Almost every auto brand faces recalls every year – and some brands get hit worse than others. Ford has had a rough few years in terms of recalls. But in 2023, one brand is projected to take the cake in terms of total recalls.
Now, we’re just a little more than halfway through 2023 (as of this writing), and the recalls for the year are not determined yet. Based on recall data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Cars.com, we are talking about projected recalls through the end of the year.
As a lemon law lawyer in California, we get asked a lot about recalls – and which car models to avoid.
In this post, we’ll discuss the (estimated) most recalled models of 2023, the common defects, and what you can do if you’ve been affected.
Let’s get moving.
1. Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Y makes the top of this list with an expected total of 62.4 recalls. In 2023 alone (as of this writing), there have been four recalls issued by the NHTSA. These recalls include:
6/18/2023 – Electrical system, propulsion system, traction battery. Recall #23V434000
This recall equates to a defective battery disconnect in 2023 models – which may not be effective in isolating the vehicle’s battery in the event of a crash or fault detection. The result is a potential electric shock to the passenger(s).
5/29/2023 – Steering wheel. Recall #23V385000
This recall stemmed from a loose fastener, which may result in the steering wheel coming disconnected from the column. The effect could equate to loss of steering and control, which significantly raises the risk of a crash.
2/26/23 – Critical fasteners. Recall #23V130000
The 2/26 recall affects certain 2022-2023 models in which a loose frame bolt may compromise the seat belt system, which raises the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
2/14/2023 – Automated/adaptive steering. Recall #23V085000
This recall affects certain 2016-2023 models – and is more of a software issue allowing the vehicle to exceed speed limits or go through intersections illegally. This defect poses a serious risk to the driver and other motorists.
If you have been impacted by any of these recalls, contact Tesla’s customer support line at 1-877-798-375.
2. Tesla Model 3
Next on this list is the Tesla Model 3 with a projected total of 56.8 recalls by the end of the year. As of this writing in 2023, there have been two recalls, including:
6/18/2023 – Electrical system, propulsion system, traction battery. Recall #23V434000
Similar to the Model Y, the recall on this model stemmed from a defective battery disconnect that may fail to isolate the main battery after a crash, which creates a great deal of risk for the driver and other motorists.
2/14/2023 – Automated, adaptive steering. Recall #23V085000
Like the Model Y recall, this one impacts the vehicle’s ability to safely navigate intersections – as well as fails to abide by speed limits, putting the driver and other motorists at risk of crashes.
If you have been impacted by any of these recalls, contact Tesla’s customer support line at 1-877-798-375.
3. Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is estimated to be subjected to a total of 27.3 recalls by the end of the year. As of this writing, the X has faced two recalls in 2023, including:
2/14/2023 – Backover prevention. Recall #23V244000
This recall involves the rearview image in the backup camera not displaying while the vehicle is put in reverse. The effect is decreased visibility for the driver – which increases the risk of accidents.
2/14/2023 – Automated/adaptive steering. Recall #23V085000
Just like in the Model Y and 3, the Model X has been subjected to defects in the adaptive steering system, causing the vehicle to make unsafe/illegal maneuvers through intersections.
If you have been impacted by any of these recalls, contact Tesla’s customer support line at 1-877-798-375.
4. Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is expected to amass 27.3 total recalls by the end of the year. As of this writing, the S has been subjected to one recall in 2023 alone, including:
2/14/2023 – Automated/adaptive steering. Recall #23V085000
Similar to the other Tesla models on this list, the software glitch allows the vehicle to make unlawful maneuvers at intersections and exceed speed limits, increasing the risk of crashes.
If you have been impacted by any of these recalls, contact Tesla’s customer support line at 1-877-798-375
5. Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator is estimated to have 23 total recalls by the end of the year. In 2023 alone, the model has received three total recalls, including:
5/11/2023 – Backover prevention, sensing system camera. Recall #23V342000
This issue causes a failure for the image on the backup camera to show up when the driver puts the vehicle in reverse, which increases the risk of accidents.
2/9/2023 – Automatic transmission. Recall #23V070000
Affected Aviators may experience a failure to secure the vehicle when placed in the park position, resulting in a heightened risk of rollaway.
1/22/2023 – Backover prevention, sensing system camera. Recall #23V022000
Similar to the 5/11/2023 recall, this one affects certain Aviator models by causing a loss of review camera image, which compromises the driver’s visibility when backing up.
If you have been affected by any of these recalls, call the Ford customer service line at 1-866-436-7332
6. Wrap Up
It’s important to understand that no automaker is perfect. Mistakes happen in the factory – even with stringent quality assurance protocols in place. If you end up with a defective vehicle, the law is on your side. The manufacturer should send out a letter to every impacted consumer – and will fix the defect free of charge.
Based on the data we’ve seen, you may consider avoiding the vehicles on this list.
Author Bio: Brian K. Cline’s Lemon Law Legal Group provides premier legal services. Our California lemon law lawyers aggressively and ethically force vehicle manufacturers to buy back defective and dangerous vehicles. Our team includes experienced trial lawyers with over 40 years of combined trial experience.