Here's what we know so far based on the source report dated Nov 25, 2025.
Auto Software Recalls Approach Record For 6th Straight Year By Steve Tengler InnovationTransportation # Auto Software Recalls Approach Record For 6th Straight Year By Steve Tengler, Former Contributor. Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Steve Tengler covers automotive and its transformative technology.
Nov 25, 2025, 12:37pm EST 0 Cars are returning to dealerships in record numbers to have software fixes injected into vehicles given a sixth-straight year of a record number of software recalls and little momentum on over-the-air updates. (photo: Gary Coronado) Los Angeles Times via Getty Images For possibly a record sixth straight year, the number of software recalls will rise past last year’s record for futility.
So far in 2025, 166 recalls have affected a variety of automakers. Looking at 2024-2025 together, Tesla has affected the most vehicles (5,777,605), Ford has the greatest number of recall actions (73), and Stellantis suffers from the highest cost per vehicle sold ($743.22) resulting from the software recalls.
“We are watching a pivotal moment in history,” asserts Todd Warren, an adjunct professor of Computer Science at Northwestern University who tracks the NHTSA-reported software recalls on a website along with various statistics including percentage of over-the-air fixes by manufacturer.
If you think your vehicle may be affected, confirm the VIN/eligibility on the manufacturer's recall portal and follow the recommended next steps.