10 Least Reliable Cars

Jon Linkov
·3 min read
2

Consumer Reports' surveys reveal the models with the greatest risk of problems

Volkswagen Tiguan

By Jon Linkov

and Steven Elek

One of the main reasons people buy a brand-new car is the promise of a no-hassle ownership experience, free from the drip, drip, drip of service problems that set in as cars age. Nonetheless, CR’s exclusive Annual Auto Surveys tell us that some buyers will be taking their brand-new car back to the dealer’s service department sooner and more often than other car buyers will.

The models featured here are the 10 least reliable vehicles. (For more details, check out our Guide to Car Reliability.)

Our surveys take a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We study 17 trouble areas, from nuisances—such as squeaky brakes and broken interior trim—to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs and trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weigh the severity of each type of problem to create a predicted reliability score for each vehicle. To be considered for this list, we must have at least two model years of data in calculating the predicted reliability score.

Based on that analysis, these models are the least reliable. They’re presented in rank order, counting down to the least reliable model. Each is shown with its reliability score on a scale of 1 to 100.

For more details on each model’s reliability history, click through to their respective model pages.

See our complete guide to car reliability and our reliability FAQ for more information on how we survey and analyze reliability data.

Subaru Ascent
Reliability: 18

2022 Subaru Ascent

Trouble spots: Transmission, power equipment, brakes, in-car electronics, climate system.

Chrysler Pacifica
Reliability: 18

2022 Chrysler Pacifica

Rating also applies to Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
Trouble spots: Transmission, power equipment, drive system, engine.

Tesla Model Y
Reliability: 18

2022 Tesla Model Y

Trouble spots: Body hardware, paint & trim, climate system, noises & leaks.

Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliability: 17

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Trouble spots: Brakes, noises & leaks, drive system, power equipment.

Volvo XC90
Reliability: 17

2022 Volvo XC90

Trouble spots: Brakes, climate system, body hardware, drive system.

Chevrolet Corvette
Reliability: 13

2022 Chevrolet Corvette

Trouble spots: Engine, transmission, drive system, paint & trim.

Chevrolet Silverado
Reliability: 11

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Rating also applies to GMC Sierra 1500.
Trouble spots: Engine, drive system, transmission, power equipment, in-car electronics.

Ford Mustang
Reliability: 9

2022 Ford Mustang

Trouble spots: Steering/suspension, transmission, power equipment, brakes, drive system, in-car electronics.

Ford Explorer
Reliability: 8

2022 Ford Explorer

Trouble spots: Transmission, power equipment, in-car electronics, drive system, noises & leaks.

Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 5

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Trouble spots: Power equipment, climate system, engine, in-car electronics, noises & leaks.



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