Skip to main content

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.

Topics
Joel Patel
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Joel Patel is a former contributor for The Manual. His work has also been featured on Autoweek, Digital Trends, Autoblog…
Bill Clinton’s 1996 armored Cadillac limo is going up for auction
This 1996 Presidential Cadillac Limo used by Bill Clinton is going up for sale
Cadillac

There is no shortage of highly collectible new and classic cars available today. In fact, it has become increasingly challenging to stand out driving anything short of a personalized Bugatti. But, with this armored limo used by Bill Clinton during his presidential administration going up for sale at Mecum Auctions later this month, you can own this incredibly rare piece of history and show all those hypercar owners what a bespoke vehicle indeed looks like.

 

Read more
MasterCraft goes bigger and bolder with all-new XStar lineup
Aggressive and impressive, the XStar boats are ready for fun on the water
MasterCraft XStar X23 high performance wav and wakeboard boat on water right side view.

MasterCraft redesigned its XStar lineup of luxury performance wave and wakeboard boats for 2025. In addition to introducing the 2025 XStar 23 and XStar 25, MasterCraft also announced a partnership with Chevy, naming the Chevy Silverado as the official MasterCraft tow truck.

2025 MasterCraft XStar | 25 Years in the Making

Read more
Ford recalls nearly 300K diesel trucks because of COVID
Almost 300,000 Ford trucks recalled for bad fuel pump
longest lasting cars 2020 ford f 350 super duty limited 6 7l powerstroke 4x4 38

Although Tesla held the title of most vehicles recalled for 2024, Ford Motor Company was hot on its heels with the number two spot. In one of its most recent recalls filed with the NHTSA, the Blue Oval added nearly 300,000 more vehicles to that total (which still leaves Tesla roughly half a million in the lead) because of another side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ford is bringing back certain F250, F350, F450, F550, F650, and F750 Super Duty and Medium Truck vehicles equipped with its 6.7-liter Scorpion diesel engine. It seems that these pickup trucks' motors can form dangerous biodiesel deposits on the fuel pump drivetrain roller components. These deposits can then lead to the engine's high-pressure fuel pump failing, causing a potentially catastrophic cascade of damage.

Read more