In our ongoing analysis of the auto industry’s toughest metric, the recall numbers for August have just been processed, and they reveal a staggering story of a crisis deepening for one of America’s largest automakers. While some brands navigated a relatively quiet month, Ford was hit with 14 new recalls affecting another 1.4 million vehicles.
As of the end of August 2025, the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows a clear and dramatic picture. By comparing the total number of vehicles impacted by recalls to each company’s precise sales footprint from 2024, we can see the true magnitude of the quality and safety challenges facing each brand.
Here is the updated, official recall leaderboard through August 2025.
Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, Josh Logan provides data-driven analysis from the unique perspective of a seasoned automotive professional. His goal is to empower consumers with insider knowledge to navigate the complexities of the modern car market.
2025 Recall Analysis (Data as of August 31, 2025)
| Automaker | August Recalls | August Vehicles Affected | YTD Recalls | YTD Vehicles Affected | Recall -to- Sales Ratio (YTD) |
| Ford | 14 | 1,463,338 | 109 | 7,871,344 | 401.5% |
| Volkswagen | 1 | 15 | 19 | 628,343 | 165.7% |
| Tesla | N/A | N/A | 7 | 662,036 | 106.3% |
| Kia | 2 | 100,093 | 9 | 687,172 | 87.8% |
| Nissan | 1 | 13,719 | 6 | 576,005 | 66.5% |
| Stellantis | 4 | 348,830 | 26 | 1,124,136 | 65.1% |
| Honda | N/A | N/A | 14 | 794,571 | 61.5% |
| General Motors | 1 | 23,656 | 16 | 880,009 | 50.9% |
| Toyota | N/A | N/A | 6 | 876,588 | 44.1% |
| Hyundai | 1 | 29 | 9 | 51,625 | 6.2% |
Note: The “Recall-to-Sales Ratio” is calculated as (Total YTD Vehicles Affected / Total 2024 Sales).
The Story Behind the Numbers:
The August Impact
Ford’s Unprecedented Crisis Worsens:
Ford’s year-to-date ratio is a historic 401.5%. Here’s August: The crisis deepened significantly this month with 14 new campaigns affecting a massive 1,463,338 vehicles. This relentless pace of new recalls, on top of the already staggering YTD total, shows that the quality control issues are current and ongoing, not just related to past model years.
The Korean Divide Deepens:
The data continues to show a fascinating divergence. Here’s August: Kia had another tough month with 2 new recalls affecting over 100,000 vehicles, keeping their YTD ratio high at 87.8%. In stark contrast, Hyundai had a virtually silent month, recalling only 29 vehicles in a single campaign, solidifying their position as an industry leader in quality for 2025 with a YTD ratio of just 6.2%.
A Significant Month for Stellantis:
Stellantis sits mid-pack with a YTD ratio of 65.1%. Here’s August: The company issued 4 new recalls affecting a substantial 348,830 vehicles. This significant monthly total, likely tied to one or two large campaigns, is a key reason their overall numbers remain high.
A Quiet Month for the Rest:
The remaining brands had remarkably quiet months on the recall front. Here’s August: GM recalled just 23,656 vehicles, Nissan recalled 13,719, and Volkswagen recalled a mere 15 vehicles. This quiet period helped solidify the positions for GM and VW, while Nissan’s relatively low monthly number was not enough to offset larger recalls from earlier in the year.
The Takeaway
The August data confirms that Ford’s recall crisis is escalating. It also highlights the widening gap between the sister brands Kia and Hyundai. For customers, it’s a powerful monthly reminder to stay informed.
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