The second quarter of 2025 saw a dramatic spike in vehicle recalls across the United States, with more than 7.3 million vehicles affected between April and June. This marks the highest number of quarterly recalls in over a year, according to the Q2 2025 Recall Report released by BizzyCar, an AI-powered service recall management platform used by auto dealerships.

This figure represents a more than twofold increase from the first quarter of 2025, signaling a sharp rise in manufacturer-initiated safety campaigns across the automotive industry.

Ford Leads Recall Totals with Over 3.3 Million Vehicles Affected

At the forefront of this quarter’s recalls is Ford Motor Company, which was responsible for more than 3.3 million vehicle recalls across 49 separate campaigns—accounting for nearly half of all affected vehicles during the quarter.

Following Ford, General Motors and Honda were the next most impacted automakers, rounding out the top three in terms of volume.

The increase in recalls comes at a crucial time, as many families across the country are preparing for summer road trips and extended travel.

“This spike in recalls comes just as families are preparing for summer travel,” said Ryan Maher, CEO of BizzyCar. “Most of these issues involve serious safety risks, so it’s critical that drivers schedule repairs without delay.”

Nearly 95% of Recalls Involve Potential Crash or Injury Hazards

A notable—and concerning—statistic from the report is that 94.6% of all recalled vehicles this quarter had issues that could increase the risk of a crash or cause injury if left unaddressed.

These high-risk defects range from advanced driver assistance system malfunctions to mechanical component failures that could compromise steering, braking, or engine performance.

Back-Over Prevention Systems Top the List of Safety Concerns

The most significant contributor to this quarter’s recalls was malfunctions in back-over prevention systems, which affected an estimated 2.59 million vehicles. These systems, which typically include rearview cameras, sensors, and other technologies to detect obstacles while reversing, have become standard in modern vehicles—but defects in these components can pose a serious hazard, particularly to children and pedestrians.

Other major categories of concern included:

• Engine and engine cooling system defects (1.14 million vehicles)

• Hydraulic service brake issues (775,000 vehicles)

These categories underscore the ongoing importance of maintaining critical vehicle systems that are essential for safe operation.

“Do Not Drive” and “Park Outside” Advisories Issued

The severity of this quarter’s recalls is also reflected in the issuance of three “Do Not Drive” advisories and three “Park Outside” alerts, which are generally reserved for vehicles at immediate risk of fire, brake failure, or other critical safety issues.

Such advisories emphasize the urgency for affected vehicle owners to take action quickly to prevent potential harm.

Over-the-Air Repairs Gaining Ground, but Still Limited

While vehicle technology has evolved to allow for remote software updates, only about 14.7% of all recalls since early 2022 have been resolved using Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, BizzyCar reports.

This quarter, more than one million vehicles were eligible for OTA repairs—a notable milestone that showcases progress in digital service capabilities. However, most recall repairs still require physical servicing at a dealership, especially when it comes to hardware-related issues.

“OTA updates offer convenience, but they also eliminate critical dealership touchpoints,” said Maher. “Many safety fixes still depend on trained technicians and certified parts. Dealerships remain the front line of recall completion.”

Why Timely Recall Completion Still Matters

Though the rise of digital vehicle management tools like OTA updates can streamline some safety fixes, most recall issues—especially those involving brakes, steering, seat belts, airbags, or mechanical systems—still require trained technicians to inspect, replace, or repair physical parts.

Industry experts warn that delaying recall service can put drivers and passengers at serious risk, even if the defect may seem minor.

Automakers typically provide recall repairs free of charge, and manufacturers or dealers are legally obligated to notify owners of safety-related recalls. However, recall completion rates continue to lag, particularly when vehicle owners delay or ignore repair notices.

Final Thoughts: An Urgent Reminder for Vehicle Owners

With millions of cars on the road now subject to recalls—many involving crash or injury risks—drivers are urged to check whether their vehicle is affected and to schedule repair appointments as soon as possible.

As automotive technology grows more complex and interconnected, the need for consistent safety oversight, timely manufacturer responses, and proactive consumer action is greater than ever.

BizzyCar’s report serves as a powerful reminder of how important recall awareness, access to service, and cross-industry collaboration are for ensuring safer roads for everyone.