Consumer Reports magazine released their annual automotive reliability report this week. This resource is good to consider as you shop for new cars.
Data for the report comes from Consumer Reports members. Over 300,000 vehicles were sampled from the 2000 to 2022 model years, addressing 17 trouble areas. That information is used to give reliability ratings for every major mainstream model.
Related article: 2021 Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Report
Brand Ranking
The chart below shows the predicted reliability score, with the average rating falling between 41 and 60 points. For a brand to be ranked, Consumer Reports must have sufficient survey data for two or more models.
Top 10 Model Standouts
We all love a top ten list, so here are the ten most reliable and ten least reliable models from this year’s report:
Observations
I know most of you know how to read a chart, but here are my thoughts on this year’s findings:
- It is no surprise that Toyota and Lexus are at the top of the list, but look at the huge gains made by BMW! They’ve done some real work to get their issues out of the way.
- Conversely, Chevrolet and Buick took some big hits. I’m sure Silverado hurt Chevrolet with the chip shortage forcing incomplete vehicle builds and the lifter quality killing some V8 engines. Many of Buick’s vehicles (Encore, Encore GX, Envision) are built in different parts of Asia, which had their own set of challenges with COVID shutdowns.
- Lincoln, Kia and Genesis showed nice gains. Lincoln had some issues a year ago because of multiple vehicle launches. Good to see they got that under control.
- Mercedes-Benz is at the bottom of the list? Based on their GLE, they are struggling with electronics, climate controls and electrical systems.
- Jeep continues to swim near the bottom of the list, thanks to Wrangler and Gladiator. Unlike other brands and models, Jeep is challenged building the basics. Key complaints include: Electrical, fuel system, engines, paint, trim noises and leaks.
- Electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Hyundai Kona have had issues with battery packs and electrical subsystems.
Final Thoughts
The past two years have been rough to build quality vehicles. Semiconductor shortages and other supply chain are at the heart of the problem. These issues forced customers to settle for vehicles with missing equipment and questionable component quality.
If you are shopping for a new (or newer used) vehicle this year, be guided by the detail provided by Consumer Reports. It may help you avoid a real stinker in the car market.
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