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.

Joel Patel
Former Freelance Writer
Joel Patel is a former contributor for The Manual. His work has also been featured on Autoweek, Digital Trends, Autoblog…
Summer heat killers: EVs with the least range loss
Recurrent tracked the effect of summer heat on more than 29,700 electric vehicles.
Ford Mustang Mach-E

Suppose you are considering an EV purchase or lease this summer and are concerned about battery range during heat waves. In that case, the results of a new study published by EV analytics firm Recurrent Auto can provide valuable guidance. Recurrent calls out the winners and losers in EV range hot temperature-sensitivity.

It's safe to say that EV battery range is affected by extremes in temperature, both hot and cold. As is the case with most general statements, that one, too, is subject to multiple "buts" and "howevers." Most studies of the effects of extreme cold on EV battery range or how hot temperatures can hamper your travel plans report on average EV travel range differences collected across a wide variety of EV brands and models. Some compile results from thousands of EVs of the same brand.

Read more
Mercedes-Benz reveals Concept AMG GT XX high-performance EV platform front runner
Mercedes concept boasts 1,3421 horsepower and 223 mph top speed
Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX left front three-quarter view.

The dramatically orange vehicle photos accompanying this article represent the future of Mercedes-Benz's performance EVs. Mercedes-AMG introduces the Concept AMG GT XX four-door sports car as the "first series-production model" of Mercedes's comprehensive AMG.EA high-performance architecture.

Mercedes-AMG did not reveal a price or production date, but didn't hold back on performance numbers. The Concept AMG GT XX has a combined 1,341 horsepower from three axial flux electric motors, 223 mph top speed, and the capability of charging 248 miles of range in about five minutes.
The tech behind the performance numbers

Read more
Next-gen EV bike from Infinite Machine
Infinite Machine's new EV bike
next gen ev bike from infinite machine olto ride photo 14

Infinite Machine is excited to introduce the Olto, their latest ride that makes your journeys easier and more fun, and adds a new option to the booming EV market. Building on what they learned from the P1, the Olto is designed to go wherever you do, especially in bike lanes. With a solid 40 miles of range, this vehicle can hit speeds of 20 mph in bike lanes and zoom up to 33 mph off-road. It’s got a trick hot-swappable battery that slides right in, plus magnetic foldable pedals, so it works well whether you're cruising through the city or hitting the trails.

What’s great about the Olto is that it gives you options: you can pedal when you want, or just kick back and use the throttle. It’s made from tough, weatherproof aluminum, so it can hang outside without any worries—perfect for city living.
Riding in Comfort

Read more