Historical Index
Vehicle Recalls by Year
29,994 NHTSA-tracked recalls across 61 years. Browse a specific year to see every manufacturer that issued recalls that year.
All Years
Pick a year to explore
Years are listed most-recent first. The number shown is the total NHTSA recalls reported that year.
2026 335 recalls 2025 997 recalls 2024 1,073 recalls 2023 1,000 recalls 2022 1,051 recalls 2021 1,094 recalls 2020 881 recalls 2019 963 recalls 2018 1,033 recalls 2017 897 recalls 2016 1,031 recalls 2015 971 recalls 2014 868 recalls 2013 710 recalls 2012 661 recalls 2011 655 recalls 2010 722 recalls 2009 570 recalls 2008 780 recalls 2007 713 recalls 2006 613 recalls 2005 645 recalls 2004 699 recalls 2003 600 recalls 2002 510 recalls 2001 559 recalls 2000 621 recalls 1999 444 recalls 1998 413 recalls 1997 318 recalls 1996 341 recalls 1995 357 recalls 1994 288 recalls 1993 264 recalls 1992 217 recalls 1991 281 recalls 1990 270 recalls 1989 281 recalls 1988 241 recalls 1987 252 recalls 1986 219 recalls 1985 227 recalls 1984 209 recalls 1983 182 recalls 1982 174 recalls 1981 197 recalls 1980 220 recalls 1979 339 recalls 1978 333 recalls 1977 309 recalls 1976 262 recalls 1975 263 recalls 1974 292 recalls 1973 277 recalls 1972 332 recalls 1971 253 recalls 1970 162 recalls 1969 187 recalls 1968 137 recalls 1967 143 recalls 1966 58 recalls
Recall Year FAQ
How far back does this recall data go?
Our NHTSA dataset covers 61 years, from 1966 through 2026. Older recalls remain active and eligible for free repair.
Which year had the most recalls?
2021 saw the most NHTSA-tracked recalls at 1,094. High-volume years often reflect industry-wide defects like the Takata airbag recalls.
Do older recalls still need to be repaired?
Yes. Most US safety recalls have no expiration date. Even decades-old recalls remain eligible for free repair through authorized dealers — regardless of how many times the vehicle has changed hands.