Most common car recalls in Australia and how to check yours

Why recalls are more common than you think

Vehicle recalls are a routine part of the automotive industry. Product Safety Australia publishes hundreds of vehicle-related recall notices every year, covering everything from software glitches to life-threatening component failures. The volume of recalls does not mean cars are becoming less safe — it means manufacturers, regulators, and consumers are catching defects more quickly and holding manufacturers accountable for fixing them.

For used car buyers, understanding the most common recall categories helps you ask the right questions before you buy. A vehicle with a completed recall is not a red flag — but a vehicle with an outstanding recall is something you need to know about. For an overview of how the recall system works, see our guide on how vehicle safety recalls work in Australia.

Airbag recalls

Airbag-related recalls are by far the largest category in Australia, driven primarily by the Takata airbag recall — the largest product recall in global history. But Takata is not the only source of airbag recalls. Other common airbag defects include:

• Sensor malfunctions — faulty crash sensors that fail to trigger airbag deployment, or that trigger deployment without a collision.
• Wiring and connector issues — electrical faults in the airbag circuit that can prevent deployment or cause a warning light.
• Side and curtain airbag defects — manufacturing defects in side-impact airbags that affect inflation performance.

Engine and fuel system recalls

Engine and fuel system recalls are the second most common category. These cover a broad range of defects that can lead to stalling, loss of power, fuel leaks, or — in the most serious cases — fire. Common issues include:

• Fuel line and injector leaks — cracked fuel lines or improperly sealed injectors that allow fuel to leak onto hot engine components, creating a fire risk.
• Engine stalling — software or hardware faults that cause the engine to shut down unexpectedly, particularly at highway speeds. This is dangerous because it can result in a loss of power steering and brake assist.
• Turbocharger failures — oil leaks from turbocharger seals that can cause engine fires or a sudden loss of power.
• Fuel pump defects — failures in the fuel pump that cause intermittent stalling or inability to start the engine.

Engine and fuel system recalls have affected vehicles from virtually every manufacturer, including Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Holden. If a vehicle smells of fuel, shows an engine warning light, or has a history of stalling, check its recall status before buying.

Seatbelt recalls

Seatbelt recalls are less frequent than airbag or engine recalls but are equally serious. A seatbelt that fails to lock, unlatches unexpectedly, or does not retract properly can be fatal in a crash. Common seatbelt recall issues include:

• Pretensioner failures — the pretensioner is the mechanism that pulls the seatbelt tight in a crash. A faulty pretensioner may not fire, leaving the occupant with excess slack.
• Buckle defects — buckles that do not latch securely or that release under load. This is particularly dangerous for child restraint anchor points.
• Webbing and retractor faults — issues with the seatbelt fabric or the spring-loaded retractor that prevent the belt from retracting or locking correctly.

Braking system recalls

Braking recalls cover any defect that affects the vehicle's ability to slow down or stop safely. These are among the most safety-critical recalls and typically receive high priority from both the manufacturer and the ACCC. Common braking recall issues include:

• Brake fluid leaks — leaks in brake lines, callipers, or the master cylinder that reduce braking pressure. This can lead to a soft or unresponsive brake pedal.
• ABS and stability control faults — software bugs or sensor failures in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) or electronic stability control (ESC) that affect emergency braking performance.
• Brake booster vacuum leaks — loss of vacuum assist that makes the brake pedal hard to press, significantly increasing stopping distances.

If you are test-driving a used car and notice any brake irregularities — spongy pedal, pulling to one side, grinding, or a dashboard warning light — check the vehicle's recall history before proceeding.

Electrical system and fire risk recalls

Electrical system recalls have become increasingly common as vehicles incorporate more electronic components. These recalls address defects that can cause short circuits, battery fires, or loss of critical vehicle functions. Key issues include:

• Wiring harness defects — chafed, pinched, or incorrectly routed wiring that can short-circuit and cause electrical fires. This is common in the engine bay where wires are exposed to heat and vibration.
• Battery and charging faults — particularly relevant for hybrid and electric vehicles, where a faulty battery management system can lead to thermal runaway (overheating and fire).
• Headlight and tail-light failures — electrical faults that cause lights to dim, flicker, or fail entirely, reducing visibility for the driver and other road users.

Electrical recalls are particularly concerning because they can affect the vehicle even when it is parked and switched off. Several recalls have involved fire risks while the vehicle was unattended. If you are looking at red flags on a used car, any sign of electrical problems — flickering lights, burning smell, or intermittent warning lights — warrants a recall check.

Steering and suspension recalls

Steering and suspension recalls address defects that can cause loss of vehicle control. These are less common than airbag or engine recalls but can be equally dangerous. Issues typically include:

• Power steering failure — loss of power steering assist, which makes the steering wheel extremely heavy and difficult to turn, particularly at low speeds.
• Tie rod and ball joint failures — worn or defective components in the steering linkage that can cause a loss of directional control.
• Suspension component fractures — cracked or broken spring, strut, or control arm components that affect handling and can cause a wheel to collapse under load.

How to check your vehicle's recall status

Regardless of the category, every vehicle owner and buyer should know how to check for outstanding recalls. The process is straightforward:

• Free check — visit productsafety.gov.au and search by vehicle make and model, or use the manufacturer's VIN lookup tool on their Australian website. Both methods are free.
• Combined vehicle history check — a RegoVerify Full Report ($14.99) includes a recall check from Product Safety Australia alongside PPSR, stolen vehicle, write-off, valuation, and claim history data. This is particularly useful when buying a used car, as it consolidates all the checks into one report.

The bottom line

Vehicle recalls are not a sign that a car is defective beyond repair — they are a sign that the system is working. Manufacturers identify defects, regulators hold them accountable, and the repairs are free. The risk for used car buyers is not the recall itself, but buying a vehicle with an outstanding recall that you do not know about. Airbags, engines, seatbelts, brakes, electrical systems, and steering are the most commonly recalled components. Checking for outstanding recalls takes minutes and costs nothing — or you can include it as part of a comprehensive vehicle history report that covers recalls alongside finance, stolen vehicle data, write-off status, and market valuation.