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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.

April 10, 2026
Photo of the rear of a Mercedes GLC 400 electric SUV with a skyline in the background

Mercedes models make up nine of the top 10 models with the fewest projected lifetime recalls.

Credit:

Mercedes


2 min to read


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.

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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.

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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.

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