The Jeep Liberty earns its spot here with 13 safety recalls on file for the 2003 model alone. Every utility vehicle below carries a documented defect in the federal recall record, from frames that rust through to engines that can seize.
A recall is not a verdict on every example, though. Recall repairs are free at the dealer, and many of these trucks and SUVs got their fixes years ago. So the point is simple: avoid buying one of these until you have run its VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and seen proof that the work was done.
1. 2000 Honda Passport
NHTSA lists Isuzu as the manufacturer of this Passport, so it shares a frame problem with the Isuzu Rodeo. Recall 10V436000, filed in September 2010, says road de-icing chemicals can corrode the area near the forward mounting bracket of the rear suspension’s lower link.
If that bracket detaches from the frame, the NHTSA record warns it “can affect vehicle handling.” The same campaign covers 1998–2002 Rodeos. Dealers could treat light rust or add a reinforcement bracket, and in rare severe cases the maker offered to buy the vehicle back.
2. 2001–2004 Ford Escape
NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2002 Escape. The most alarming, 12V353000 from July 2012, found too little clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector.
That could jam the throttle, and the recall summary says “a stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds.” Then in April 2014, recall 14V165000 added excessive corrosion at the front lower control arm mount on 2001–2004 models. A separated arm can cause a major loss of steering control.
3. 2002–2007 Jeep Liberty
Early Jeep Liberty owners dealt with ball joints first. Recall 03V460000 covered lower ball joints that could lose lubrication, corrode and separate from the steering knuckle. Later, 09V119000 in April 2009 recalled 42,469 2002–2003 Liberty SUVs for upper ball joints.
For the Jeep Liberty, the bigger campaign came in June 2013. Recall 13V252000 says the fuel tanks of 2002–2007 Jeep Liberty and 1993–1998 Grand Cherokee models are “at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.” As the NHTSA file puts it, a leak near an ignition source can start a fire.
4. 2014–2016 Jeep Cherokee
The modern Cherokee has 13 recalls listed for 2014. Its nine-speed automatic drew several, including 16V529000, which says faulty wire crimps could let 2014–2015 models shift into neutral unexpectedly.
In July 2019, KOMO News reported a recall of nearly 83,000 Cherokees with the 3.2-liter V6, calling the gearbox “a troublesome transmission that has plagued the vehicle since its debut.” Beyond that, NHTSA lists a worn power transfer unit that can cost drive and Park on 2014–2017 models. A liftgate module short on 2014–2016 cars can also start a fire.
5. 2013–2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Hyundai’s 2017 recall 17V226 blamed machining errors during engine manufacturing for premature bearing wear. As a result, the engine can seize, and dealers replaced the short block where needed.
A second problem followed in April 2021. Recall 21V303 says brake fluid can leak inside the ABS module on 2013–2015 models and short it out. Until the fix was done, the NHTSA record told owners to “park outside and away from structures.”
6. 2012–2014 Kia Sorento
Kia’s version of the same engine defect, recall 17V224000, also covers the 2012–2014 Sorento. According to the summary, machining errors can wear the bearings until the engine seizes.
Fire recalls stack on top. For example, 20V750000 covers engine compartment fires while driving on 2012–2013 models. Then 23V652000 says the hydraulic control unit on 2011–2014 Sorentos can short, and the NHTSA file again advises parking outside until repaired.
7. 2006–2007 GMC Envoy
The Envoy’s trouble sits in the driver’s door. Recall 12V406000, from August 2012, found that fluid could reach the window and lock switch module, corrode its circuit board and cause a short. Worse, a fire could break out even with the SUV parked.
GM first tested modules and coated the good ones. However, recall 15V599000 in September 2015 admitted that “the protective coating may not eliminate the risk,” so coated modules were replaced. The NHTSA list shows nine recalls for the 2006 Envoy.
8. 2021–2024 GMC Yukon
This is the newest entry on the list. Recall 25V274000, received in April 2025, says connecting rods and crankshafts in the 6.2-liter V8 may carry manufacturing defects. In turn, “engine failure increases the risk of a crash.”
Motor1 reported that it covers nearly 600,000 vehicles with L87 engines built from March 1, 2021, to May 31, 2024. The Yukon shares it with the Tahoe, Suburban, Escalade and Silverado and Sierra 1500. Dealers inspect each engine and repair or replace it, or switch passing engines to thicker oil, per NHTSA.
9. 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2013 Pathfinder. Early builds from April to October 2012 fell under 14V142000, because an internal oil cooler hose could slip off and leak transmission fluid. The SUV could then stop accelerating.
Another batch, built from December 2012 to January 2013, got 13V139000 for an improperly cast front brake part. Later recalls covered a brake switch that could let 2013–2015 models leave Park without the brake pressed. A secondary hood latch on 2013–2016 models also drew a recall.
10. 2018–2019 Volkswagen Atlas
The first-year Atlas has 17 recalls on file. Two of them, 17V766000 and 18V284000, cover fuel tanks with too-thin walls that could leak and raise the risk of fire.
Others followed. Recall 18V904000 says rear coil springs on 2018–2019 models could break and damage a tire. Meanwhile, 18V537000 found a twisted air conditioning drain tube could drip on the airbag module. Most recently, in September 2026, the NHTSA list added 26V590000 for steering rack bolts that can corrode and break.
11. 2004 Dodge Durango
The 2004 Durango has nine recalls, and several involve heat. Two instrument cluster recalls, 03V528000 and 07V092000, cover parts that could overheat and start a dashboard fire. Also, 04V578000 found the battery cable could rub on a suspension bracket and short.
Recall 04V020000 warned that the throttle cable could take in water, freeze and stick open in extended cold. Most serious of all, 16V352000 says the passenger airbag inflator “may rupture due to propellant degradation.” The record told owners not to drive until repaired.
12. 2002 Dodge Dakota 4×4
Dodge’s midsize pickup shows 12 recalls for 2002. On four-wheel-drive trucks, 04V596000 says moisture can leak into the front upper ball joint. Owners may first hear a clunking noise, but excessive wear can end in separation and loss of control.
Two more are worth checking. Recall 07V555000 says the ignition-park interlock can fail, so the shifter may leave Park and the truck could roll away. Earlier, 04V216000 covered wiper motors that corrode internally from water.
13. 2018–2023 Jeep Wrangler JL
The JL Wrangler has 14 recalls listed for 2018. Recall 18V675 says front track bar brackets on 2018–2019 models “may be improperly welded” and can separate from the frame. That would cut steering ability without warning.
Manual-transmission buyers face a separate issue. Three campaigns in a row, 20V124, 21V028 and 23V116, say the clutch pressure plate “may overheat and fracture,” raising fire risk. The last one, filed in February 2023, covers 2018–2023 Wranglers and 2020–2023 Gladiators, per NHTSA.
14. 2007 Jeep Compass
The first-year Compass has only three recalls, but each touches control. First, 06V493000 found ABS software that could lock the rear brakes. Then 10V234000 covered accelerator pedal bushings that could slip and make the pedal bind.
The third is unusual. Recall 06V434000 says the owner’s manual left out warnings that the vehicle has a much higher rollover rate. To be fair, that fix was paperwork, but buyers should still confirm it on the NHTSA record.
15. 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
The first-year Range Rover Sport shows six recalls. The one that matters most, 05V502000, blamed an incorrectly manufactured parking pawl guide plate. Because of it, “park may not engage,” and a car left on a slope could roll away.
A related 2006 recall says the key could come out while the shifter was not in Park. In addition, 08V248000 covers airbag wiring in 2005–2006 models that can fracture, so the driver’s airbag may fire in one stage or not at all. Finally, 06V135000 covers a brake hose that can catch on 19-inch wheels, according to the NHTSA list.
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