The excitement of buying a new car can turn to anxiety if the vehicle ends up needing frequent repairs. And once the car’s warranty expires, those fixes can quickly become expensive.
Recently, Consumer Reports asked its members to report the problems they have had with their vehicle during the prior 12 months. The publication then compiled the data on about 380,000 vehicles for the model years 2000 to 2025, plus a handful of 2026 models.
Based on their study of 20 problem areas — from minor to serious — here are Consumer Reports’ least reliable car brands, followed by the most reliable brands.
1. Rivian
Average predicted reliability for this automaker: 24 (on a scale of 1 to 100)
For years, the electric vehicle startup Rivian has struggled to produce reliable vehicles, Consumer Reports says. Quality and EV powertrain issues continue to dog the automaker.
Consumer Reports notes that such issues also plagued EV-maker Tesla in its early years. However, Tesla recorded the biggest improvement in reliability among any vehicle brand in Consumer Reports’ latest annual survey, the publication says. It’s possible that Rivian could follow a similar trajectory as the company matures.
2. Ram
Average predicted reliability for this automaker: 26 (on a scale of 1 to 100)
While current Ram drivers may be frustrated with the vehicles’ lack of reliability, the future may be a bit brighter for shoppers who purchase a brand-new Ram.
Consumer Reports says although used Ram trucks score on the “low end for reliability,” new models have risen into the middle of the pack.
3. Jeep
Average predicted reliability for this automaker: 28 (on a scale of 1 to 100)
Consumer Reports says the Jeep Grand Cherokee consistently scores below average. The Grand Cherokee PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) gets even worse marks and is characterized as having “well-below-average reliability.”
The rest of the worst-rated brands
Here are the rest of the brands that received low marks in Consumer Reports’ subscriber survey, along with their average predicted reliability (on a scale of 1 to 100):
- GMC: 31
- Chrysler: 31
- Genesis: 33
- Lincoln: 40
The most reliable car brands
If you are shopping for a new car, drivers say two brands are especially reliable.
Toyota gets the highest marks, scoring 66 out of 100. Consumer Reports says the carmaker has fixed issues with past redesigns on vehicles such as the Camry, Tacoma and Tundra. As a result, all three vehicles have seen their reliability ratings jump. The rest of the vehicles in Toyota’s lineup all have reliability that is average or better.
Subaru finishes in second place with a score of 63. The year before, the carmaker took first-place honors. The Impreza is Subaru’s most reliable model.
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