<p>In recent years, the trend toward automotive lightweighting has driven the large-scale application of cast aluminum alloys. The advantageous properties of cast aluminum alloys primarily include low density, high specific strength, and high production efficiency. However, high hot tearing susceptibility (HTS) is a critical casting defect in cast aluminum alloys and can significantly affect the performance and application of aluminum alloy castings. Researchers have investigated the hot tearing behavior of cast aluminum alloys using various methods, including constrained solidification, load and displacement transducers, active loading, and in situ measurements. Collectively, these studies have yielded satisfactory results. Recent research in the field of hot tearing has demonstrated substantial growth, indicating increasingly in-depth exploration. Nevertheless, research on qualitative evaluation and quantitative prediction criteria for hot tearing remains limited. In addition, composition has been demonstrated to be a fundamental factor influencing alloy HTS, and the magnitude of an alloy’s propensity for hot tearing can be further affected by casting process parameters. Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanisms responsible for hot tear formation during the solidification process. The review is based on a bibliometric analysis of existing research and summarizes several available methods for qualitative and quantitative assessment. It also discusses the influence of alloy composition and casting process factors on the tendency for hot tearing.</p>