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25 Most Recalled Cars That You Might Want To Avoid

When it comes to choosing a car, safety and reliability are top priorities for most buyers. But what if your car is prone to recalls? Recalls can be an inconvenience and, in some cases, even pose safety risks if not addressed quickly. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the most recalled cars, based on their expected lifetime recalls. These cars are projected to have between 14.7 and 70.7 recalls.

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle or simply curious about which cars might give you more trouble, keep reading! List is in order of most recalls to least. 

Porsche Taycan

Porsche Taycan
Alexandre Prevot – Porsche Taycan / Flickr

The Porsche Taycan leads the pack when it comes to the number of expected recalls. With a staggering 70.7 lifetime recalls, this high-performance electric vehicle has a recall rate that’s 21.9 times higher than the median.

Despite being a luxury car with a reputation for cutting-edge technology, the Taycan’s complex systems have caused multiple safety recalls. Many recalls are related to its software systems, including problems with the powertrain control module, which can affect acceleration and braking. These issues highlight the challenges automakers face as they integrate more advanced technologies into their vehicles.

Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y
Alexandre Prevot – Tesla Model Y / Flickr

Tesla’s Model Y, known for its sleek design and electric efficiency, follows closely with 66.9 lifetime recalls. This is 20.7 times higher than the median for cars, which is alarming for an automaker often praised for innovation.

Many of these recalls involve software and safety features, which could be frustrating for drivers who expect high standards from such a futuristic car.  Common issues include autopilot and full self-driving (FSD) problems, where the vehicle might not behave as expected. Still, Tesla has a reputation for quickly addressing issues through over-the-air updates.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3
Mike Fonseca – Tesla Model 3 / Flickr

Another Tesla, the Model 3, is not far behind with 60.7 expected recalls. Like the Model Y, the Model 3’s recall rate is driven by issues with software and safety systems, leading to a recall rate 18.8 times higher than average. Maybe this is why the car is seeing some big price decreases.

For buyers looking into electric vehicles, the high recall rates on Tesla’s best-selling models might be sogreasemething to consider, especially if you’re worried about frequent trips to the dealership.

Porsche Panamera

Porsche Panamera
nakhon100 – Porsche Panamera / Flickr

The Porsche Panamera, a luxury sedan, also has a high recall count with 43.1 expected lifetime recalls. This equates to being 13.3 times more likely to experience recalls than other vehicles.

Known for its high-end features and performance, the Panamera’s recall issues highlight that even premium brands aren’t immune to manufacturing or design flaws that require attention. Its advanced features, like air suspension systems and infotainment interfaces, have been subjects of numerous recalls. Other recalls involve the vehicle’s steering system, with problems that can affect handling. 

Lucid Air

Lucid Air
Dennis Elzinga – Lucid Air / Flickr

Lucid Motors is one of the newer players in the electric vehicle space, but its Lucid Air model has a significant recall rate of 40.1 over its lifetime. This makes it 12.4 times more prone to recalls than the average car.

Many of the recalls stem from production issues, as Lucid continues to refine its processes. Issues range from faulty electronic components to concerns with structural integrity, like seat belt and airbag malfunctions. Buyers of this high-end electric sedan should be prepared for potential safety notices along the way.

Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S
nakhon100 – Tesla Model S / Flickr

With 38.5 expected lifetime recalls, Tesla’s Model S continues the brand’s trend of high recall rates. Owners of this luxury electric vehicle can expect 11.9 times more recalls compared to the average car.

Problems like screen failures, suspension issues, and software glitches have contributed to its high recall rate. While Tesla’s innovative technology is a strong selling point, the company’s quick evolution sometimes leads to unanticipated problems that require attention.

Tesla Model X

Tesla Model X
Mario Duran-Ortiz – Tesla Model X / Flickr

The Tesla Model X, known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors, has an expected lifetime recall rate of 37.6, which is 11.6 times above the median. 

These recalls are often linked to software and structural issues, with the unique door design and sensors that fail to detect obstacles being a common point of concern. Other recalls stem from autopilot system failures and electrical malfunctions in the vehicle’s battery or drivetrain. Despite its innovative design, frequent recalls may be a concern for buyers.

Lincoln Aviator

Lincoln Aviator
toyyoda 8 – Lincoln Aviator / Flickr

The Lincoln Aviator has an expected 26.2 lifetime recalls, making it 8.1 times more likely to be recalled compared to the median. This mid-size luxury SUV from Ford’s premium brand has experienced recalls related to its safety systems and electronic features.

Owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s powertrain, software updates, and even problems with automatic emergency braking systems. Lincoln continues to push for more innovation in its vehicles, but the Aviator’s features often lead to more recalls as the company fine-tunes the technology.

Genesis GV70

Genesis GV70
Jason Lawrence – Genesis GV70 / Flickr

The Genesis GV70 is a luxury compact SUV with an expected 22.3 lifetime recalls, putting it 6.9 times above the median for vehicle recalls.

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury division, has made significant strides with its vehicles, but the GV70 compact SUV has seen numerous recalls related to its safety systems, including forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assistance.

Additionally, electronic stability control systems have been flagged in multiple recalls, requiring owners to stay on top of any updates for these critical safety features.

Kia Telluride

Kia Telluride
Jason Lawrence – Kia Telluride / Flickr

The Kia Telluride, one of the most popular SUVs on the market, has an expected recall rate of 22.2 over its lifetime, making it 6.9 times more likely to experience recalls than average.

Many of these recalls focus on malfunctioning airbags, engine failures, and issues with the powertrain, all of which can affect the vehicle’s safety on the road. Kia has been proactive in addressing these problems, but owners should be aware that regular recalls may be part of the ownership experience.

Ford Maverick

Ford Maverick
crash71100 – Ford Maverick / Flickr

Ford’s Maverick, a compact pickup truck, has an expected recall rate of 20.7, which is 6.4 times higher than the median.

This high number of recalls may surprise some, given the truck’s growing popularity for its versatility and price point. Many recalls focus on issues with its safety features, including faulty airbags and seat belts. Additionally, some recalls involve malfunctioning sensors, which can impact the truck’s ability to detect collisions and alert drivers. 

Given that the Maverick is a relatively new addition to Ford’s lineup, further recalls may occur as Ford continues refining its design.

Rivian R1S

2023 Rivian R1S
Charles – 2023 Rivian R1S / Flickr

As an all-electric SUV, the Rivian R1S has an expected 20.7 recalls over its lifetime, a recall rate that’s 6.4 times higher than average.

Rivian, as a newer player in the EV space, is still ironing out the kinks, and many of its recalls are related to production flaws or safety concerns. Problems like misaligned seats, faulty airbags, and suspension failures have been the primary culprits. 

As Rivian scales up its production, it is expected to deal with these growing pains, but early adopters of the R1S should be prepared for more recalls as the company works out these issues.

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid / KIA US

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has an expected recall rate of 20.4 over its lifetime, which is 6.3 times more than the median.

Issues with the hybrid system, electrical components, and other manufacturing defects have led to multiple recalls, so owners of this family-friendly SUV should be on the lookout for notices.

Ram 1500 Classic

2021 Ram 1500 Classic
Joost J. Bakker – 2021 Ram 1500 Classic / Flickr

The Ram 1500 Classic is known for its rugged reliability, but it still experiences a high recall rate of 19.3, or 6.0 times above the median. Many of the recalls involve safety systems and structural issues, which can be problematic for truck owners who rely on their vehicles for heavy-duty tasks. 

Ram 1500

RAM 1500
crash71100 – RAM 1500 / Flickr

Another Ram truck, the Ram 1500, follows closely with 19.1 expected recalls over its lifetime, a rate of 5.9 times more than the median. It has been recalled for many of the same issues as the 1500 Classic, such as problems with the drivetrain, suspension, and electrical systems. 

As one of the most popular trucks in the U.S., its high recall rate is concerning, especially for those who rely on the truck for both work and daily driving.

Ram trucks also make it to our list of car brands with the worst drivers

Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen Atlas 3.6 SEL 4Motion 2022
RL GNZLZ – Volkswagen Atlas 3.6 SEL 4Motion 2022 / Flickr

The Volkswagen Atlas, a mid-size SUV, has an expected recall rate of 18.5 over its lifetime, which is 5.7 times more likely to be recalled than the median.

Many of the recalls relate to electrical and structural issues, including problems with the infotainment system and safety sensors. Other recalls focus on mechanical components like the brakes and suspension, which can affect the SUV’s handling. 

Kia K5

Kia K5
crash71100 – Kia K5 / Flickr

The Kia K5, a stylish mid-size sedan, has an expected lifetime recall rate of 18.4, putting it 5.7 times above the median.

Issues with the car’s electrical components, like malfunctioning infotainment and navigation systems, have also contributed to its high recall count. Despite its stylish design and competitive price, buyers should be mindful of potential recall-related inconveniences.

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Charles – Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport / Flickr

The Atlas Cross Sport, a sportier variant of the Volkswagen Atlas, has an expected lifetime recall rate of 18.1, which is 5.6 times higher than the median.

Much like its larger sibling, the Cross Sport faces similar electrical and safety issues.  Additionally, recalls have targeted its braking system, which can fail under certain conditions. 

Ford F-150

2020 Ford F-150 Raptor
RL GNZLZ – 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor / Flickr

The iconic Ford F-150, one of America’s best-selling trucks, has an expected lifetime recall rate of 17.2, which is 5.3 times more than the median.

It has faced multiple recalls due to its complex electrical systems and mechanical components. Common issues include faulty airbags, engine problems, and malfunctioning safety sensors. 

Despite its popularity, F-150 owners should pay attention to recall notices, especially since this truck is often used in heavy-duty environments where failures can have serious consequences.

Ford Bronco

2023 Ford Bronco Raptor
UltraTech66 – 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor / Wikimedia Commons

The Ford Bronco, a rugged SUV making a recent comeback, has an expected recall rate of 17.0 over its lifetime, or 5.3 times above the median.

It has been plagued by recalls involving its suspension, steering, and electrical systems. Structural recalls, such as problems with the roof and doors, have also surfaced. As Ford continues to refine the Bronco, more recalls may be expected, especially with such a high-demand vehicle that pushes design boundaries.

Porsche 911

Porsche 911
crash71100 – Porsche 911 / Flickr

The Porsche 911, an iconic sports car, has an expected recall rate of 16.0 over its lifetime, or 4.9 times more than the median.

Although the 911 is known for its performance, its recalls mainly involve electrical systems and safety components. Recalls often target components like airbags, brakes, and seat belts, which are crucial in a high-performance vehicle. Despite its prestige, the 911’s complexity makes it prone to errors that require frequent recalls.

Kia EV6

2024 Kia EV6
Rutger van der Maar – 2024 Kia EV6 facelift / Flickr

The Kia EV6, an all-electric vehicle, has an expected lifetime recall rate of 14.9, which is 4.6 times above the median.

As Kia’s venture into the EV market, the EV6 has faced several recalls related to its battery and electrical systems. Many recalls focus on the charging system and malfunctioning electronic stability control, both of which can impact safety and performance.

Ford Bronco Sport

Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend 2023
RL GNZLZ – Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend 2023 / Flickr

Another Ford model, the Bronco Sport, shares the same expected recall rate as the Kia EV6 at 14.9, or 4.6 times above the median.

The Bronco Sport’s recalls often involve safety systems and manufacturing issues. Problems like faulty airbags, seat belts, and brakes have also been a concern. Owners of the Bronco Sport should stay vigilant about recall notices, especially since it’s marketed as an off-road capable SUV.

Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer
Dennis Elzinga – Ford Explorer / Flickr

The Ford Explorer, a family-favorite SUV, has an expected recall rate of 14.8 over its lifetime, which is 4.6 times higher than the median.

Despite its popularity, the Explorer has faced multiple recalls for problems with its powertrain, brakes, and electrical systems. Some issues also involve its faulty sensors, which can affect the vehicle’s safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.

Kia Sorento Hybrid

KIA Sorento Hybrid
Benespit – KIA Sorento Hybrid / Wikimedia Commons

The Kia Sorento Hybrid offers an eco-friendly option for families who want an SUV with great fuel economy. However, it has faced several recalls, with an expected lifetime recall rate of 14.7. Common issues include problems with the hybrid powertrain and electrical systems.

Despite the recalls, the Sorento Hybrid remains popular for its fuel efficiency and spacious interior. It’s a solid choice for those looking to cut down on gas usage while still enjoying the benefits of an SUV, but as with any vehicle, it’s important to stay on top of recall repairs.

While some of these vehicles are among the most popular on the market, they also come with a higher chance of recalls over their lifetime. If you own one of these cars or are considering purchasing one, it’s essential to stay informed about any recall notices and address them promptly to ensure your safety on the road.

Source: iSeeCars

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