If it feels like recalls are hitting weekly, you’re right. In Q2 2025, U.S. automakers recalled 7.32 million vehicles, representing a nearly 58% increase over Q2 2024 (4.62 million). And the momentum hasn’t cooled; recently, Toyota and Hyundai actions added 1.16 million more vehicles to the list. Recalls aren’t just operational fire drills; they’re one of the best opportunities to reintroduce defected customers to your store and rebuild loyalty.
WHY RECALLS SHOULD BE A FIXED-OPS PRIORITY
Friction-free for customers:
Recall work is no-cost to the owner, reducing barriers to book and getting lapsed customers back in your lane. Meanwhile, average $/RO continues to rise, especially on older/high-mileage vehicles, so recall traffic often uncovers legitimate customer-pay opportunities.
Every save adds up:
Retained service guests buy more services and are more likely to buy (or trade) their next vehicle with you. Higher satisfaction directly supports higher return-to-service and purchase intent.
The pool is still large:
NHTSA analysis shows only ~62% of vehicles are remedied by the fifth quarter of a recall. Faster remedy + proactive outreach = higher and quicker completion.
The Revenue Math
reach x conversion x value
the revenue math - use our roi calculator
- Reach: How many eligible VINs can you identify in your PMA + DMS?
- Conversion: What % of reached owners schedule and show?
- Value: Warranty work plus customer-pay upsell per RO.
Monthly Recall Revenue = Eligible VINs Contacted × Appointment Rate × Show Rate × Avg $/RO (warranty + CP add-ons)
Why “balanced load,” not “big blast”
Most vendors front-load campaigns; bays overflow in week one, then the spigot dries up. CallSource Auto treats recall as a drumbeat, not a spike.
OMNICHANNEL OUTREACH
text
live calls
Our Omnichannel & Balanced-Load Approach
1. Identify & segment: Pinpoint open-recall VINs in your PMA and DMS; segment by risk, parts availability, mileage/age, and time since last service.
2. Omnichannel outreach: Coordinated text + email + live calls (compliant scripting) are timed to when customers actually respond. If a call is missed, a rapid callback is made so no voicemail dies in a black hole.
3. Steady cadence: A predictable weekly rhythm that smooths bay flow and keeps techs consistently utilized month after month.
4. On-ramps back to loyalty: Treat every recall as a re-introduction. Inspect, set next maintenance, capture updated contact preferences, and, when appropriate, tee up Service-to-Sales conversations.
What “good” looks like in 2025
Average Completion Rate by 4th Quarter:
~62%
Year-over-year demand is real: Q2 2025 recall volume was the highest in over a year and materially above the same period in 2024. There are owners in your market who need help now.
Completion gap = opportunity: The average completion rate by the fourth quarter is ~62%; speed and persistent outreach convert more appointments.
Upside per visit is rising: With repair costs and $/RO up, recall visits are prime moments to address genuine maintenance needs, keeping customers safe while supporting service profitability.
Bottom line
Recalls are your best “second chance” to convert defectors into loyalists while keeping bays humming at a steady, profitable pace. CallSource delivers that lift with omnichannel outreach and a balanced weekly cadence that sustains utilization without chaos.
