In its eighth “State of Recalls” report, Recall Masters, the automotive industry’s leading provider of recall solutions, revealed that more than 28 million affected passenger vehicles and light trucks/vans were accounted for in recalls mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in calendar year 2024. Another estimated 238 “voluntary manufacturer notice” campaigns affected an unknown number of vehicles.  Combined, 505 campaigns were all assessed at “high-risk” campaigns by Recall Masters, the leader in automotive recalls and retention solutions.  To request the 2024 State of Recalls Report, use the form below.

Press Release

Recall Masters Unveils 2024 Automotive Recall Report & Key Insights from Top Findings

Laguna Hills, CA — Recall Masters, a leader in automotive recall management and retention solutions, released its annual State of Recalls report with comprehensive data about U.S. automotive recall activity in 2024. The research identifies 445 NHTSA-mandated recall campaigns together with 238 voluntary manufacturer recall notices affecting more than 28 million passenger vehicles, light trucks, and vans.

While the industry is working hard to keep drivers safe, challenges around compliance, software-related failures, and under-the-radar voluntary recalls continue to grow.

Key Findings from the Report:

1. Recall Volume Remains Elevated: 505 total recall campaigns in 2024 were all classified as “high-risk.” This includes both federal recalls and voluntary notices, many of which are not published in the NHTSA database and are often overlooked by dealerships.
2. Repair Rates Drop Off After Three Years: The data shows once a recall campaign hits the three-year mark, the chances of getting those vehicles repaired drop significantly. Older cars tend to fall out of sight for dealerships, and owners may stop paying attention to recall notices. But for service departments, those same vehicles could represent missed revenue and a chance to re-engage customers.
3. Recalls by System Defect: In 2024, 174 campaigns affecting 13.8 million vehicles were linked to software and electronic system failures. As vehicles become more like electronic appliances than machines, software errors and failing electronics dominate. For dealerships with mobile units and skilled technicians capable of performing inspections and software updates, this presents a valuable opportunity to earn warranty revenue.
4. Voluntary Recalls Pose Hidden Risks: Approximately 34.5% of voluntary campaigns are indeed “high-risk,” posing real dangers to consumers and legal exposure for dealerships, especially when off-brand vehicles are sold with unresolved issues. While not publicly disclosed through NHTSA until an investigation is completed, these recalls can still result in litigation. Recall Masters’ MarketSMART platform helps dealerships uncover and address these blind spots.
5. Older Vehicles Are Hardest to Reach But Most Profitable: The average recalled vehicle is now 12.8 years old. While these vehicles are less likely to return for service, when they do, they often bring significant customer-pay repair opportunities. Recall Masters helps dealers target and engage this aging inventory through advanced data and outreach strategies.

“Behind every missed recall is not just a safety risk—it’s a lost opportunity for dealers to engage, build trust, and deliver service that protects customers and boosts their bottom line,” said Christopher Miller, Founder and Chairman of Recall Masters. “We’re committed to giving dealerships the tools they need to close the gap and protect both consumers and their businesses.”

Download the Full Report Now:

The State of Recalls 2024 is available now at https://www.recallmasters.com/sor/, featuring detailed data by OEM, system category, and campaign risk level.

Media outlets interested in using the report’s infographics may request high-resolution assets by contacting Laurie Halter with Charisma! Communications at Laurie@CharismaCommunications.com.

About Recall Masters

Recall Masters is the leading provider of automotive recall management and retention solutions, dedicated to helping automakers and their dealers expedite the repair of recalled vehicles and make the roadways safer for everyone. Greater recall awareness and proactive recall management help automakers protect their brand and build trusting relationships between automotive dealers and consumers alike. Recall Masters is a privately held company based in Laguna Hills, CA. To learn more about Recall Masters and comprehensive recall management, please call 888.651.4480, email info@recallmasters.com or visit www.recallmasters.com.

Media Contact:

Laurie Halter
Charisma! Communications
503-816-2474

Laurie@CharismaCommunications.com

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