Tesla is the Most Recalled Brand, All Models in the Top 5 Most Recalled Cars
Tesla lives up to the EV hype, but the road hasn’t been easy. Cars, trucks, and SUVs are subject to recalls just like any other item, but Tesla is the most recalled automaker in a recent study. The Tesla Model Y EV SUV is leading the pack, which is recalled more than 15 times the average car or SUV.
Tesla is the most recalled brand out of all automakers
In a recent study, iSeeCars found that Tesla is the most-recalled automaker. This study looked at how many automotive recalls and more than 25 million vehicles in 2022, and the numbers for 2021 were even higher. 2021 showed 1,000 recalls spread over 35 million cars.
The top 10 most frequently recalled vehicles are below, with each of the Tesla models in the first five spots. The Tesla Model Y, 3, X, and S all had more recalls than other vehicles, except for the Porsche Panamera in second place.
| Model | Expected 30-Year Lifetime Recalls | Compared to the Overall Average | |
| 1 | Tesla Model Y | 62.4 | 15.60x |
| 2 | Porsche Panamera | 61.8 | 15.45x |
| 3 | Tesla Model 3 | 56.8 | 14.2x |
| 4 | Tesla Model X | 27.3 | 6.83x |
| 5 | Tesla Model S | 26.4 | 6.60x |
| 6 | Lincoln Aviator | 23.0 | 5.75x |
| 7 | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | 22.4 | 5.60x |
| 8 | Volkswagen Atlas | 20.8 | 5.20x |
| 9 | Ram 1500 | 20.5 | 5.13x |
| 10 | Ram 1500 Classic | 20.5 | 5.13x |
The Tesla Model Y is the most recalled vehicle, with 15.60x the recalls compared to the average. Over 30 years, iSeeCars anticipates it will have 62.4 recalls.
Tesla is the most recalled brand, with the most recalled cars
Tesla’s Model 3 saw 14.2% more recalls than the average vehicle and has the potential for 56.8 recalls over 30 years. The Model X and the Model S had fewer recalls but still more than most passenger vehicles will ever see. On average, the projected lifetime recalls across all cars, trucks, and SUVs is 4.0. Compared to the Model Y’s 62.4, that is a huge difference.
There are many ways to view a study like this but recalls can be a headache. More than 62 projected recalls over 30 years is a lot of time and energy fixing problems. Even if it does not impact your personal vehicle, you still might have to address the recall and take it into the shop. Some are simple Over the Air software updates, but not all recalls are that simple.
It isn’t the only factor to consider when looking for a new vehicle, but looking down the road toward many recalls might impact some decisions. It could also impact selling the EV down the road, as Tesla vehicles might still need recalls addressed in the future.
Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Toyota are on the other end of the spectrum
Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Toyota are on the other end of the spectrum. These are some of the least recalled brands, and the least recalled vehicles are below. If you spend too much time chasing recalls with your current car, truck, or SUV, check out the options below. Vehicles like the MINI Convertible, Lexus NX 300h, and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid go into the shop for a recall far less than the average. The options on this list and projected to have very few issues and less than one recall over 30 years.
| Rank | Model | Expected 30-Year Lifetime Recalls | Compared to the Overall Average |
| 1 | MINI Convertible | 0.3 | 0.05x |
| 2 | Lexus NX 300h | 0.3 | 0.08x |
| 3 | Lincoln MKZ Hybrid | 0.5 | 0.13x |
| 4 | Mercedes-Benz CLA | 0.5 | 0.13x |
| 5 | Lexus RX 450h | 0.5 | 0.13x |
| 6 | Nissan 370Z | 0.5 | 0.13x |
| 7 | Hyundai Elantra GT | 0.6 | 0.15x |
| 8 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | 0.6 | 0.15x |
| 9 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | 0.7 | 0.18x |
| 10 | Lexus IS 300 | 0.7 | 0.18x |
Even though Tesla is the most recalled brand, many fans are still willing to purchase and drive the electric vehicles. “Some cars, like the Tesla Model S, see a pattern of ongoing recalls, or even an increasing number of recalls, as time passes. Owners of vehicles with that pattern will continue to face recall hassles for years after they acquire their car,” iSeeCars’ Executive Analyst Karl Brauer said.
For now, it seems Tesla has some work to do behind the scenes. Getting one (or any) of its vehicles off the list of most recalled cars is a step in the right direction.
