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Should You Consider Buying These 10 Car Brands With The Most Recalls Of All Time?

Should You Consider Buying These 10 Car Brands With The Most Recalls Of All Time?

Apriori1 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Apriori1 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Whether you’re a car enthusiast with a long list of “must-haves” or you’re simply looking for reliable transportation to get you from A to Z, there are plenty of things to consider when choosing a new car.

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Safety is a major issue. So should we be concerned about a brand’s recall history?

Like other consumer product recalls, vehicle recalls are intended to ensure public safety. If a vehicle is recalled, the manufacturer must resolve the problem, typically by repairing, refunding, or replacing the offending part or vehicle.

Analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall database revealed which auto brands issued the most recall notices, with Ford leading the way with a total of 3,086 notices issued for its models.

Top 10 Most Recalled Car Brands

  • Ford

  • Chevrolet

  • Mercedes-Benz

  • To dodge

  • BMW

  • GMC

  • Freightliner

  • Mack

  • Volvo

  • Kenworth

Yes, recall history is one factor to consider, but it’s also important to look at recent models and safety ratings. The NHTSA allows you to look up vehicle safety ratings for individual makes, models, and years. Consumer reports and expert reviews are also valuable insight into whether a car is right for you.

Here’s a closer look at the top fiveincluding their reliability ratings according to Consumer Reports:

1. Ford

  • Historical recall data: 3,086 unique reminders.

  • Common problems: Adaptive/mobility equipment.

  • Expected reliability index: 40/100.

2. Chevrolet

  • Historical recall data: 2,127 unique reminders.

  • Common problems: Service brakes, hydraulic.

  • Expected reliability index: 43/100.

3. Mercedes-Benz

  • Historical recall data: 1,860 unique reminders.

  • Common problems: Electrical system.

  • Expected reliability index: 23/100.

4. Dodge

  • Historical recall data: 1,503 unique recalls.

  • Common problems: Service brakes, hydraulic.

  • Expected reliability index: 42/100.

5. BMW

  • Historical recall data: 1,469 unique recalls.

  • Common problems: engine and cooling system.

  • Reliability: 64/100.

Are these brands still worth buying?

Technological advancements and improved safety protocols have had an impact, so it’s important to balance recall history with current safety ratings. While past recall numbers provide important context for your purchase, they should be weighed against current safety ratings to determine whether car brands are still worth buying.

Remember, recalls aren’t necessarily a bad thing. They show that whatever the problem is, it hasn’t gone unnoticed and that the manufacturer is proactively addressing it to keep you safe.

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This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: Should You Consider Buying These 10 Car Brands With the Most Recalls of All Time?