The Most Reliable SUVs With Minimal Recalls Forecasted Over 30 Years
Some modern cars, trucks, and SUVs have a lot of recalls. Some brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz made the list of the least-recalled automakers. This study predicts how many recalls a vehicle might have over the next 30 years using recall data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over the last decade. The most reliable SUVs with minimal recalls projected are below. Check out some of the most reliable brands and see which SUV has more than 60 recalls over its lifetime.
One of the most reliable SUVs with minimal recalls or less is the Lexus NX 300h
Another study from iSeeCars looked at which brands and vehicles with minimal recalls projected over the next few years. In 2022 alone, 400 recalls impacted more than 25 million vehicles. In 2021, that number was 1,000 recalls for over 35 million cars. It isn’t that uncommon to have a recall on a modern vehicle, but some brands saw huge projected recall numbers.
Conversely, the Lexus NX 300h is one of the most reliable SUVs, with one recall or less projected over the next 30 years. It was also one of the most reliable brands. The NX 300h has 0.3 expected recalls over 30 years, about 0.08x compared to the average vehicle. Most cars, trucks, and SUVs will be recalled four times over 30 years. Lexus has a history of being a reliable brand, and it seems the hybrid NX trim is built to last.
On the flip side, Tesla is the most recalled brand. It actually has all four of its current lineup in the top five of most recalled vehicles. Over 30 years, the Tesla Model Y has 62.4 projected recalls. That is about 15.60 times the overall average.
The Lexus RX 450h is one of the most reliable SUVs with low recalls
The good news is that the Lexus RX 450h also made the list of the most reliable SUVs with low projected recalls. Another hybrid SUV option, the 450h, has a luxurious interior and comfortable seats. It also has only 0.5 expected recalls, making it a good choice for those who want a reliable one.
Many vehicles have a recall or two within the first few years of ownership, which tapers off after three years or so. A car like the Tesla Model S shows a pattern of ongoing recalls throughout the life of the EV. This means that drivers of the vehicle might have to spend time getting things fixed or updated to keep it running at its best.
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLC are some of the least recalled SUVs
The Mercedes-Benz brand was actually the least recalled automaker in this study. It had nine models making the list of most reliable SUVs with low projected recalls, more than any other brand. The Mercedes-Benz GLA had one of the least projected recalls for the brand, only 0.6 over 20 years. That is 0.15x compared to the average vehicle.
The GLA is one of the compact SUVs in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, offering a luxury experience and a fairly reasonable cost. The GLC also made the list with low projected recalls for a midsize option. Mercedes had many sedans and SUVs on the list of models with the fewest safety recalls, and the brand has a strong history of quality.
While reputation isn’t the only factor to consider when getting ready to find a new car, it certainly is a positive attribute. iSeeCars’ Executive Analyst Karl Brauer, says, “Avoiding a recall by owning a highly rated model, like the Hyundai Elantra GT or Mercedes CLA, means less time spent scheduling a dealer visit, taking the vehicle in, and waiting for repairs to be made.” For now, Lexus, Mercedes, and Toyota still lead the pack for the most reliable SUVs and most dependable brands.