Brands Weighed on Projected Recalls
Research reveals the brands and models most likely to have higher recall rates over their lifetimes. While some brands rank high, addressing safety issues can be a selling point.

Mercedes models make up nine of the top 10 models with the fewest projected lifetime recalls.
Mercedes
Mercedes vehicles are the least likely to be recalled, based on the past 12 months of recall activity.
Data compiled by iSeeCars.com show that the German automaker’s models make up nine of the 10 models with the fewest projected recalls.
The automotive search engine and research website examined recall statistics between April 2025 and March of this year to arrive at its findings.
Having a low recall projection rate can obviously be a selling point for a brand, and Mercedes bested all competitors in that regard.
One the other end of the scale, Ford is the brand with the most recalls by far, according to the study. The Detroit-area automaker recalled more units than its combined competitors, iSeeCars said. But that’s not necessarily a negative.
Ford said last year that it was focusing on going “the extra mile to help protect customers” and that it’s made big strides in improving vehicle quality. The automaker’s models make up 12 of the 25 vehicles with the most projected lifetime recalls, iSeeCars said.
For brand dealers, recalls can help foster customer loyalty and bring new service business.
Among nonlegacy brands, Tesla has four models in the 16 most recalled models with its Y, 3, X and S, according to the research. Though many of its recalls are over-the-air updates, owners must still sometimes bring their cars to the maker for recall repairs involving such fixes.
The volume of recalled vehicles is so far up year to date, iSeeCars said, though volume fell to an 11-year low last year, according to Sedgwick.
To see the full projected recalls ranking by model, visit iSeeCars’ report webpage.
More Industry

California Launches EV Rebate Program
Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.
Read More →
UN Advances Fully Autonomous Vehicle Framework
While such cars aren’t on the public market yet, the United Nations established a safety-focused regulatory framework that's endorsed by the U.S.
Read More →
Another Carmaker Embraces Robots
Mitsubishi and a Japan-based startup plan to make humanoids at a home-country factory to use in auto manufacturing and to sell to others.
Read More →
Auto Workforce Impacted by Skills Gaps
The transition to electric vehicles has impacted the automotive workforce in many ways, including the need for education and skills training on emerging technologies.
Read More →
Auto Group Transitions to Employee Ownership
An Ohio-based automotive group transitioned to 100% employee ownership, or an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, with the stated intent of supporting its legacy and growth.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Early Service Introductions
In this video, Josh Krach explains how early service introductions can help each department in the dealership.
Read More →
Automakers Develop Car Sanitizer
Hyundai and Kia say the particular ultraviolet light used in the technology has been demonstrated to kill the vast majority of a potentially harmful bacterium inside a vehicle.
Read More →
European EV Market Hits Record
Seven out of the top 10 electric vehicles sold so far in 2026 in Europe are by European brands, and automakers are seeing the power train fill up their order books.
Read More →
Used EVs Outpace New
While North American electric-vehicle sales remain down year-over-year, May sales saw a 3% increase from April’s numbers as used EVs led the market.
Read More →