You pay top price for a quality car and you expect to get just that – a quality car. But the leader on the list of most recalled brands comes as a surprise.
Mercedes-Benz issued close to 50 recalls in 2022 for more than 80 individual models – ahead of Hyundai (12 recalls) and Kia (nine).
Kia recalled the most individual cars (92,865) ahead of Mercedes-Benz with 77,992 and Hyundai with 75,180.
Other luxury brands to make the top 10 for recalls were Lexus, with eight recalls affecting 32,863 vehicles, BMW (eight recalls affecting 791 vehicles) and Audi (four recalls affecting 20,176 cars).
But Mercedes-Benz has turned its negative into a positive with a spokesman saying the high number of recalls was the result of “continuous product monitoring” and reflected the brand’s cautious approach to safety.
“Yes, the number of recalls has risen. However, these measures are first and foremost a sign of our precautionary and stringent actions. We consistently set the very highest standards on such matters,” he said.
Tesla issued seven recalls despite only selling two models in Australia.
At the other end of the spectrum, several brands issued no recalls in 2022. They were Chinese brands MG, Great Wall, Haval and LDV, plus Citroen, Honda, Mini, Renault and SSangyong.
The most bizarre recall belonged to Audi, the Herald Sun reports. It warned that a spillage on the back seat could affect engine, gearbox and steering performance on its Q5 SUV.
Do the number of recalls surprise you? Or is it a good thing?
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