10 Car Models With the Most Recalls

Unhappy driver with car key
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A recall is one of the biggest headaches of owning a car. Millions of drivers who buy a car can expect a recall notice at some point. In 2023, more than 300 recalls were issued that affected 35 million vehicles, according to iSeeCars.

iSeeCars recently analyzed recall data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for cars from the model years 2015-2024 to determine the number of recalls that can be expected over a car’s 30-year lifespan.

The data shows that some models are much more likely than others to face repeated recalls, iSeeCars reports.

It is worth noting that the following list excludes over-the-air recalls, which “can be addressed through remote software updates that usually happen at night while the car is parked and the owner is asleep,” according to iSeeCars.

That means that four Tesla models with “quite high” recall numbers — the Model Y, Model 3, Model S and Model X — and other cars were excluded because they can be fixed remotely, although “they still represent safety concerns,” iSeeCars says.

Here are the car models expected to have the most recalls over the course of a 30-year period.

10. Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen Atlas
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Number of recalls this model is expected to have over 30 years: 18.5 (which is 5.9 times more than typical among all vehicles)

In the past, Car and Driver has lauded the Volkswagen Atlas for its cargo and passenger space. The car’s “uninspired” interior is a drawback, though, according to the publication.

9. Ram 1500

Ram 1500
Darren Brode / Shutterstock.com

Number of recalls this model is expected to have over 30 years: 19.1 (which is 6.1 times more than typical among all vehicles)

The Ram 1500 has earned praise from MotorTrend for its impressive luxury feel. On the other hand, the publication has said the truck doesn’t have great fuel economy.

8. Ram 1500 Classic

Ram 1500 Classic
Mike Mareen / Shutterstock.com

Number of recalls this model is expected to have over 30 years: 19.3 (which is 6.1 times more than typical among all vehicles)

Edmunds has praised the Ram 1500 Classic for its smooth ride. However, Edmunds has criticized the fact that the Ram 1500 has not included common driver assist features on all trims.

7. Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Kia Sorento Hybrid
quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com

Number of recalls this model is expected to have over 30 years: 20.4 (which is 6.5 times more than typical among all vehicles)

Cars.com has expressed admiration for the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid‘s power. But it also noted that, like many hybrids, this Kia model can make unusual whirring sounds.

6. Ford Maverick

Ford Maverick
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Number of recalls this model is expected to have over 30 years: 20.7 (which is 6.6 times more than typical among all vehicles)

Car and Driver has said it likes the Ford Maverick‘s “novel design” and payload capacity. Yet, the publication has been less thrilled with the “spartan” nature of the base model.

5. Kia Telluride

Kia Telluride
Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com

Number of recalls this model is expected to have over 30 years: 22.2 (which is 7.1 times more than typical among all vehicles)

Consumer Reports has been impressed with the driving experience and cargo space of the Kia Telluride. The publication is less thrilled with the vehicle’s lack of “wow factor.”

4. Genesis GV70

Genesis GV70, a luxury SUV
quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com

Number of recalls this model is expected to have over 30 years: 22.3 (which is 7.1 times more than typical among all vehicles)

CarExpert has said the Genesis GV70 has a ride and drive that stacks up well against peers. On the other hand, CarExpert has been critical of limited sales support for the vehicle outside of the East Coast.

3. Lincoln Aviator

Lincoln Aviator
Miro Vrlik Photography / Shutterstock.com

Number of recalls this model is expected to have over 30 years: 26.2 (which is 8.3 times more than typical among all vehicles)

U.S. News & World Report has said that the Lincoln Aviator offers a well-rounded performance. However, it also noted that the vehicle is not the most agile SUV.

2. Porsche Panamera

Porsche Panamera GTS
BoJack / Shutterstock.com

Number of recalls this model is expected to have over 30 years: 43.1 (which is 13.7 times more than typical among all vehicles)

Edmunds has praised the Porsche Panamera for its combination of athleticism and practicality. But it says the car’s high price is a downside.

1. Porsche Taycan

Porsche Taycan electric vehicles
Nerijus Janus / Shutterstock.com

Number of recalls this model is expected to have over 30 years: 70.7 (which is 22.5 times more than typical among all vehicles)

MotorTrend has celebrated the Porsche Taycan for its “space-age looks” and supple suspension tuning. But the publication says the Taycan could be a bit quicker.

 

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