4 Cars Marketed as Family-Safe That Leave Owners With Costly Recalls
As a family man myself, safety played a huge role in our choice of vehicle after my wife and I had kids. When you are shopping for a car that is “family safe,” you’re most likely looking for peace of mind when you slide behind the wheel. However, many people are shocked to find out about safety recalls and huge repair bills shortly after they get into their new ride. Even if the car you bought is marketed as family safe, it is important to do your own research and find out as much as you can about the vehicle, its history, and bad model years. That said, here are four cars that were marketed as family safe but wound up becoming notorious for other reasons.
1. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has long been praised as a family-friendly SUV, but it’s had multiple recall headaches. One recall covered over 427,000 units due to a defect in the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft that could lead to unintended vehicle movement while in “Park.”
Another recall impacted roughly 462,000 Tellurides because the front power seat motor could overheat, posing a fire risk while the car is parked or in use. Even more recently, around 201,000 Tellurides were recalled for faulty door belt molding trim adhesive that could detach and become a road hazard. So even though the Telluride was positioned as a safe, family SUV, these recurring recall issues show how safety claims don’t always tell the full story.
As with any vehicle purchase, it is important to check for open recalls via the VIN. Before you buy, insist that any work is done free of charge. It’ll save you a lot of heartache in the long run.
2. Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai’s Palisade is another SUV sold with families in mind, but in 2025 Hyundai issued a massive recall for over 568,580 Palisade vehicles from 2020 to 2025 due to defective seatbelt buckles. The latches in the front seats and second-row outboard seats may not reliably latch, especially in cold weather, due to out-of-spec parts. Hyundai’s recommendation is to insert the belt firmly and double-check it’s locked in place until the repairs are made free of charge.
For a car marketed as a family safe car, a failure in something as fundamental as your child’s seatbelt is especially alarming. If your family’s safety is at the forefront of your mind, always test the latch with a sharp tug when you fasten. If it feels loose or doesn’t “click” strongly, press your dealership for inspection.
3. Polestar 2
The Polestar 2, an electric vehicle touted for modern safety tech and family usability, was unexpectedly hit with a recall in 2025 for rearview camera failures. In affected vehicles, the camera may fail to activate in reverse… clearly a critical issue when backing out of driveways or parking lots with children around. Polestar is offering a free software update to remedy the issue.
This recall is a good reminder that even cars built around new safety systems can suffer from software or sensor defects. Anyone who owns a Polestar 2 or is considering one, always verify the camera function before purchase and check to confirm that any recalls have been fixed.
4. BMW (Various Models)
BMW has recalled nearly 196,355 vehicles in the U.S. over a defect in a starter relay that can corrode, overheat, or short-circuit, which raises the risk of engine fires. Affected models include a mix of BMW sedans, SUVs, sports coupes, and even some Toyota Supras that share components. This isn’t restricted to a single “family model,” even BMWs that are often chosen for luxury family transport aren’t immune.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from buildings until repairs are done. Before buying any used BMW or newer model, check whether this recall (or others) applies and that the repair has been completed.
How to Make Sure You Are Buying a Truly Safe Family Car
As someone who has not only owned multiple cars but also worked on them for more than a decade, there are some things you should always do before you buy a car. First and foremost, if it is used, get it checked out by a trusted mechanic. You should also make sure you do your research. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for information about the vehicle’s model year, and make sure you run the specific car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through the site as well. This will help ensure you don’t have any unpleasant surprises.
In an ideal world, the vehicle would have its maintenance history available, and you would be able to confirm that all of the recall-related work was done at a certified dealership. After you buy, it’s also important to stay up to date on new or outstanding recalls, too. Some defects take years to uncover. “Family safe” or not, no car is immune to these problems.
What car would you feel safe buying for your family? Do you have one you already trust? Share your thoughts below!
