- Teslas are far more likely to be the subjects of a recall than any other carmaker.
- Using data from the last 10 years of recalls, the price-tracking car search engine iSeeCars.com projected which models would be most likely to be recalled, with Teslas in four of the five top spots.
- The numbers could have been higher, but Tesla only makes four models.
Tesla has set another record, but not one you’re likely to see touted in ads by the company, if the company ever decided to run ads. Turns out Teslas are recalled more than any other brand in America—and by a long shot.
There were 400 NTHSA recalls issued in 2022, impacting more than 25 million vehicles. Of those vehicles, Teslas scored four of the top five spots on the list, according to the price-tracking car search engine iSeeCars.com. Tesla might have scored more, but it only makes four models.
The Porsche Panamera sits at number two.
The website analyzed recall campaign data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from the last 10 model years and used that data to calculate the number of projected recalls over an expected 30-year lifespan of the cars. Does that mean it considers OTAs (Over The Air updates) as recalls? It does if NHTSA calls it a recall.
"For OTAs, we consider any recall that has a recall campaign ID from NHTSA as a recall, e.g., campaign 22V063000," said an iseecars spokesperson.
So of that, the Tesla Model Y was the highest, with 62.4 recalls projected over its 30-year lifetime, the Model 3 was third at 56.8 expected recalls in a 30-year lifetime, the Model X was fourth at 27.3, and the Model S was fifth at 26.4 expected recalls over a theoretical 30-year lifetime.
The brand with the fewest projected recalls is Mercedes-Benz, followed by Toyota and Lexus. A total of 33 car, truck, or SUV models are projected to experience one or fewer recalls in that time frame; 25 models are projected to experience at least 10.
Is it fair to project recalls? Debate all you want, but iSeeCars looked at data affecting millions of cars to make its projections—literally all models sold in America from 2014 to 2022, excluding models that were canceled or low-volume models.
“Recall rates can vary between makes and models,” said iSeeCars’ Executive Analyst Karl Brauer, “but the extreme variation in the number of recalls a car is projected to receive over its lifetime is something we didn’t expect.
Mercedes-Benz is the least recalled brand.
“For consumers who don’t want to deal with a recall, the top models offer a substantially lower risk than even average models, such as the Chevrolet Equinox or Honda Ridgeline, with four predicted lifetime recalls. Avoiding a recall by owning a highly rated model, like the Hyundai Elantra GT or Mercedes CLA, means less time spent scheduling a dealer visit, taking the vehicle in, and waiting for repairs to be made.”
What’s the model expected to face the fewest recalls based on that data? Surprisingly, the Mini Cooper Convertible will have 0.2 recalls over 30 years (unless it gets axed), followed by the Lexus NX 300h and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Mercedes CLA and Lexus RX 450h.
If you’re hoping to avoid buying a recalled model, there are variables.
“There are two critical components to think about when analyzing recalls,” said Brauer. “Obviously the number of recall campaigns is the first factor, but the timing of the campaigns is also important. Most vehicles behave like the Toyota Camry—most of their recalls are issued when they are first introduced, with a rapid decline after 1-3 years. But some cars, like the Tesla Model S, see a pattern of ongoing recalls—or even an increasing number of recalls—as time passes. Owners of vehicles with that pattern will continue to face recall hassles for years after they acquire their car.”
The 25 Most Recalled Cars
NOTE: The 25 most recalled cars are projected to have at least 10 recalls over a 30-year lifespan. Tesla’s ability to enact “over-the-air” updates suggests at least some portion of its recalls won’t involve service center visits.
To find out of your car has been recalled, type the VIN into the NHTSA website https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Share your experience with recalls—of a Tesla or other make—in the comments below.
Mark Vaughn
Mark Vaughn grew up in a Ford family and spent many hours holding a trouble light over a straight-six miraculously fed by a single-barrel carburetor while his father cursed Ford, all its products and everyone who ever worked there. This was his introduction to objective automotive criticism. He started writing for City News Service in Los Angeles, then moved to Europe and became editor of a car magazine called, creatively, Auto. He decided Auto should cover Formula 1, sports prototypes and touring cars—no one stopped him! From there he interviewed with Autoweek at the 1989 Frankfurt motor show and has been with us ever since.
FAQs
An analysis of car recalls from 2014 to 2023 by US automotive research firm iSeeCars shows that Tesla's Model Y was the most recalled car in the US. Between September 2020 and November 2023, Tesla had 24 Model Y recalls, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Is Tesla the most recalled vehicle? ›
Tesla has set another record, but not one you're likely to see touted in ads by the company, if the company ever decided to run ads. Turns out Teslas are recalled more than any other brand in America—and by a long shot. There were 400 NTHSA recalls issued in 2022, impacting more than 25 million vehicles.
What brand of car has the most recalls? ›
This is the third consecutive year Ford has led the pack as the most recalled car brand in the United States. – with 68 in 2022. There were 5,692,135 Ford vehicles affected by car recalls in 2023 – with the most notable recall being the F-150 parking lights defect.
Why Tesla is recalling nearly all its vehicles sold in the US? ›
Tesla is recalling almost 2.2 million vehicles — nearly all of the cars that it has sold in the U.S. — because the font size is too small on its instrument panel for its brake, park and antilock brake system warning lights.
Is Tesla recall nearly 200000 vehicles in the US over rearview camera bug? ›
Tesla is recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. because the backup camera may not function while the car is in reverse. The recall covers certain Models Y, S and X from the 2023 model year. All are equipped with “Full Self-Driving” computer 4.0 and run software version 2023.44.
What car brand has least recalls? ›
Brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota show up the least on the list of recalls. iSeeCars consulted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) list of recalls from 2014 to 2023 to put together its list.
Which automaker has the fewest recalls? ›
Mercedes-Benz leads the least-recalled list, followed closely by Toyota and Lexus. 33 Models are projected to experience 1 or fewer recalls over their lifespan. 25 Models are projected to experience at least 10 recalls over their lifespan. The Tesla Model Y is projected to have 62 recalls over its lifespan.
What is the least reliable car brand? ›
What is the least reliable car brand? Chrysler takes the unenviable title of the least reliable brand in the market as of December 2023. The least reliable car of the year goes to its Pacifica Hybrid.
What SUV has the least recalls? ›
The Nissan Murano is the most reliable SUV. It has a predicted reliability score of 90/100. What is the most reliable small SUV? With predicted reliability scores of 88/100, the Kia Sportage and Kia Sportage Hybrid are the most reliable small SUVs.
What is the largest vehicle recall in history? ›
1 – Takata Airbags, 2013-Present. More than two dozen automakers were forced to recall close to 70 million vehicles in the biggest auto recall in U.S. history after receiving reports of a defect in airbags from Japanese supplier Takata.
The electric car company Tesla, Inc. has faced dealership disputes in several U.S. states as a result of local laws. In the United States, direct manufacturer auto sales are prohibited in many states by franchise laws requiring that new cars be sold only by independent dealers.
What states ban Tesla dealerships? ›
Importantly, New Mexico is one of three states alongside Alabama and South Carolina that not only bans direct sales but also service centers. Seven other states—Connecticut, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin, and West Virginia—only prohibit the former.
Are Tesla cars faulty? ›
How to check for recalls. Last December, Tesla recalled more than 2 million vehicles over issues with its Basic Autopilot package. This recall affected vehicles in the 2012 and 2023 model years that are equipped with the company's Autosteer feature.
Why does Tesla have so many recalls? ›
The recall is due to problems with the automatic steering assist function and applies to 1.6 million imported Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Ys. When the automatic steering function is engaged, drivers might misuse the combined driving function, increasing a risk of accidents, the notice said.
Is it true that every Tesla has been recalled? ›
The latest recall affects certain 2012-23 Model S, 2016-24 Model X, 2017-23 Model 3, 2019-24 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles, according to NHTSA.
Why is Tesla recalling so many cars? ›
Key Takeaways. Tesla is recalling almost all of its vehicles sold in the U.S. to remedy a font size on the vehicles' warning lights panel that is too small. The recall affects 2.19 million Tesla vehicles, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and the 2024 Cybertruck.
What percentage of Teslas were recalled? ›
Tesla is recalling nearly all of the vehicles it has sold in the U.S. because some warning lights on the instrument panel are too small. The recall of nearly 2.2 million vehicles announced Friday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a sign of stepped-up scrutiny of the electric vehicle maker.
What is the biggest recall on Tesla? ›
In December, Tesla initiated a recall of about two million vehicles to update the Autopilot software and install new safeguards to prevent driver misuse. Created with sketchtool.
How many Tesla cars have been recalled? ›
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notice, the recall affects 199,575 2023 Teslas, including Model S, X and Y—with the company estimating that 100% of the listed vehicles have the defect.
