Vehicle recalls skyrocket as Mercedes-Benz and others slash warranty protections

Vehicle recalls have surged in recent years, with manufacturers issuing far more warnings than in the past. In 2025 alone, 532 recalls were recorded—almost triple the number from 2010. Now, industry experts warn that shortened warranty periods and unclear recall notices could leave businesses facing unexpected risks and costs.

Recalls have become a routine part of vehicle ownership, as manufacturers address even minor faults to maintain safety standards. Yet the growing complexity of modern cars has made them more prone to defects, particularly in high-volume and technically advanced models. In 2024, around 2.84 million vehicles required workshop visits due to recalls—a 48% jump from the 1.92 million affected in 2023.

Major brands have seen repeated large-scale campaigns. BMW, for example, recalled 136,000 cars in 2025 over starter motor issues, while Mercedes-Benz led with 45 separate recall actions that year. Past incidents, such as the Takata airbag scandal and Dieselgate, also impacted millions of vehicles across multiple manufacturers.

At the same time, some automakers, including Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, are cutting warranty periods for business customers to the bare minimum. Axel Schäfer, managing director of the German Association for Corporate Mobility (BBM), warns that this shift places more financial risk on companies. He also criticised how certain recalls are communicated, pointing to a Mercedes-Benz EQA/EQB battery issue that was downplayed as a simple software fix.

The BBM stresses that fleets must carefully review sales terms to avoid hidden costs. Overlooking reduced warranty coverage could lead to higher expenses for repairs, reduced vehicle availability, and potential safety risks.

With recalls rising and warranty protections shrinking, businesses face greater exposure to unexpected costs. The BBM advises fleet operators to scrutinise contracts and recall notices closely to avoid financial and operational setbacks. The trend suggests that proactive management of vehicle maintenance and warranties will be essential in the coming years.