Car recalls are critical to maintaining automotive safety standards and promptly addressing defects and potential hazards. Over the years, some recalls have been monumental in scale and have affected millions of vehicles worldwide. Here’s a look at the 15 biggest car recalls in history, their reasons, and their impact on the industry and consumers.

Takata Airbag Recall

The Takata airbag recall is the biggest and most complex recall in automotive history, involving around 100 million vehicles globally. Defective airbag inflators could rupture, sending metal shards into the cabin. This defect has been linked to about 27 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Major automakers, including Honda, BMW, and Toyota, were affected.

Volkswagen Emissions Scandal

Known as “Dieselgate,” Volkswagen’s recall involved 11 million vehicles worldwide. The automaker was found to have installed software to cheat emissions tests that led to cars emitting pollutants far above legal limits. There were significant financial penalties and a major shakeup in the automotive industry.

Ford Pinto Fuel Tank 

In the late 1970s, Ford recalled 1.5 million Pinto cars due to a design flaw that made the fuel tank prone to exploding in rear-end collisions. Numerous reports of fatalities and injuries led to a massive public outcry and scrutiny of Ford’s safety practices.

Toyota Unintended Acceleration

Toyota recalled over 9 million vehicles due to reports of unintended acceleration caused by floor mat issues and sticking accelerator pedals. Following the recall, numerous accidents, injuries, and deaths led to significant legal settlements and damaged Toyota’s safety reputation.

General Motors Ignition Switch 

Due to faulty ignition switches that could unexpectedly shut off the engine and disable airbags, GM recalled 2.6 million vehicles. The defect led to 124 deaths and caused congressional hearings, hefty fines, and a massive compensation fund for victims.

Firestone Tire Recall 

Bridgestone/Firestone recalled 6.5 million tires fitted primarily on Ford Explorers following tread separation issues that led to numerous rollover accidents. Both Firestone and Ford suffered substantial legal and financial consequences due to the recall.

Ford Cruise Control Switch 

Over a decade, Ford recalled about 14 million cars because of a cruise control switch that could overheat and cause fires, even when the vehicle was turned off. This massive recall spanned multiple models and years and impacted millions of Ford owners.

Honda Takata Airbags 

In a significant segment of the Takata airbag recall, Honda alone recalled 12 million vehicles in the US. The defective inflators posed serious security risks, with Honda conducting extensive efforts to notify owners and replace the airbags.

Toyota Fuel Pump Recall

This car brand recalled 5.8 million vehicles due to faulty fuel pumps. These pumps increased the chance of engines stalling while driving and the risk of a crash. 

Hyundai and Kia Engine Fires 

Hyundai and Kia recalled 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. and South Korea due to engine defects that could cause fires. This included models like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. Extensive investigations and penalties were carried out as a result.

Honda Transmission Recall 

Faulty automatic transmissions that could cause the car to roll away after being parked led to 1.1 million vehicles being recalled. It primarily affected the Accord, Civic, and Odyssey models and required extensive repairs and replacements.

Ford Recall for Suspension Issues

About 2.15 million vehicles had a suspension defect that could cause steering control. A recall affected models such as the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, which led to significant repairs for vehicle security.

Toyota and Lexus Fuel Tank Recall

Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus recalled 1.7 million vehicles due to fuel tank issues that could cause fuel leaks and potential fire hazards. 

Nissan Airbag Sensor Recall 

The brand recalled 1.05 million vehicles due to a flawed passenger airbag sensor that could fail to detect passengers and not deploy in a crash. Popular models like the Altima, Sentra, and Pathfinder were affected.

BMW Airbag Recall

BMW recalled 1.6 million vehicles globally due to defective Takata airbags. It was part of the broader Takata airbag scandal and included models like the 3 Series. Urgent airbag replacements followed for passenger safety.