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Components and defects

Where vehicles fail

NHTSA files every campaign under a component. Grouped that way, the record shows which systems keep failing, which are fading, and how often the fix now arrives as a software update rather than a part.

Components tracked27Plain-language groups of NHTSA codes
Software remedies18%of 2026 campaigns
Advisories issued152026 to date
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Showing 2015 to 2026, BMW, vehicle recalls
Campaigns by component

Electrical systems and airbags account for more campaigns than the next four components combined

Vehicle recall campaigns by primary component, 2015 to 2026, twelve most frequent.

Electrical system
51
Airbags
45
Lighting
19
Structure
17
Powertrain
15
Steering
14
Engine and cooling
14
Seat belts
13
Brakes
10
Equipment
10
Fuel system
10
Suspension
9
Source: NHTSA ODI. Each campaign counted once, under its primary component.
Share of vehicles affected

Electrical systems campaigns covered the most vehicles in 2025

Vehicles affected by 2025 campaigns, by primary component.

Source: NHTSA ODI. 504k vehicles or units in 2025.
Component mix by year

Electrical systems have overtaken airbags as the leading reason for a recall

Share of vehicle campaigns by primary component, 2016 to 2026. 2026 is through October.

Electrical systemAirbagsLightingStructurePowertrainAll other
050%100%20162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI. The lighter column is a partial year.
Remedy type

Software updates remedy 0% of 2026 campaigns

Share of campaigns by remedy, 2016 to 2026. Inspections, labels, refunds, pending and unstated remedies make up the remainder.

Physical repair or replacementSoftware update
050%100%20162018202020222024202692%0%8% in 2016
Source: NHTSA ODI remedy descriptions, classified by rule (see Methodology).
Trends by component
Electrical system5
Airbags0
Lighting2
Powertrain2
Steering1
Structure0
Source: NHTSA ODI. The blue bar is 2026 to date.
Advisories

When NHTSA says stop driving

A small number of campaigns carry an advisory to stop driving the vehicle or to park it outdoors until it is repaired. They are tracked separately here because the risk is immediate.