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Whether you’re a car enthusiast with a long list of ‘must-haves’ or simply looking for a reliable vehicle to get you from A to Z, there are a lot of things to think about when choosing a new car.

Safety is important, so should you be concerned about a brand’s recalls?

As with other consumer recalls, vehicle recalls are intended to keep the public safe. When a vehicle is recalled, the manufacturer must fix the problem, usually by repairing, refunding, or replacing the problematic part or vehicle.

Analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database has revealed which auto brands have issued the most recalls. Ford is number one with a total of 3,086 recalls for its models.

Top 10 Most Remembered Car Brands

• ford
• Chevrolet
• Mercedes-Benz
• Clever trick
• BMW
• GMC
• Cargo plane
• Easy
• 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 lets you search for vehicle safety ratings for individual makes, models, and years. Consumer Reports and expert reviews are also a valuable snapshot to help you determine if a car is right for you.

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

1. Ford

• Historical memory data: 3,086 unique recalls.
• Common issues: Adaptive/mobility equipment.
• Expected reliability rating: 40/100.

2.Chevrolet

• Historical memory data: 2,127 unique recalls.
• Common issues: Service brakes, hydraulic.
• Expected reliability rating: 43/100.

3. Mercedes-Benz

• Historical memory data: 1,860 unique recalls.
• Common issues: Electrical system.
• Expected reliability rating: 23/100.

4. Avoid

• Historical memory data: 1,503 unique recalls.
• Common issues: Service brakes, hydraulic.
• Expected reliability rating: 42/100.

5. BMW

• Historical memory data: 1,469 unique recalls.
• Common issues: engine and cooling system.
• Reliability: 64/100.

Are these brands still worth buying?

Advances in technology and improved safety protocols have had an impact, so it’s important to balance recall history with current safety ratings. While past recall figures provide important context for your purchase, they should be weighed against current safety ratings to determine if auto brands are still worth buying.

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

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