2024 has been a transitional year for the auto industry.
Most notably, we saw electric vehicles (EVs) expand their presence on the road and more innovation in self-driving technology.
We also saw plenty of recalls from major auto manufacturers.
There were a total of 360 recalls issued for models across all the major car manufacturers in 2024 – with the largest recall affecting more than 8.6 million vehicles. In this post, we’re going to share the most defective car models of 2024 by brand – and explain what to do if your vehicle was impacted.
Tesla
Tesla has been a pioneer-type brand in the EV market – but it’s certainly had its fair share of problems this past year. Over 4 million Tesla models were recalled in 2024 for a range of issues, including software malfunctions, braking systems, and font sizes.
The font size recall – which affected the instrument panel for the brake, parking brake, and ABS warning lights – was largely fixed thanks to an over-the-air software update that increased the font size on the instrument panel to meet federal safety guidelines.
The font issue impacted the nearly 2.2 million defective car models, including:
- 2024 Cybertruck
- 2017-2023 Model 3
- 2012-2023 Model S
- 2016-2024 Model X
- 2019-2024 Model Y
In the summer, 1.85 Tesla models were recalled because the vehicle software was unable to detect if the hood was unlatched. The recall impacted the following defective car models:
- 2021-2024 Model 3
- 2021-2024 Model S
- 2021-2024 Model X
- 2020-2024 Model Y
Fortunately, this issue was also fixed with an over-the-air software update – and did not require a visit to a Tesla facility. No accidents were reported for either issue.
Ford
Ford recalled almost 1.9 million vehicles in 2024, largely due to a potential issue with the A-pillar trim bordering the right and left side of the windshield, according to reports. Fortunately, this issue did not cause any crashes or injuries. This recall affected the following car models:
- 2011-2019 Explorer SUVs
Owners of impacted vehicles were directed to bring their vehicles to the dealership to receive a replacement A-pillar exterior.
Honda
One of the most widespread recalls for defective car models in 2024 involved a manufacturing error – leading to 1.69 vehicles potentially having an “improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel.”
Thankfully, this issue did not result in any reported accidents, crashes, or injuries.
The recall affected the following models:
- 2022-2025 Honda Civic Sedan
- 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
- 2022-2025 Honda Civic Hatchback
- 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Hatchback
- 2023-2025 Honda Civic Type R
- 2023-2025 Honda CR-V
- 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
- 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell
- 2023-2025 Honda HR-V
- 2023-2025 Acura Integra
- 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S
Owners of these defective car models were instructed to get in touch with the dealership to have the worm gear spring replaced with an improved component.
Chrysler/Stellantis
Over the summer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recalled just over 1 million defective car models across several Stellantis brands owing to a radio software problem that could potentially impair the display of the rearview camera.
The recall affected the following models:
- 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica
- 2021-2022 Dodge Durango
- 2022-2023 Jeep Compasses
- 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokees
- 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneers
- 2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer
- 2022 Ram 1500s, 2500s and 3500s
- 2022-2023 Ram Promaster
Fortunately, no accidents or injuries were reported from this defect.
Stellantis provided an update to the radio software at no cost to fix the potential rearview camera problem.
Wondering If Your Vehicle is Defective?
If you have a hunch your vehicle has a manufacturing defect. The first move is to check the NHTSA website for a potential recall. You will need to enter your 17-digit VIN into the system and the NHTSA will tell you if you have an unrepaired defect for which a recall has been issued.
What If There is No Recall Reported?
If there is no recall – and you are fairly certain your vehicle has a manufacturer defect – you have options.
For starters, check your vehicle’s warranty terms. If the vehicle is still covered under the original manufacturer warranty, notify the dealership immediately. They will direct you to the nearest manufacturer-certified repair facility to remedy the issue (free of charge.
What if the Repair Facility Cannot Fix the Issue?
In the scenario the manufacturer-certified repair facility cannot repair the defect, you may have a lemon law claim.
Lemon law – known as the Magnuson-Moss Consumer Warranty Act – provides warranty protections to Americans with vehicles impacted by manufacturer defects. Now, simply noticing a defect with your vehicle does not automatically deem it a “lemon”. Each state has distinct qualifications for vehicles.
In California, a vehicle must meet these criteria to be legally ruled a lemon:
- The defect was reported to the manufacturer within the terms of the original or dealer warranty; and
- The defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s safety, functionality, and/or value; and
- The defect was not caused by driver error, abuse, or neglect; and
- A manufacturer-certified repair facility has been given a “reasonable” number of attempts to fix the issue; or
- The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more total days.
If you have documentation to prove your vehicle meets the qualifications above, the next step is contacting a local lemon law attorney to file a claim with the manufacturer.
Have More Questions?
When we purchase vehicles, we expect them to work seamlessly.
But that’s not always the case. Mistakes happen in the factory – but manufacturers must be held accountable. If you believe your vehicle is defective, knowing what to do next is not always clear.
Cline APC – a California lemon law firm – is happy to provide guidance and explain your options. We offer FREE consultations to California consumers to understand their situation, whether they have a valid claim, and the next steps to achieving justice.
Call us directly at 888-982-6915, email info@clineapc.com, or schedule a free consultation.
