These Car Brands Make The Least Reliable Cars, According To Consumer Reports
At the end of the day, though, one of your top considerations should be reliability. Because the point of a car isn't just to get you where you're going -- it's to get you back home again, too. Over the decades, certain badges have developed reputations for dependability, whether through precision engineering or raw brute toughness. But car companies change ownership and priorities all the time in their hunt for the bottom of the bottom line, and what once was true may no longer be. Which carmakers make reliable vehicles these days?
Fortunately, the good people at Consumer Reports have combed through their massive list of member surveys, averaging out problem rates with a focus on more recent models. According to them, these are the least reliable car brands on sale today.
Read more: The Least Reliable Cars, Trucks And SUVs You Can Buy In 2025, According To Consumer Reports
"German engineering" used to be a byword for dependable engineering, especially for vehicles, especially for cars. While the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are often out of reach for the wallet of the everyman, Volkswagen, the "People's Car," was the carmaker whose mission was to bring that engineering excellence to the masses. Over the decades, trusty models like the Golf and the Jetta have been great all-around options for buyers, and they can be found on any road in the world to this day.
Unfortunately, they might be broken down on the side of that road. The People's Car manages only a very plebeian 18th place out of 22 CR's predicted reliability ranking, a bottom-five finish. By contrast, Audi, a sibling within the Volkswagen Group, sits in the upper third with a 7th-place rating. The people do deserve an affordable car, but they should not have to sacrifice dependability for it.
If you're going to beat the Nazis, you need a 4x4 that can get you anywhere. Whether through freezing snow or muddy tracks, in the woods or across rivers, that car just has to work. The humble Jeep might not be the reason the good guys won World War II, but they sure wouldn't have won it without the Jeep.
Good thing the Allies weren't using modern Jeeps, then. The original design's descendants only average out to 19th place out of 22 on CR's predicted reliability ranking, which rather cuts against its branding as go-anywhere vehicles. And it only gets worse with age, as Consumer Reports ranks Jeep at a lowly 25th place out of 26 on its reliability ranking for used cars, or second-to-last place. While still an iconic American brand with that distinctive seven-slot grill, the marque's sales have been in decline since 2018 as prices have surged. Still, if ever there was a car brand that could be the plucky underdog making a comeback against impossible odds, it's Jeep.
GMC builds its reputation on being rugged and tough. Its trucks are supposed to be muscular workhorses that could haul a space rocket up a mountain and not complain about it. Even the cheapest SUV in its current lineup is called the Terrain, in case you had any doubts about what it's meant to tackle. GMC even brought the Hummer back as an EV, both in SUV and truck trim, to make toughness environmentally friendly.
Surely such swole vehicles must be bulletproof, right? Well, according to Consumer Reports, it just isn't so. GMC vehicles average out to a rather dim 20th place out of 22 on predicted reliability, making the brand seem like something of a paper tiger. The GMC Canyon was cited for especially poor reliability, meaning you might not want to drive one into an actual canyon any time soon, at least if you'd like to drive it back out again.
More than any other brand, Cadillac has defined American automotive luxury through the decades. Once famous for crafting beautiful land yachts, these days the marque makes sporty luxury cars like the CT4-V and CT5-V Blacking, as well as gigantic road hogs like the Escalade. While it may have lost its ultra-luxury status to the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley, it's trying to reclaim their right to that crown with the all-electric $350,000 Celestiq (pictured), which might as well be a land superyacht.
Sadly, if Cadillacs were boats, they might be likely to sink. Consumer Reports rates the brand's predicted reliability at a woeful 21st place out of 22, putting it second-to-last overall. In particular, the EV Lyriq was cited as being a problem child among all modern cars. This does appear to be a more recent problem, as CR ranks Cadillac a commendable 10th place out of 26 on its ranking of used-car reliability. Here's hoping the make can get its modern cars back up to that standard.
All-electric carmaker Rivian first began delivering vehicles in the form of vans exclusively for Amazon in 2019, before offering the R1S SUV and the R1T pickup truck for consumers in 2022. The latter have been widely well received; we praised the R1S in our original review as a fantastic blend of fast, rugged off-road, and luxurious. In addition, Consumer Reports cites it as the No. 1 brand for owner satisfaction, and the only brand to gain a perfect satisfaction score.
Sounds pretty good! Sadly, the brand also has a pretty big catch: Rivian ranks dead last on CR's predicted reliability scores, 22nd place out of 22. Of course, this might not be a huge shock, given that its Amazon vans keep catching on fire. As a newer manufacturer, hopefully these are just teething pains that will get worked out. Otherwise, while Rivians might be nice to take off-road, they might not make it back onto the roads again.
Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox...
Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
2 hours ago
- Time Business News
How to Choose the Right Jeep Suspension Kit for Off-Roading
The right suspension set-up is a must for off-roading! It affects your Jeep's capability and safety! Off-roading is all about exploration of forest trails, climbs over rocks, or drives on muddy backroads! For such expeditions, you need a suspension system that keeps your Jeep stable. However, choosing the right suspension kit can be tricky- given the myriad of choices available! That said, it may help understand what to look for- and how different kits can affect your performance! Doing so may help you in making an informed choice as per your requirements and your Jeep's limits. Before anything else, it is important to think about how your Jeep is actually used. If you are spending most of your time on paved roads and enjoy a few trail adventures, you may only need a moderate lift. For this sort of usage, a kit providing two or three inches of lift may provide enough clearance for slightly larger tires. It also uplifts aesthetics- and that too without compromising the daily drivability. However, if you plan to do serious off-roading- like mud runs or rock crawling- you will need something more aggressive! For this, you require a suspension lift in the four-inch range or higher! It makes for more space for oversized tires and better axle articulation. This will make a considerable difference for climbs or descends on steep hurdles. Jeep suspension kits fall into a few main categories. Each of these is designed for specific goals. These are common and usually easier to install! They replace the factory control arms with slightly longer ones. This is done to accommodate lift without radically changing the Jeep's geometry. These kits are best for moderate trail use and daily driving. These go a step further by repositioning the control arm mounting points! This facilitates more axle articulation and better ride quality; particularly on uneven terrain. These kits usually need to be cut or welded; and are better suited for experienced off-roaders – or those using their Jeeps mainly on the trail. These are simpler options that raise the Jeep via spacers or extended springs. While these do not drastically change your suspension layout, they are a solid choice for beginners who want to improve clearance without a full suspension upgrade. If maximum performance is the goal, some of the best Jeep lift kits offer coil springs, control arms, and longer shocks together. These kits are usually designed to work in sync! This way, they offer more durability and performance- even under the most extreme conditions. Every Jeep is different, and suspension kits aren't the same either. So, do check that the kit you are considering is made for your Jeep's specific year and model. Even the smallest dissimilarities in frame design or wheelbase can cause installation problems or poor performance. This can happen if you overlook compatibility. Another thing to consider is the chain reaction that a suspension lift can trigger. Bigger lifts usually require longer brake lines, re-geared differentials, and driveshaft modifications. These are required to ensure everything keeps working safely. These added costs can surprise many Jeep owners. It is vital to think practically, too! If you use the Jeep as a daily drive too, a very tall lift can make it hard to enter/exit the vehicle; particularly for passengers or pets. Higher lifts can also raise the Jeep's center of gravity. This could affect handling on highways or in emergency maneuvers. That said, it is imperative to find that right balance between performance and comfort. When it comes to choosing the right Jeep suspension kit, it is vital to factor in not just the lift height. You can also explore professional guides and insights at SpurtSEO to make the best choice. You must ensure your requirements are also in line with the demands of off-roading, as well as daily driving. It is hence important to consider how your Jeep is used. Learn the differences between kit types and plan the installation and maintenance accordingly. This enables you to make the right selection. So, take the time to choose carefully and have the confidence that your Jeep can handle any path you choose. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Developer unveils AI-powered innovation that could boost EV performance: 'Making a significant contribution'
German engineers are taking more precise measurements inside the cramped, hot confines of electric vehicle motors. And their innovative diagnostic setup will have range-boosting potential, according to a news release from developer ZF. The product, called TempAI, uses artificial intelligence to improve temperature control by 15%. It's an invention that boosts efficiency, reduces the need for rare and expensive materials, and shortens development times from months to days, per ZF. "We are proud to bring this innovation into series production and thus making a significant contribution to more efficient e-mobility," Otmar Scharrer, ZF's head of development for electrified powertrain technology, said in the release. Generally, electric motors use power from the battery to drive the wheels. Cooling systems, controllers, and other tech are typically part of the setups, per the U.S. Department of Energy. ZF's AI software doesn't require more hardware add-ons. The temperature analysis requires low energy but provides fast, actionable metrics for existing control units. As a result, the motors can operate to their safest limit, giving 6% more peak power, while reducing energy consumption up to 18%. The performance was proved during testing, according to ZF. "This technology enables us to further increase the efficiency and reliability of our drives. At the same time, TempAI demonstrates how data-driven development can be not only faster, but also more sustainable and more powerful," Dr. Stefan Sicklinger, head of AI, digital engineering, and validation in research and development, said in the release. AI is being used by experts at the University of Liverpool to develop a better EV battery electrolyte. In China, advanced computing is helping scientists better understand nuclear fusion reactors. At ZF, it is giving experts an inside look at e-motors through millions of data points. "TempAI is a real technological breakthrough for the temperature management of electric drives." Scharrer said in the release. The improved performance could help increase already strong EV numbers. BloombergNEF reported that experts expect 22 million EVs to be sold globally this year. It would be a 25% jump from last year. Would you be more likely to get an EV if it came with a free home charger? Definitely Depends what the car costs Depends how fast it charges Not really Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. That's despite slowing numbers stateside — mainly due to fossil-friendly energy policy that leverages "a mighty federal arsenal," according to Politico. EV tax credits worth up to $7,500 are being retired years early, on Sept. 30, CNBC reported. The clean energy cutbacks are part of President Donald Trump's spending bill. Still, certain states provide their own incentives. That's in addition to the approximately $1,500 a year EV owners can save in gas and service costs. What's more, each EV that replaces a gas-guzzling ride prevents thousands of pounds of heat-trapping air pollution annually, according to the DOE. Tailpipe exhaust and other fumes are released when fossil fuels are burned, polluting the air with toxic substances that contribute to 6.5 million deaths worldwide a year, per the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Hastening the shift to cleaner transportation can help clear the air. At ZF, the team thinks its AI-powered motor monitoring will be an important process during development that replaces costly measurements taken during operation and improves EV performance. "The result: more power, less unused reserves — and a leap in efficiency that pays off," per the release. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
USA Today
8 hours ago
- USA Today
New or used? Trump's tax break changes the math for car buyers.
For value-minded consumers, used cars are generally considered a better deal than new cars. Does the new Trump tax break change that equation? The One Big Beautiful Bill Act promises 'No Tax on Car Loan Interest.' It's one of several novel tax cuts in the new law. Here's what the 'no tax' provision actually means: Between now and 2028, car buyers may deduct the interest they pay on new car loans. The tax break goes away in 2029. There are several caveats. Among them: President Donald Trump tailored the tax break to reward automakers for building vehicles in America, and consumers for buying them. Is the 'Big Beautiful' tax break a game-changer? Is the new deduction big enough to change the dynamics of the car marketplace? Probably not, experts say. 'It may very slightly privilege the vehicles that are built domestically,' said Sean Tucker, lead editor at Kelley Blue Book. 'But in the end, we don't think this will have too much of an impact. It's just not a big number, and it's not going to be around for a while.' First of all, let's make this clear: The tax break is a deduction, not a credit. Tax credits reduce how much tax you owe: A $10,000 tax credit lowers your tax bill by $10,000. Tax deductions reduce your taxable income. If you're paying a 22% tax rate, a $10,000 deduction lowers your tax bill by $2,200. 'The $10,000 sounds really, really good, but the final number on the tax savings will be a surprise for a lot of taxpayers,' said Miklos Ringbauer, a CPA in Southern California. In practice, few taxpayers are likely to ring up anywhere near $10,000 in deductible interest on a new-car loan, according to auto-industry experts. Consumer Reports estimates the average buyer might save about $500 a year with the new tax break, 'which isn't nothing,' said Keith Barry, senior autos reporter. 'But the difference in cost between a new car and a used one could easily be in the thousands of dollars.' A $23k price gap separates new and used cars The average new car sold for $48,907 in June, according to Kelley Blue Book. The average used car listed for $25,512 in early July. The price difference works out to just over $23,000. All else being equal, that figure – $23,000 – is how much you'd have to save from the new tax deduction to make a new car a better deal than a used one. 'We're finding that on the average loan now, the buyer's paying about $2,000 a year in interest,' Tucker said. The new tax break, he said, 'would save them about $400.' With $400 in annual savings, it would take about 58 years to save $23,000 on a new car loan. Car loans are getting longer, but not that long. Of course, there are good reasons why new cars cost more than used ones. A new car is likely to last longer than a used vehicle. New cars often have generous warranties. Repair costs rise with the age of the vehicle. New car buyers pay a premium Car buyers pay an inordinate premium for new vehicles. An old axiom holds that a new car loses $1,000 in value when you drive it off the lot. That figure is hopelessly dated, given the rising cost of new cars. In fractional terms, new vehicles lose at least 10% of their value on the first day you own them, and 10% to 15% percent of value per year after that, according to Bankrate. Another perk for new car buyers: New-car loans tend to carry lower interest rates than used-car loans. The average annual percentage rate in June was 10.9% for used vehicles, 7.3% for new ones, according to Edmunds. Because borrowing costs are lower for new cars, a tax deduction on the interest might be less meaningful on those transactions, car experts say. However, the tax break could prove useful for new-car buyers with lower credit scores, because they tend to pay higher interest rates. 'It actually helps the people in the most need,' said Ivan Drury, director of insights at Edmunds. 'If you are repairing your credit, if you have tarnished credit, if you have no credit, this stands to benefit you the most.' How to determine if a car was 'made in USA' Trump's new-car tax break may not be a game-changer, analysts say, but it could nudge some new-car buyers toward vehicles assembled in the United States. Roughly half of new vehicles sold in the United States last month were manufactured in this country, Drury said. To qualify for the deduction, a car or truck must have its 'final assembly' in the United States. That information is listed on a vehicle information label, generally affixed to the car window at the dealership. A federal VIN Decoder can also tell you where a vehicle was assembled. Don't assume 'imports' are built in other countries. Many are assembled in U.S. plants. And many 'American' cars are assembled abroad. If you walk into a new car showroom any time soon, the sales staff will probably have the information at their fingertips. 'Is the dealer going to talk this up?' Drury said. 'You'd better believe it.'
