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 Digital Trends Contributor
Joel Patel is a former contributor for The Manual. His work has also been featured on Autoweek, Digital Trends, Autoblog…
Hoonigan Rally Speedrun Championship tests expert drivers on purpose-built track
Eight-time Pikes Peak Class Champion Jeff Zwart is the first Rally Speedrun competitor
Hoonigans Rally Speedrun Championship 2025 driver Patrick Gruszka in his long-travel Mitsubishi Mirage Proto.

A new Hoonigan YouTube web series highlights the rally skills of top motorsports drivers in no-holds-barred competition. Each episode of the Hoonigan Rally Speedrun Championship features one driver and one car taking on the challenges of a demanding track and a no-nonsense stopwatch.

Drivers bring vastly different cars to a purpose-built track designed to test the driver beyond their limits. The launch episode features eight-time Pikes Peak Class Champion Jeff Zwart. Zwart showed up with a Porsche GT3 Cup Car, a rear-wheel-drive road racer, not a rally car designed for desert racing.
How the Hoonigan Rally Speedrun series tests drivers
Hoonigan's Rally Speedrun Championship - Ep1: Can Jeff Zwart's GT3 Cup Car Dominate the Dirt?

Read more
Car sharing platforms like Turo are changing how we rent cars, says a new study
Turo and other peer-to-peer platforms are changing how we borrow cars
acadia national park guide getting around

Peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo are seriously changing the way people in America look at owning a car. A recent survey by American Muscle gives us some cool insights into how folks view these services. A lot of people find car-sharing super convenient and a great way to save some cash. Plus, with so many vehicle options available, it's easy to pick something that fits their needs—whether it’s for a fun weekend trip, a road adventure with friends, or just running errands around town. This new approach is reshaping how we think about getting around and makes life a bit easier for everyone.

It makes total sense that some users feel uncertain about trusting the platform. Concerns about the condition of the cars are fairly common—no one wants to end up with a ride that can't be relied upon. Plus, it’s natural to have concerns about dealing with other people; trusting strangers can be tough. These feelings can definitely make people hesitant to jump in and fully use the service. It's important to recognize these concerns because they affect how much folks enjoy the experience.

Read more
F1 Karting opening at F1 Drive in Las Vegas: tickets available now
The 1,696 foot-long F1 Drive track is designed to test drivers its 31 turns.
F1 karting on F1 Drive at Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas.

Tickets are now available for the May 2 opening of Grand Prix Plaza, when  Formula 1 fans can race F1 Karts at F1 Drive. The F1 Drive karting track, a feature attraction of Grand Prix Plaza, runs through F1 team pit garages and directly on part of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix race track.
F1 Drive F1 Karting tickets available now

F1 Drive tickets, on sale at Grand Prix Plaza, are available in three packages: Mixed Grid, Elite Experience, and Fastest Lap. A VIP Ad-On experience is also available as an upgrade to the Mixed Grid and Elite Experience packages. The minimum height for all packages is 58 inches.

Read more