Tesla has become the leading car manufacturer in the United States for vehicle recalls this year, taking over the dubious title from Ford, which held it for three consecutive years. As of December 20, the electric vehicle manufacturer has issued 15 recall orders affecting a total of 5,135,697 units.

According to data collected by CarScoops from January 1 to December 20, Tesla has issued fewer recall orders compared to its competitors; however, the number of units affected by each recall is generally higher. Stellantis ranks second with 67 recall orders impacting 4,722,452 units. Stellantis is the parent company of brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat. Ford follows in third place with 62 recall orders affecting 4,370,701 units.

Surprisingly, Honda occupies the fourth position. Traditionally recognized for its reliability, the Japanese automaker has not appeared in the top ten for recalls in the United States in recent years. This year, Honda, along with its Acura brand, has issued 18 recall orders covering 3,794,113 units. Other manufacturers on the list include GM with 33 orders affecting 1,872,521 units, BMW with 36 orders impacting 1,832,968 units, Toyota and Lexus with 16 orders covering 1,221,666 units, Kia with 19 orders affecting 1,211,778 units, Hyundai and Genesis with 25 orders impacting 1,109,978 units, and Volkswagen and Audi with 18 orders covering 1,088,407 units.

These rankings may still be subject to change as December comes to a close, as a single recall from any of these manufacturers that affects a significant number of units could alter their standings. With the final week of the month and year approaching, automakers are likely hoping for the best.

However, the decision not to issue a recall order in the United States carries its own risks. Historically, car manufacturers have faced substantial penalties from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for failing to issue recalls to address and rectify potential issues with specific vehicle models. Thus, while it may be tempting to avoid the stigma associated with recalls, the consequences of inaction can be severe.

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