FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

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

Orange BMW with windshield wipers sticking up.
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 18, 2026

Inventory of New Units Stable

Auto brands spent April clearing out most of their 2025 supply with incentives while holding firm on 2026 prices, striking a balance to meet demand and protect their bottom lines.

Read More →
Car exhaust pipe blowing exhaust.
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 18, 2026

Auto Trade Group Supports Emissions Delay

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation announced its support of a delayed timeline for federal emission standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles.

Read More →
interior car dashboard, infotainment system, showing rearview backup camera
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 13, 2026

Backup Cameras Causing Concern

Research has shown that the devices bring significant safety benefits, though many recalled U.S. units have yet to be repaired.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover image for a BOK Financial report titled “Timing the market: How avoiding volatility entirely can hurt long-term reinsurance program performance.” The image shows several road construction barricades with flashing amber warning lights lined up in a nighttime work zone. Beneath the image, red text explains that avoiding volatility can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long-term surplus growth. The BOK Financial logo appears at the bottom right.
SponsoredMay 8, 2026

Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance

For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.

Read More →
Closeup photo of 'airbag' stamp on a car dash
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 6, 2026

Air Bag Inspections Urged

ASE has issued guidance for service technicians to inspect units in vehicles they work on to ensure they’re not suspect air bags linked to deaths.

Read More →
aerial view of Fireside Honda in Ohio
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceMay 6, 2026

Michigan Auto Group Acquires Ohio Rooftops

Feldman Automotive Group added two new brands, Honda and Toyota, to its portfolio with its latest acquisition of four Fireside dealerships in Ohio.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
BMW i Ventures Fund III $300 million
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 4, 2026

BMW Group Invests in AI

Its venture capital arm, BMW i Ventures’, third fund will focus on agentic and physical artificial intelligence, as well as sustainable industrial processes and materials.

Read More →
Jim Pernas and Todd Lawrence
Industryby Lauren LawrenceApril 29, 2026

Subaru Exec Retires, Role Evolves

Subaru of America is revamping its fixed operations department to emphasize the automaker’s commitment to enhancing customer ownership experience.

Read More →
road winding through redwood trees, California EV Market Cools, F&I and Showroom logo
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceApril 22, 2026

California Holds EV Lead Despite Annual Decline

At nearly 14%, California had the lowest zero-emission vehicle market share in the first quarter since the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Portrait of Todd Sands with Brown & Brown branding, announcing his appointment as chief revenue officer and vice president of alternative markets.
Industryby StaffApril 20, 2026

Brown & Brown Appoints Executive

The new chief revenue officer joins the company from one of its partner firms and is an industry thought leader in participation programs.

Read More →