According to a recent study by iSeeCars, Tesla is the most recalled car brand. In fact, the publication said, the Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X secure four out of the top five spots for most recalled models. Porsche also has four of the most recalled models.
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. The goal was to learn which of today's cars are expected to have the most and least recalls over the course of a 30-year lifespan.
“Looking through NHTSA’s recall data confirmed a wide spectrum of recall activity between the most and least recalled models," said iSeeCars’ Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. "A car like the Lexus NX 300h or Nissan 370Z is projected to have less than one recall over a 30-year lifespan. Conversely, the most recalled cars, including all four Tesla models, a Porsche and two Volkswagens, are projected to have between 20 and 62 recalls.”
The study showed cars with the fewest recalls have "one or fewer predicted recalls" over a 30-year lifespan, while the most recalled models are predicted have at least 10 during the same lifespan---something new car buyers should consider as they shop for a vehicle.
iSeeCar noted the average car is recalled four times over its projected 30-year lifespan. However, a car like the Tesla Model Y is expected to accumulate 62 recalls.
iSeeCars pointed out Tesla has the ability to address many recalls via over-the-air software updates. Tesla has a handful of recalls right now that do require a service visit, but an onslaught of recalls over the last year or so have been software updates, which are still considered recalls.
Just because the car doesn't have to go into the shop doesn't mean there's not a problem that could pose a safety issue. The fix may just happen to be easier on the customer.
Abby Andrews