERCEDES-BENZ
The German brand has topped the list for the past eight years. It had problems with electric vehicles, but the C-Class sedan caused the most headaches. There were recalls for potentially loose sunroof panels, faulty wiring and airbags not deploying.
FORD
The new F150 was recalled because there was a risk of the electronic brake activating while the car was moving, which could lead to a loss of vehicle control. The Ranger ute was also called back three times due to various issues, including a battery fault that could result in the vehicle shifting into park while it was moving at low speeds. Other recalls involved the Mustang (rear camera) and Puma (seatbelts).
Ford’s popular Ranger had a few issues. Photo: Mark Bean
LAND ROVER
The British brand, which is regularly singled out for its questionable reliability, had 10 recalls in 2023. Problems included loose hoses leading to potential engine figures, faulty door and seat latches and failing head and tail lights.
KIA
The Sorento and Sportage family SUVs were the biggest concerns for Kia. Each model triggered four recalls. The most serious affected the Sorento and related to airbag components fracturing and sending metal fragments into the cabin at high speed.
Kia’s Sorento family SUV was recalled over an airbag issue. Picture: Supplied.
BMW
Electric vehicles created headaches for the luxury German brand. Four of its seven recalls were plug-in variants. The most serious problem involved a manufacturing defect on the iX1 that could lead to the front right drive shaft coming loose. That in turn could lead to “a loss of motive power”.
JEEP
The US off-road specialist had seven recalls. The flagship Grand Cherokee accounted for five out of seven problems. One involved the rear springs possibly detaching, leading to a loss of control, and another centred on the steering column detaching from the shaft, leading to a loss of steering.
Jeep’s Grand Cherokee flagship had a number of problems throughout the year. Picture: Supplied.
TOYOTA
Australia’s leading brand had seven recalls affecting more than 50,000 cars. The Kluger SUV was called back to fix a potentially loose front bumper and a faulty airbag, while the smaller C-HR had a fuel pump fault that could cause a fire. The Yaris hatchback was recalled over potential cracks in the suspension while the Corolla had a faulty electronic handbrake.
AUDI
Audi’s most serious recall involved a fuse malfunction on the A3 hatchback and Q2 compact SUV that could lead to brake and steering failure. The TT also had an airbag deployment issue. But the most bizarre recall involved liquid being spilt on the rear seat of the A6 and A7 limousines, which could lead to the engine, transmission and steering not working as intended.
Audi had problems with the Q2 compact SUV. Picture: Supplied.
PEUGEOT
The French maker had potential issues with the plug-in hybrid versions of the 3008 SUV and 508 sedan, which could lead to overheating and fires. Its 208, 308 and 3008 also had potential brake problems.
PORSCHE
While most Porsches are regarded as bulletproof, the sports car maker has had dramas with its electric Taycan, including a battery issue that could lead to a fire and a front suspension fault that could result in a loss of vehicle control.
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