There were 353 car recalls in 2020, which affected a staggering 248 models and 38 manufacturers.
This is according to data compiled by the Car Recalls website, using information from across the European Union. The Rapex system covers dangerous safety, health and environmental defects.
Here, we reveal the top 20 most recalled car brands in Europe last year, with the results presented in reverse order.
20. Hyundai – 6 recalls
Hyundai issued six recalls for five models in 2020. In the case of the i30 (2007-2012), an electrical short could occur on the ABS/ESC module, which could deactivate these systems. The government website holds information on all recalls since 1992. You can also check if your car is the subject of an outstanding recall.
19. Subaru – 6 recalls
Subaru issued six recalls for the Crosstrek/XV, Forester, Impreza, Legacy and Outback. It’s worth noting that recalls can affect older cars. Subaru Legacy and Outback models dating back as far as 2004 could suffer a melting fuel pump harness connector. Meanwhile, the XV crossover (2017-2020) was recalled for leaking brake fluid.
18. Seat – 6 recalls
In 2020, Volkswagen Group announced a recall of 9,192 cars powered by the 1.0-litre TSI engine. The problem: defective injectors causing the vehicle to exceed legal pollutant limits. In the case of Seat, this affected Arona, Ateca, Ibiza, Leon and Toledo models. Other recalls concerned airbags and seatbelts.
17. Land Rover – 7 recalls
The Discovery was the most recalled Land Rover in 2020, with four separate issues. Three of the problems related to electrical issues, while the fourth concerned missing fixings on the second-row seat assembly. Some Range Rover and Evoque models were also recalled, with the latter affected by a faulty Emergency Call (eCall) system.
16. Fiat – 7 recalls
Fiat Panda models manufactured between 16 January and 11 May 2019 were recalled due to an insecure badge on the steering wheel cover. In the event of an accident, the release of the airbag could project the badge at speed, causing injury to the driver. The 500X was recalled due to defective brake calipers, while the Ducato van was recalled for four different reasons.
15. Jeep – 7 recalls
As the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X are based on the same platform, it’s no surprise to discover that they were affected by the same brake caliper issue. The Cherokee, Gladiator and Wrangler were recalled due to problems with the steering, brakes, differential, clutch and suspension, while the Compass (2019-2020) could be affected by faulty wipers.
14. Nissan – 7 recalls
Several Nissan models were affected by a defective child lock on the rear doors. It might be possible to open the door, even when the child lock is activated, increasing the risk of an accident. The recall covered 325,000 right-hand-drive versions of the Juke, Navara, Note, Pulsar and Qashqai.
13. Mazda – 8 recalls
Five of the eight Mazda recalls in 2020 concerned the CX-30 SUV. The problems related to the adaptive LED headlights, fuel tank, brake callipers, clutch and Smart Brake Support (SBS) system. There were also recalls for the Mazda 3, Mazda 6, CX-5 and the B-Series pick-up of 1999.
12. Honda – 8 recalls
Honda announced eight recalls for six models, with the Civic, CR-V and HR-V affected by a problem with the low-pressure fuel pump. There were also recalls for the Odyssey and Jazz, while the Accord (1996-2000) was affected by a defective airbag. If you want to know if your car has an outstanding recall, you should contact your local dealer or use the government website.
11. Volvo – 10 recalls
As reported by the Car Recalls website, Volvo announced several large recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles around the world. More than 535,000 XC60 models were recalled due to a faulty wiper, while around 370,000 diesel models were affected by a potential overheating issue. In July, Volvo recalled two million cars amid concerns over a faulty seatbelt.
10. Opel/Vauxhall – 14 recalls
Opel and Vauxhall announced 14 recalls for seven models. Problems ranged from a defective trailer coupling module in the Grandland X, to a potential fire in the Insignia (2017-2019). The new Corsa was affected by three recalls: high-pressure pump, steering column and seatbelts.
9. Renault – 15 recalls
A small number of Renault Zoe electric cars were affected by a risk of overheating and damage to the electrical systems. It’s important to note that the recall notices will outline the models affected by providing production dates. There were also four recalls for the Captur and three for the Clio.
8. BMW – 17 recalls
If you find a serious defect that affects the safety of your car or any of its parts, you’re advised to report it to the manufacturer. If you’re not happy with how the manufacturer is dealing with your report, you should contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). BMW announced 17 recalls for 18 models, including a high-voltage battery in plug-in hybrid models.
7. Citroen – 18 recalls
The Citroen figure includes DS models. The Car Recalls website says that around 160,000 owners of the Berlingo, C3, C3 Picasso, C4, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso, DS3 and DS4 with the 1.2-litre petrol engine are due a visit to a Citroen garage. You can check if your vehicle has an outstanding safety recall by visiting the government’s MOT history website.
6. Audi – 19 recalls
In May, Audi announced a recall affecting around 530,000 mild-hybrid A4, A5, A6, A7 and Q5 models worldwide. Moisture can penetrate the belt-starter generator, which can lead to a short circuit and overheating of the generator. In the worst case scenario, the generator could catch fire. The A8 and Q7 were recalled the most times (five), followed by the A4 and A6 (four times).
5. Toyota – 22 recalls
A couple of the 22 Toyota recalls in 2020 concerned models dating back to the 1990s. Specifically the Yaris and RAV4, which could be affected by a faulty airbag inflator. Newer versions of the Yaris were also recalled due to airbag issues, while a small number of GR Supra models were affected by a problem with the steering tie rod.
4. Volkswagen – 24 recalls
In December, Volkswagen recalled around 38,000 Golf, Tiguan and T-Roc models due to a defect with the brake pedal. The problem was noticed during internal checks when it was discovered that the driver’s footrest could deform or even come off. A similar recall had been issued for the Arteon and Passat. Other recalls concerned the Amarok, Caddy, Phaeton, Touareg and Tiguan.
3. Ford – 24 recalls
Ford halted sales of the Kuga PHEV amid concerns about overheating battery packs. The recall affected 33,000 vehicles, with Ford saying it has discovered that the problem was caused by cell contamination in the drive battery system. There were also nine different recalls affecting the Transit and its derivatives.
2. Peugeot – 28 recalls
Peugeot announced 28 recalls for 11 models. Amazingly, the 208 was affected by eight recalls, including rear brake hoses, rear shock absorbers, engine calibration, wheel alignment and steering column. There were also recalls for the 2008, 308, 3008, 508, 5008, Rifter, Expert, Partner and Traveller.
1. Mercedes-Benz – 57 recalls
For the fourth year running, Mercedes-Benz tops the table, with 57 recalls issued in 2020. The A-Class was the most recalled car of 2020, with the premium hatchback affected by 10 different problems. Of the 57 Mercedes-Benz recalls, 38 were for passenger cars, 16 for commercial vehicles and three for the X-Class pick-up.