On March 20th of this year, Yahoo Autos compiled a list of the top 14 most recalled vehicles of all time. In light of the recent recalls that General Motors has suffered though, we suspected that there might be a Chevy or two on the list. Much to our surprise, and we are sure that the Ford enthusiasts that take every opportunity to point at the massive GM recall last year will be surprised too.
In quick summary of the list of 14 vehicles and the score: Chevrolet 0. Ford 4.
What vehicles are on the list of the top 14 most recalled? Glad you asked! Here they are in order of least recalls to most:
1996 Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager
Recalled 11 times because of a series of problems with their integrated rear child seat. It took several recalls to fix the problem which boosted the recall totals. The last recall was in 2002, so the problem seems to be fixed. Save the children!
2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Also recalled 11 times. After a major redesign, the venerable Cherokee name was hit with a plethora of recalls ranging from bad air bags to seat heaters that could overheat. That will put a fire in your behind.
2010 Toyota Tundra/2002 Toyota Tacoma
Recalled 12 times. Toyota and vehicle speed control problems seem to be happening a lot. Other recalls involved the axle shaft, seat heaters, tire pressure monitoring system, and air bags. Don’t step on the gas!
2013 Ford Escape
Also recalled 12 times. Embarrassingly, one of the recalls was to fix a problem with a fuel line caused by a previous recall. Doh!
2000 Ford Focus
Recalled 12 times. The blue oval’s answer to the environmental concerns of the left. Manufacturing and engineering issues led to a whole lot of recalls here. Save the whales.
2002 GMC Envoy
13 recalls for this midsize truck-based SUV that General Motors launched in 2002. This is the single GM vehicle on the list.
2001 Mazda Tribute
This Ford captive import logged 13 recalls. It’s basically the same vehicle as the 2001 Ford Escape. Save the whales part II.
2002 Honda CR-V
13 recalls for Honda’s mini SUV that hipsters love. The problems mostly centered around the Honda air bag plague. A couple of electrical issues and seat belt installation problems added to the total. Hipsters beware.
2000 Ford Windstar
The Windstar was a recall windfall with a total of 14. Corroded suspension leading to cracked axles and steering failure led to a buy back offer from Ford. Save the Explorer!
These three tied for the worst recall record:
1997 Ford F-150
16 recalls for the pride of the blue oval. Ouch.
1994 Dodge Ram
16 recalls that covered the full range of problems. From engine fires and leaking fuel to rearview mirror glass that was not convex. “That thing got a HEMI in it?”
2001 Honda Civic
Another vehicle that scored high because of air bag problems. 16 recalls with the most recent recall in November 2014.
Review
Just to cover the bases again, Chevy had no vehicles in the top 14 most recalled vehicles of all time. Ford topped the list with the Ford F150 in 1997, with the 2000 Windstar right behind. True, the GM recall concerning the ignition switch was a pretty large problem for the company last year, but when stacked against the other companies in a mono-a-mono comparison, Chevrolet fairs better than all the rest.