Ford Leads Among Carmaker Recalls So Far in 2026. Here’s Why

Ford has recalled cars more often than any other automaker by far so far this year, according to data compiled by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Dearborn, Mich.-based manufacturer has issued 51 recalls since January 1, 2026, according to the agency. The nearest manufacturer to Ford’s recall pace is Chrysler, which has issued 19 recalls so far this year, NHTSA said.

Ford did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Why Ford Has So Many Recalls

NHTSA says on its website recalls are issued “when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards.”

“Most decisions to conduct a recall and remedy a safety defect are made voluntarily by manufacturers prior to any involvement by NHTSA,” the agency said. “Manufacturers are required to fix the problem by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund, or in rare cases repurchasing the vehicle.”

Michael Brooks, executive director of the Washington-based Center for Auto Safety, which advocates for stringent regulation, said Ford likely leads among U.S. car manufacturers on recalls because it “remains subject to the 2024 consent order they agreed to with NHTSA, which engaged an independent third party to oversee their recall issues, required safety expenditures, and cited Safety Act violations.”

“Ford’s recall numbers started creeping up to significant levels right about the time the consent order was in the works,” Brooks said. “This has resulted in Ford far outpacing other vehicle manufacturers in number of recalls for 2024, 2025, and 2026.”

Top 5 Automakers by Recalls So Far in 2026

The USA TODAY Cars team took a look at the top 5 manufacturers that have issued the most recalls so far this year.

1. FordBest-selling car: Ford F-150Biggest recall this year: A February recall of 4.3 million cars from multiple models and years that had faulty trailer lights or brakes that the company said could reduce drivers’ ability to control or even see their trailers.

2. StellantisBest-selling US model: Jeep Grand CherokeeBiggest recall: A June recall affecting more than 1 million cars from multiple models and years that have electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring that the company said “may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the ‘Off’ position.”

3. General MotorsBest-selling US model: Chevrolet SilveradoBiggest recall: An April recall affecting more than 276,000 Chevrolet Malibu cars from the 2023 to 2025 model years in which the rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.

4. HyundaiBest-selling US model: Hyundai TucsonBiggest recall: A January recall affecting over 568,000 Hyundai Palisade SUVs from the 2020–2025 model years in which “side curtain air bags for third-row occupants may deploy improperly in a crash.”

5. ToyotaBest-selling US model: Toyota RAV-4Biggest recall: A March recall affecting over 550,000 gas-powered and hybrid Toyota Highlander vehicles from the 2021–2024 model years in which “second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.”

How to Check if Your Car Has an Open Recall

You can check if your car has any open recalls by entering your VIN number or make and model on the NHTSA website.

You can also call the service center at your local dealership to check for potential recalls.

Reporting by Keith Laing, USA TODAY / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect