A product recall is a formal request by a manufacturer to return a product after discovering safety defects that could endanger consumers or expose the company to legal action, serving to limit corporate liability and protect brand image. These recalls are costly, involving handling, replacement, and potential legal damages, and are often governed by consumer protection laws that dictate when recalls are compulsory and what penalties apply for failure to act. A key modern guideline is the British Standards Institute's PAS 7100:2022 standard, which helps businesses plan ahead for conducting effective recalls. The process typically involves investigating the issue, assessing risk, and choosing between a trade-level recall (withdrawing from wholesalers and retailers) or a consumer-level recall (directly notifying the public), followed by returns, refunds, and an internal review. In the automotive industry, recalls have generally increased over time—except during the 2009–2010 economic crisis—due to market pressures, with global warranty costs estimated at $40 billion annually, representing a 3–5% loss in sales.