We pulled the open NHTSA safety-recall count for every model in the CarScorer database and ranked them from most to fewest. A high recall count is not automatically disqualifying — popular, high-volume models attract more recalls — but it is a signal worth checking before you buy.
Source: NHTSA recalls & complaints · 25 models · Data as of July 2026
| # | Vehicle | Score | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021 Ford F-150 | 3.5 | 28 | 0 |
| 2 | 2020 BMW X3 | 2.4 | 16 | 107 |
| 3 | 2022 Ram 1500 | 3.5 | 15 | 0 |
| 4 | 2016 Ford Fusion | 1.1 | 13 | 1,651 |
| 5 | 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1.8 | 12 | 396 |
| 6 | 2021 Honda Pilot | 5.0 | 10 | 0 |
| 7 | 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe | 4.8 | 7 | 162 |
| 8 | 2021 Ford Edge | 4.4 | 7 | 95 |
| 9 | 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 5.2 | 6 | 0 |
| 10 | 2017 Jeep Cherokee | 1.3 | 6 | 1,323 |
| 11 | 2022 Hyundai Palisade | 5.2 | 5 | 0 |
| 12 | 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2.5 | 5 | 127 |
| 13 | 2021 Honda Accord | 5.5 | 4 | 211 |
| 14 | 2021 Honda Civic | 5.5 | 4 | 133 |
| 15 | 2021 Kia Sorento | 5.2 | 4 | 0 |
| 16 | 2020 Hyundai Sonata | 4.8 | 4 | 166 |
| 17 | 2021 Volkswagen Jetta | 3.7 | 4 | 65 |
| 18 | 2016 Chevrolet Cruze | 3.0 | 4 | 247 |
| 19 | 2022 Honda CR-V | 6.2 | 3 | 234 |
| 20 | 2018 Subaru Outback | 4.0 | 3 | 803 |
| 21 | 2021 Nissan Altima | 6.6 | 2 | 68 |
| 22 | 2021 Subaru Impreza | 6.6 | 2 | 14 |
| 23 | 2021 Kia Sportage | 5.9 | 2 | 46 |
| 24 | 2021 GMC Terrain | 5.1 | 2 | 33 |
| 25 | 2019 Buick Encore | 4.3 | 2 | 80 |
Recall and complaint counts come from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) public API — the same federal database regulators use — for each model's most recent year in our database. The reliability score (0.5–10.0) combines brand-tier reliability, recall volume and severity, owner-complaint volume, and documented known issues.
This is a model-level estimate from public data, not a judgment on any specific vehicle. High-volume, popular models attract more recalls and complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Always get a pre-purchase inspection. Full methodology →
Free to cite with attribution to CarScorer (carscorer.com).
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