Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Auto
  3. News

Study reveals the cars that are least likely to be recalled

Hate going to the dealership for a recall? These are the cars to get.

With new, cutting-edge tech features, more advanced safety features, and powertrains focusing on squeezing every bit of fuel economy possible, recalls have become far more commonplace than before. Anyone that’s had to deal with car recalls can attest to just how annoying they are. Some recalls even require owners to leave their vehicles at dealerships overnight for extensive repairs or to wait for components that are in short supply.

For people that hate dealing with recalls, iSeeCars’ latest report will be incredibly useful. Analyzing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the outlet released a list of cars that are the least likely to be involved in a recall over a 30-year lifespan. Since the outlet had to use existing data, including car complaints, to create the list, this is just an estimation. A few of these cars could be involved in a recall, though the chances are slim.

2023 Mini Cooper Convertible parked in front of a winding road and mountain with blue skies.
Mini

The vehicles with the fewest expected recalls

Here are the top 10 vehicles with the fewest expected recall over 30 years:

  1. Mini Cooper Convertible
  2. Lexus NX 300h
  3. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
  4. Mercedes-Benz CLA
  5. Lexus RZX 450h
  6. Nissan 370Z
  7. Hyundai Elantra GT
  8. Mercedes-Benz GLA
  9. Mercedes-Benz GLC
  10. Lexus IS 300
Recommended Videos

Both Lexus and Mercedes-Benz top the charts with three vehicles, respectively. We’re not surprised to see Lexus make the list multiple times, as the Japanese luxury brand is known for its high-quality vehicles that can last multiple lifetimes. Mercedes, Mini, and Lincoln, on the other hand, were surprises. The full list of 33 vehicles also included options from Toyota, Fiat, Infiniti, Ford, Chevrolet, and Mazda.

Tesla Model Y rear end angle from passenger side parked in front of mountains.
Tesla / Tesla

The cars with the most recalls

On the flip side, iSeeCars also put out a list of the 25 most recalled cars. Unsurprisingly, large luxury SUVs, pickup trucks, and electric vehicles dominate the list. The top 10 cars that are most likely to be recalled include:

  1. Tesla Model Y
  2. Porsche Panamera
  3. Tesla Model 3
  4. Tesla Model X
  5. Tesla Model X
  6. Lincoln Aviator
  7. Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
  8. Volkswagen Atlas
  9. Ram 1500
  10. Ram 1500 Classic

Obviously, this is a huge fail for Tesla, which has its entire lineup in the top five. But the automaker does deserve some praise as it deals with recalls quickly with an over-the-air software update. Pickup trucks also did poorly, as the Ram 1500, Ram 1500 Classic, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 all made the list. Brands that had more than one vehicle make it to the list include Porsche, Jeep, BMW, Volkswagen, and Ford.

Joel Patel
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Joel is a dog lover, a foodie, and an automotive junkie. He’s usually tinkering away on one of his latest Craigslist finds… Read Full Bio
Porsche just proved the Cayenne Electric is the most impressive performance vehicle you can drive
Car, Transportation, Vehicle

I have seen the movies. I know there is no way that a car can survive in the jet blast of a plane. I remember the scene from Casino Royale. And for me, that is science. But the engineers at Porsche and Stratolaunch aren’t so sure. They operate in the real world of science, and they came together to see if the Porsche Cayenne Electric could withstand the take-off power of one of the largest and most powerful aircraft in the world. Why? Because they can and because curiosity oftentimes leads to something awesome. Spoiler alert…the car holds up. But don’t take my word for it.

The car is its own beast. It’s got the ability to keep up and play in this space. – Orlando Bloom, Porsche ambassador

Read more
Indian commits to American artistry with Signature Series
Machine, Spoke, Helmet

There is something about sitting on the back of a motorcycle that you can’t feel anywhere else. Road trips feel different on the back of a bike versus in a car. Maybe it is the solo aspect of it. Maybe there is the feeling of the wind. Who knows? What I do know is that there is nothing like a bike ride through the countryside. The winding roads, the sunsets through the visor of the helmet, all of it is unrivaled. Indian Motorcycle understands this, and they have since they became the first American motorcycle company. Now, they have dropped a new Signature Series of four motorcycles echoing their commitment to American artistry and craftsmanship.

Since 1901, Indian Motorcycle has pursued the ultimate intersection of form and function – motorcycles that are as beautiful in design as they are sophisticated in performance – Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle

Read more
Is the BMW XM a perfect blend of practicality and performance
Car, Transportation, Vehicle

The BMW XM has received a bit of a mixed response, but there’s a strong argument that it’s a logical next step on from the BMW M5. Think about it, the M5 is special because it combines practicality with exceptional performance. The BMW XM does the same thing, though you’re trading a little handling quality for far more practicality.

On a recent venture in BMW’s performance SUV, I weighed up the pros and cons of BMW’s most divisive vehicle. And it may be a better choice than BMW’s flagship.

Read more