When you purchase a vehicle, the last thing you want to deal with is an issue that could be dangerous or expensive to repair. Now and then, however, issues arise with the design of a vehicle or with the manufacturing process at the factory, which can trigger a recall. Recalls happen when an automaker finds a serious issue with a specific vehicle and sends out notices to all owners so they can get it fixed.

In the last quarter of 2025, there were millions of vehicles that were recalled by major manufacturers like Ford, Ram, and Tesla. Issues such as faulty rearview cameras, headlight problems, and overheating have plagued vehicles manufactured by these automakers. Knowing what problems have arisen and what you can do to protect yourself will help you stay safe on the road.

Major Models Affected and Issues Reported in Q4 2025

​One of the biggest recalls of the 2025 model year was from Ford, with a blanket recall of nearly 1.5 million vehicles. Vehicles like the Bronco, F-Series truck, Ford Mustang, and Lincoln models were recalled due to a rear-view camera issue. This problem caused the screen to be distorted, frozen, or blank, which is a serious safety risk when backing up. The recall was issued so the dealership could do a software update and ensure that drivers had a clear, accurate image on the backup camera screen. In addition to this problem, there were other Ford recalls due to fuel pump failures, seatbelt anchor issues, and steering problems, which affected hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

Stellantis, which is the parent company of Ram and Dodge brands, also issued a recall for over a million vehicles in the final part of 2025. This was due to a problem with the shifter cable and park engagement equipment in affected vehicles. Because of a faulty gear shift mechanism, some models were rolling away when they were put in park, and, unfortunately, the issue persisted even after some vehicles were brought in for repairs. This caused even more recalls to be issued so the problem could be verified and completely repaired. In addition to the parking equipment problems, many vehicles were recalled due to consistent overheating that could potentially damage the engine.

While its recalls were smaller in number for 2025, Tesla also had to issue several notices to vehicle owners due to some fairly serious safety problems. In October of 2025, the company sent out recalls for Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles to fix a faulty battery pack contactor responsible for drive power. Some models also had issues with airbags that needed to be replaced as soon as possible to meet safety standards, and the Cybertruck was recalled due to the headlights being too bright.

What Drivers Should Do if Their Vehicle Is Included

​If you believe that your vehicle has been affected by one of these recalls, and you haven’t received a notification in the mail, the best thing you can do is check your vehicle identification number (VIN). You should be able to find your VIN by looking under the driver’s side dashboard or on your vehicle’s registration paperwork. You can then use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to look up your VIN and find out if your particular car is one of the recalled vehicles.

If you do this and find out that your car has been recalled, you can then get in contact with your local dealership. They will make an appointment with their service center so you can get the issue fixed free of charge. Throughout this entire process, be sure to keep any documentation having to do with the recall and the repairs. While everything should be done properly and at no extra expense, it is always a good idea to keep your documents so you can prove that you went through the process correctly.

How Recalls Differ From Warranty Repairs

The major difference between an automotive recall and a warranty repair is the way the repairs are paid for. With a recall repair, the costs are passed onto the manufacturer regardless of your vehicle’s warranty status. Recalls are only issued when there is a persistent issue among many individual vehicles, and they generally come down to a design flaw. Because of this, you can get an issue repaired if it is the subject of a recall, no matter what.

A warranty repair is a contractual obligation either by the manufacturer or a third-party warranty provider. With a warranty repair, there are many more repairs that will be covered, and you will not have to wait for a recall to be issued. Whether you have a warranty that was provided by the automaker when you bought the car, or you have extended coverage from another provider, you can get repairs done as long as they are covered under your specific contract.

Preventive Steps to Avoid Costly Out-of-Warranty Issues

If your vehicle is not under a warranty and you don’t want to rely on the possibility of a recall to get repairs done, there are a few steps you can take. One of the most important things is to stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance. Well-maintained vehicles are much less likely to encounter issues as they age, and it will almost always be cheaper in the long run to stay on top of upkeep than it is to make a major repair.

It is also a good idea to make minor repairs as soon as they come up. Vehicle issues tend to have a domino effect in that they compound over time. What may have been a small problem at one point could eventually turn into a major issue if it is not resolved. As soon as you notice a change in the way your vehicle operates or a suspicious noise, it is best to get your vehicle into the repair shop as soon as possible.

If your car is no longer covered under the factory warranty it came with, you can also get extended warranty coverage from a third-party provider. An extended warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), will help you get the covered repairs you need without having to dip into your emergency fund. VSC providers like Endurance offer coverage for certain repairs, helping manage the cost of eligible mechanical breakdowns.

Keep Yourself and Your Car Covered With Endurance

While a recall can be stressful, if you know how to navigate it and get the problem fixed, you can get back on the road with the confidence you need behind the wheel. If your vehicle develops an issue and there is no recall for it, you may want to consider coverage options that align with your vehicle and budget. Endurance offers a wide range of protection plans for all kinds of vehicles, from older high-mileage cars to top-of-the-line luxury and exotic brands. Additionally, Endurance also covers vehicles that other providers may not, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a salvage or rebuilt title, and cars used for commercial purposes, including delivery or rideshare services.

Endurance customers also get a range of additional benefits with their coverage. These include things like towing services, 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption protection, and rental car coverage. Plus, for a small activation fee, you can also get Endurance’s Elite Benefits, which come with extras like tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, and windshield coverage.*

If you are looking to explore vehicle coverage options, get in touch with the Endurance team at (800) 253-8203 for your FREE quote. You can also see your price and plan recommendations right away when you shop online.

For more helpful resources like this one, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find DIY tips and tricks, provider comparisons, and much more.