Biggest 2025 EV Recalls Every Electric Car Owner Must Know

Editor: Diksha Yadav on May 21,2025

Electric cars (EVs) are ruling the charts with broad global popularity, and while 2025 is a pivotal year for EV progress, there are safety issues. EV progress is easing, but not without a hiccup or two. In 2025, we have seen several notable electric vehicle recalls that have piqued the interest of regulators, manufacturers, and, more importantly, vehicle owners. 

EV Recalls 2025 illustrates the flux of a changing landscape in a developing electrical revolution, from battery power issues to software glitches! Below, we break down the best recalls of this year, the problems, the vehicles, and what you can do. Don’t panic if it is your vehicle! 

Further, we will identify some vital elements of the NHTSA alert system and walk through the steps you need to take to navigate your recall so your EV safety is not compromised!

Why Are Electric Vehicles Being Recalled?

Recalls aren't specific to electric vehicles. Nevertheless, electric cars have new technologies and complexities that may present different risks. The common reasons why manufacturers recalled electric vehicles in 2025 included 

  • EV battery conditions, like overheating, short-circuiting, or risk of fire  
  • Faulty battery management systems (BMS)
  • Software bugs that affect regenerative braking or autonomous features
  • Defective charging systems
  • Manufacturing defects of electric drive units

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proactively determined recalls when manufacturers did not comply with federally mandated safety standards. With increased scrutiny on safety for EVs in 2025, the electric vehicle space experiences the highest number of recall notices ever issued in the electric vehicle segment.

1. Tesla Recall 2025: Autopilot and Battery Fire Risk

tesla logo in black leather steering of auto pilot and electric tesla

Overview

Tesla, the leading brand in the EV space, was in the news for a major recall impacting more than 1.1 million vehicles worldwide. The 2025 Tesla recall addressed two significant issues: 

  • Autopilot Error: A Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta software defect could lead the vehicle to miss excessive traffic control signals under some driving conditions. 
  • Battery thermal risk: A few Model S and Model Y vehicles utilized high-voltage battery modules that could overheat, raising fire risk.

Models Affected

  • 2021-2025 Model Y
  • 2021-2024 Model S
  • Some 2023-2025 Model 3 Performance trims

Action Taken

Tesla issued an over-the-air software update to correct the Autopilot problem. Regarding the batteries, they offered free diagnostics and battery replacements at their service centers. 

NHTSA Alerts

NHTSA's alert branded the battery recall as a "potentially life-threatening defect" and triggered distress notification to consumers according to federal safety regulations.

2. Ford Mustang Mach-E Recall: Power Loss and Battery Sensor Failure

Overview

Ford faced its trouble in 2025 with a large-scale recall involving over 350,000 units of the Mustang Mach-E. The problem stemmed from a malfunctioning battery control module that caused sudden power loss while driving.

Key Issues

  • Battery energy control module (BECM) software glitch
  • High-voltage connector corrosion is causing intermittent contact
  • Vehicles failing to restart after charging sessions

Affected Models

2022–2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E (all trims)

Resolution

Ford issued a software patch and offered BECM replacements at certified EV service centers. The company worked with the NHTSA to ensure full compliance and transparency.

3. Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6: Regenerative Braking Glitch

Overview

Hyundai and Kia, part of the Hyundai Motor Group, issued recalls for two flagship EVs due to braking system failures. A bug in the regenerative braking software caused vehicles to delay deceleration, increasing the risk of collision.

Affected Models

  • 2024–2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6
  • 2023–2025 Kia EV6

Issues Identified

  • Regenerative braking is inconsistent at low speeds
  • Sluggish pedal response under specific environmental conditions (cold weather or low charge)

Manufacturer Response

An OTA update resolved the issue for most vehicles. Only a limited number of brake control unit hardware replacements are required.

4. Rivian R1T and R1S: Suspension and Battery Seal Faults

Overview

Rivian, a rising star in the EV industry, initiated a recall of approximately 40,000 R1T and R1S units after identifying problems with the suspension arm welds and battery pack sealing integrity.

Risks

  • Poorly welded suspension links may snap under stress
  • Ingress of water into battery enclosures, causing short circuits

Affected Models

  • 2022–2025 Rivian R1T
  • 2022–2025 Rivian R1S

Recall Action

Rivian contacted all affected owners and offered in-person inspections. Battery seal issues were prioritized due to the fire risk associated with EV battery issues.

5. Lucid Air: Charging System Incompatibility

Overview

Luxury EV maker Lucid issued a recall for over 12,000 Lucid Air sedans due to charging system incompatibility with select Level 3 public fast chargers.

Details

  • Vehicle unable to initiate or complete charging
  • Software miscommunication between the charger and the vehicle
  • Charging cable locking malfunction

Affected Models

All Lucid Air trims manufactured before March 2025

Resolution

Lucid issued a firmware update and partnered with major charging networks to upgrade communication protocols.

6. Volkswagen ID.4: Software Malfunction and Battery Degradation

Overview

Volkswagen’s popular ID.4 SUV faced a recall affecting 65,000 vehicles due to rapid battery degradation and infotainment screen glitches, leading to system crashes mid-drive.

Issues Reported

  • Significant battery capacity loss (over 20%) within 12 months
  • Infotainment reboot loop during driving
  • Malfunctioning rear-view camera integration

Affected Models

2023–2025 Volkswagen ID.4

Resolution

Volkswagen replaced affected battery packs under warranty and issued a software update to stabilize infotainment systems.

What to Do If Your EV Is Recalled

1. Check Your VIN

Use your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to check for active recalls:

  • Visit the NHTSA Recall Lookup Tool
  • Input your VIN to see if your car is listed under any NHTSA alert or manufacturer recall

2. Contact Your Dealer

If your vehicle is listed, please contact your dealership or EV service provider immediately. Most recalls involve free repairs, software updates, or replacements.

3. Don’t Delay Repairs

Some EV issues, especially those involving batteries or braking systems, pose serious safety risks. Scheduling your service quickly can help prevent accidents or further damage.

4. Monitor Manufacturer Updates

Follow your manufacturer’s app, email notifications, or support channels. OTA (over-the-air) updates may be available and installed automatically, but staying informed is essential.

What Makes EV Recalls Different from Traditional Cars?

While recalls happen across all vehicle types, EV recalls in 2025 highlight specific vulnerabilities unique to electric cars:

Recall ComponentEVsGas Vehicles
Battery PackHigh riskNot applicable
Software & OTA UpdatesFrequentRare
Regenerative BrakingUnique to EVsNot present
High-Voltage ComponentsCommonRare
Fire RiskRelated to lithium-ion batteriesFuel system related

Understanding these distinctions can help owners stay proactive in maintaining their vehicle safety.

EV Recalls and Public Perception

As EVs become mainstream, recalls may affect public trust. However, it is essential to view them as part of a maturing industry. Early identification of EV battery issues or software bugs and issuing quick recalls demonstrates that automakers and regulatory bodies are improving oversight.

Most 2025 recalls have been resolved swiftly, minimizing risk and maintaining confidence in EV innovation.

Future Outlook for EV Safety

Looking ahead, manufacturers and regulatory agencies are adopting measures to reduce future recall risks:

  • Enhanced AI-driven diagnostics in battery management
  • Blockchain-based supply tracking to trace defects early
  • Stricter compliance and NHTSA alert monitoring
  • Smarter OTA recall responses

As the EV recall landscape evolves, consumers can expect safer vehicles with faster repair response times, making 2025 a pivotal year for setting new industry standards.

Final Thoughts

The significant recalls of electric vehicles in 2025 may seem alarming, but they also indicate progress related to EV transparency, regulation, and technology. Whether it’s a Tesla recall, an issue with regenerative braking, or high-voltage component failure, the industry was mostly quick to respond when recalls were performed, which was commendable for the customer. 

If you are an EV owner or are looking to be an EV owner, remember to check recall notices regularly and stay on top of your software updates. This is your best chance to keep your vehicle safe in this whirlwind of stationary battery electric vehicle technology advancements.


This content was created by AI