Tesla leads the pack for potential recalls over the next 30 years

Nobody wants to get a recall notice, but more than 25 million vehicles were subject to over 400 automotive recalls last year. That number was significantly higher in 2021- 35 million vehicles were involved in nearly 1,000 recalls.

However, as the most recent analysis by iSeeCars demonstrates, the likelihood of a recall differs between models. To determine the anticipated number of recalls throughout an anticipated 30-year lifespan, iSeeCars examined car recall campaign data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for vehicles from the most recent 10 model years. 

All makes, and models combined have a lifetime estimated recall average of 4.0. The most recalled vehicle, Tesla’s Model Y, is anticipated to have more than 62 recalls, while the least recalled vehicles have one planned recall or less. Porsche and Tesla each have four of the most recalled models, while Mercedes-Benz as a brand has nine models that rank among the least-recalled vehicles. 

It’s important to note that four of the top five most frequently recalled automobiles are all from the Tesla model lineup. 

According to Executive Analyst Karl Brauer of iSeeCars, “The extreme variation in the number of recalls a car is projected to receive over its lifetime is something we didn’t expect.” For buyers who don’t want to deal with a recall, the top models present a significantly lower risk than average vehicles, such as the Honda Ridgeline or Chevrolet Equinox. Which have four estimated lifetime recalls each. 

However, owning a highly rated vehicle, such as the Hyundai Elantra GT or Mercedes CLA, will help you avoid a recall and save you time waiting for repairs to be completed at the dealer.

Visit the NHTSA website for more details on their recalls and to see if there are any active recalls for a particular model. In order to ensure a vehicle is operating safely, recall repairs are free for car owners. Sadly, due to the low level of consumer response to this problem, only roughly 25% of vehicles implicated in a recall are ever repaired.

Further Reading

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GM Recalls 338,000 SUVs over daytime running lights malfunction

Vehicle recalls affect thousands of GM, Ford, Hyundai, and Toyota models

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