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 September 2026
| # | Vehicle | Score | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021 Ford F-150 | 3.5 | 29 | 0 |
| 2 | 2021 Ford Explorer | 2.6 | 26 | 413 |
| 3 | 2022 Ram 1500 | 3.5 | 16 | 0 |
| 4 | 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | 2.6 | 16 | 443 |
| 5 | 2020 BMW X3 | 2.4 | 16 | 109 |
| 6 | 2021 Jeep Wrangler | 1.9 | 15 | 909 |
| 7 | 2016 Ford Fusion | 1.1 | 13 | 1,687 |
| 8 | 2021 BMW X5 | 2.4 | 12 | 102 |
| 9 | 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1.8 | 12 | 401 |
| 10 | 2021 Honda Pilot | 4.1 | 10 | 424 |
| 11 | 2021 Dodge Durango | 4.0 | 8 | 199 |
| 12 | 2021 Audi Q5 | 3.7 | 8 | 71 |
| 13 | 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe | 4.8 | 7 | 165 |
| 14 | 2022 Kia Telluride | 4.3 | 7 | 319 |
| 15 | 2021 Ford Edge | 4.0 | 7 | 107 |
| 16 | 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 4.8 | 6 | 129 |
| 17 | 2021 Ford Mustang | 4.4 | 6 | 55 |
| 18 | 2017 Jeep Cherokee | 1.3 | 6 | 1,332 |
| 19 | 2022 Hyundai Palisade | 4.3 | 5 | 302 |
| 20 | 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2.5 | 5 | 136 |
| 21 | 2021 Honda Accord | 5.5 | 4 | 226 |
| 22 | 2021 Honda Civic | 5.5 | 4 | 142 |
| 23 | 2021 Kia Sorento | 5.2 | 4 | 8 |
| 24 | 2020 Hyundai Sonata | 4.8 | 4 | 177 |
| 25 | 2021 Chevrolet Equinox | 4.4 | 4 | 91 |
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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