Cui Dongshu: In 2024, a total of 160 batches of 8.79 million cars were recalled, a year-on-year increase of 21% in the number of recalls.

Cui Dongshu, Secretary-General of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, stated in a document that a total of 181 batches of 7.28 million vehicles were recalled in 2023, an increase of 142% compared to the previous year, with overall relative stability. From January to December 2024, a total of 160 batches of 8.79 million vehicles were recalled, a 21% increase compared to the previous year. There were more recalls in March 2024, followed by relative stability. Currently, foreign companies have more recalls, while voluntary recalls are gradually increasing. The number of recalls for new energy vehicles is gradually increasing, with Tesla, Inc. recalling a large number of vehicles due to software issues, but overall recall numbers are not significant. There are no new trends in recalls for traditional vehicles, and consumer policies are supportive of consumption. Vehicle recalls are a process carried out by manufacturers of defective vehicles to eliminate product defects in accordance with legal requirements and procedures. With the improvement in awareness of domestic car manufacturers and the increasing complexity of automobile products in recent years, the number of recall events has been on the rise. Recall has become a mature mechanism for addressing product defects in automobiles and has made a significant contribution to safeguarding the safety of the public and the healthy development of the automotive industry in various countries. 1. Fewer recall batches in 2024 There were 214 recalls in 2019, 194 recalls in 2020, and 232 recalls in 2021, maintaining a relatively good state. In 2022, there were a total of 171 recalls, the lowest in nearly 8 years. From January to December 2024, there were 160 recalls, returning to normal overall. The number of recalls in the fourth quarter of this year is very low. A total of 160 batches of 8.79 million vehicles were recalled from January to December 2024, with more recalls in March, relative stability in the third quarter compared to the same period in previous years, and fewer recalls in the fourth quarter. 2. Recovery in the number of recalled vehicle models In 2023, a total of 181 batches of 7.28 million vehicles were recalled, an increase of 142% compared to the previous year, with overall relative stability. From January to December 2024, a total of 160 batches of 8.79 million vehicles were recalled, a 21% increase compared to the previous year, with overall relative stability. Compared to the high levels of over 10 million vehicles in 2016-2018, this year's recalls have been relatively stable. 3. The structure of recalled product numbers still mainly passenger cars Currently, there are more recalls of passenger car products, with fewer trucks and buses. As recalls are the responsibility of companies, most are voluntary actions by companies, and it should be said that not recalling is not exceptional, and recall is more trustworthy. 4. A gap still exists between voluntary recalls and international standards From January to December 2024, a total of 151 batches of passenger cars were recalled (including repeated recalls within the year), with German brands being recalled 47 times, Japanese brands 24 times, and 33 voluntary brands. Imported cars still account for a significant portion of recalls, despite fewer complaints, the recall execution is good. German, European, and Japanese brands of imported cars have more recalls. The increasing number of voluntary recalls is also a good improvement in standards, as the more recalls, the more trustworthy. 5. Analysis of specific defective parts In the past two years, recalls have shifted towards new energy characteristics, with software, intelligent devices, batteries, and other recalls gradually increasing, similar to traditional engine defects. Software recalls have also increased, with 3.66 million vehicles recalled this year due to software issues. Meanwhile, there were 11,000 recalls of power batteries, indicating that software issues in both traditional and new energy vehicles are gradually becoming apparent, hence recall policies are continuously improving. 6. Analysis of recall situations in 2024 In 2024, there were more recalls of new energy vehicles due to software defects, most of which were minor issues that can be solved through OTA updates, with overall low risks. The strategy issues with Tesla, Inc. resulted in more recalls, while other recall numbers were not significant. The focus of recalls remains on engine and fuel systems for gasoline vehicles, while the overall scale of hidden risks in passenger cars, such as batteries and motors, is small, with some of the battery recalls being international brands. 7. Analysis of recalls for new energy vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2024 Although the sales volume of international brands of new energy vehicles is not large, there have been a significant number of recalls, demonstrating the conscientious spirit of international brands. The overall risk of faults and hazards is still not significant, and consumer confidence in new energy should be improving.