13 Car Brands That Give Owners the Most Headaches

A new car that starts off as a thrill can end up as a bad headache.

The quality of today’s new cars is sinking fast. J.D. Power’s latest annual U.S. Initial Quality Study ranked cars from the 2023 model year based on the number of problems per 100 vehicles and found that those problems are rising sharply.

The industry average in the study was 192 problems per 100 vehicles, which was an increase of 30 problems per 100 vehicles from 2021.

In a few cases, automakers are holding their own. For more on that, check out “The 26 Best New Car Models for Quality.”

But many other models are not faring so well. Following are the car brands that give owners the most headaches.

Mitsubishi

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 193 per 100 vehicles

Mitsubishi has been making cars since as far back as 1917. In the 1970s, the Japanese manufacturer began selling vehicles in the U.S. under the Chrysler brand. Within a decade, it had gone autonomous by establishing Mitsubishi Motors North America.

Toyota

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 194 per 100 vehicles

Toyota has been manufacturing vehicles for three-quarters of a century. Today, its car models are among the most popular in the world.

Ford

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 201 per 100 vehicles

Arguably the most iconic of all automakers, Ford has been producing autos since 1903. Henry Ford, the company’s founder, was one of the most celebrated innovators in the history of business.

Mercedes-Benz

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 201 per 100 vehicles

The Mercedes-Benz brand is practically synonymous with premium, luxury vehicles. The German company even invented the air bag in 1980.

Land Rover

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 203 per 100 vehicles

The Land Rover brand conjures the romance of exploring over rough roads in the great outdoors. The manufacturer itself trumpets Land Rover’s “unique marriage of capability and composure.”

Mazda

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 203 per 100 vehicles

Mazda is perhaps best known for its rotary engine technology. This unique type of engine construction provides higher power output when compared with a cylinder engine. Use of the rotary engine was discontinued in 2012, but it is making a comeback with the MX-30 R-EV.

Acura

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 207 per 100 vehicles

Acura is a luxury brand owned by legendary Japanese automaker Honda. It first arrived in the U.S. and Canada in 1986.

Lincoln

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 208 per 100 vehicles

Lincoln was once known for producing vehicles for limousine and livery services. Today, the automaker focuses on crossovers and SUVs.

Infiniti

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 212 per 100 vehicles

Infiniti is a luxury brand founded in 1989. The automaker says its “minimalist design” is grounded in its Japanese heritage.

Audi

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 221 per 100 vehicles

Audi is a German luxury brand. It is “known for technology and style as much as its performance,” according to Consumer Reports.

Volkswagen

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 249 per 100 vehicles

Volkswagen is a German brand with a storied history that includes the beloved and iconic Beetle. The manufacturer’s vehicles appeal to those who like a simple, conservative look.

Chrysler

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 250 per 100 vehicles

Like Ford, Chrysler has the pedigree of an iconic American carmaker. Founded in the 1920s, it is now the American subsidiary of Stellantis, a multinational automotive company.

Volvo

Number of problems reported by owners of this car brand: 250 per 100 vehicles

Volvo is a Swedish manufacturer of luxury vehicles. The company’s models have had a longstanding reputation for safety.