Some used vehicles carry a long recall history that can turn a bargain into a chore. Consumer Reports warnings, news summaries and federal recall counts point to specific model years that deserve extra scrutiny before purchase. Here are twelve models where one year in particular earned a flag.
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1. Ford Explorer: Thirty Recalls Deep
Jalopnik’s February 2026 rundown of Consumer Reports used-car warnings, as covered in Jalopnik’s Consumer Reports roundup, flags the 2020 Explorer, recalled 30 times so far, mostly for powertrain and rearview camera problems.
A used-car shopper should run the VIN through NHTSA to confirm that every recall repair was completed. Open recalls on a model with this many campaigns are a real possibility. Consumer Reports flags this model year specifically, so a 2019 or 2021 Explorer may carry a different record worth checking separately.
2. Tesla Model S: Twenty-Three Recalls
SlashGear’s April 2026 list of Consumer Reports used-car warnings, at SlashGear’s Consumer Reports list, flags the 2021 Model S, which has 23 NHTSA safety recalls covering self-driving, airbags, steering and forward collision avoidance.
The count includes some campaigns shared with other model years. Many Tesla recalls are handled by software updates, but buyers should still confirm completion. Consumer Reports flags the 2021 year specifically, so earlier or later Model S cars may carry fewer or different recalls.
3. Chevrolet Tahoe: Sixteen On One Year
NHTSA lists 16 recalls on the 2021 Tahoe, according to NHTSA’s 2021 Tahoe recalls, including steering assist loss, fuel pump failure that can stall the engine, and 6.2L V8 connecting rod or crankshaft defects that may cause engine failure.
Engine-related campaigns matter most for a used buyer. Anyone considering a 2021 Tahoe with the 6.2-liter should confirm the repair history for those defects. The figure comes from the NHTSA recallsByVehicle data checked in November 2026, so it reflects the current count for that model year.
4. Jeep Wrangler: Fifteen And Fire Risk
NHTSA lists 15 recalls on the 2021 Wrangler, per NHTSA’s 2021 Wrangler recalls, including a clutch pressure plate that may overheat and fracture, high-pressure fuel pump failure that stalls the engine, and a 4xe battery fire risk.
The battery recall applies to the plug-in hybrid version only. Shoppers should check which powertrain a given Wrangler has before reading the full list. The NHTSA count was checked in November 2026, so more recent campaigns may already be included in the total.
5. Ford Bronco Sport: Fires And Complaints
Jalopnik’s February 2026 summary of Consumer Reports used-car warnings, at Jalopnik’s Bronco Sport entry, flags the 2021 Bronco Sport: recalled 15 times, with about 600 NHTSA complaints, many involving fires.
Faults cited include fire-risk short circuits, oil leaks and braking problems. A buyer should insist on proof that all recall work has been done. The complaint count adds a layer beyond recalls, since owners reported problems that sometimes pushed regulators to act.
6. Toyota Tundra: Thirteen On The Tundra
SlashGear’s April 2026 list flags the 2022 Tundra with 13 NHTSA recalls, as described in SlashGear’s used-car warnings, including two for possible engine failure and two for powertrain issues.
NHTSA’s recall database counts these campaigns by model year, and the figure was checked in November 2026. Engine failure campaigns are the ones to verify on any used truck. SlashGear presents the Tundra among the most surprising models on its Consumer Reports list.
7. Chevrolet Suburban: Twelve On The Big Chevy
SlashGear’s April 2026 list flags the 2021 Suburban for 12 recalls covering airbag, seatbelt, electrical and driveshaft issues, according to SlashGear’s avoid-list summary.
NHTSA’s recall database counts these campaigns by model year, and the figure was checked in November 2026. Because the Suburban shares its platform with the Tahoe, buyers should check both histories. SlashGear counts 12 for the Suburban and 16 for the Tahoe, so the two related SUVs trail each other only slightly.
8. Rivian R1T: Startup Truck Troubles
SlashGear’s April 2026 list flags the 2022 Rivian R1T for 12 safety recalls, as covered in SlashGear’s R1T warning, including steering decoupling, chassis component failure and accelerator pedal issues on hot days.
The truck was among the earliest from a new automaker. A used buyer should confirm every campaign was addressed, especially the steering and chassis items. The R1T’s count is high for a vehicle that has only been on sale for a few years, which makes the model year a sensible one to skip or inspect.
9. Ford Escape: Eleven On The Escape
NHTSA lists 11 recalls on the 2023 Escape, according to NHTSA’s 2023 Escape recalls, including engine, fuel injector, cylinder head and high-voltage battery management system campaigns.
NHTSA’s recall database counts these campaigns by model year, and the figure was checked in November 2026. Hybrid and plug-in versions may have extra battery-related items to verify. The Escape appears in an NHTSA data table checked directly, so the count is an official figure rather than a media estimate.
10. Ford Expedition: A Transmission Warning
Jalopnik’s February 2026 summary of Consumer Reports used-car warnings, at Jalopnik’s Expedition note, flags the 2018-2019 Expedition: the 2018 has had 11 recalls, and its 10R80 transmission can suffer a drum bushing defect that causes gear slippage.
Gear slippage in a heavy SUV is a meaningful concern for towing buyers. Shoppers can ask whether the transmission has been inspected or repaired. Jalopnik’s note covers both 2018 and 2019, but the specific recall count of 11 belongs to the 2018 model.
11. Chrysler Pacifica: Seat Latches And Batteries
NHTSA lists 7 recalls on the 2021 Pacifica, according to NHTSA’s 2021 Pacifica recalls, from second-row seat latches to a side curtain airbag connector and a plug-in hybrid high-voltage battery pack fire risk.
That is the lowest count on this list, but the safety items are serious. Hybrid buyers should confirm the battery recall was completed. The model year is the one to check against the NHTSA site for any used minivan with the plug-in hybrid powertrain.
12. Ford F-150: Hybrid Reliability Flag
Jalopnik’s February 2026 summary of Consumer Reports used-car warnings, at Jalopnik’s F-150 Hybrid summary, says reliability of the 2022-2023 F-150 Hybrid is particularly poor, with trouble in the powertrain, transmission, electronics and hybrid battery.
The warning covers the hybrid version and two model years rather than the whole F-150 lineup. Used-truck shoppers can look at non-hybrid trucks or other years instead. Consumer Reports calls reliability particularly poor for these years, which makes the hybrid the one version of the F-150 to avoid.
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