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July 26, 2020 Fremont / CA / USA - Tesla Model Y travelling on the freeway in Silicon Valley; East San Francisco bay area
Sundry Photography/istockphoto

Everyone wants a reliable vehicle. Unfortunately, even big-name companies have cars that are known for having consistent problems. If you want to avoid a headache, here are the vehicles you may want to think twice about, according to Consumer Reports.

Related:Affordable Used Cars Most Buyers Overlook

Consumer Reports Least Reliable Vehicles

2022 Jeep Gladiator
Wikimedia Commons

Consumer Reports released a new report ranking the most and least reliable cars for 2023. To determine reliability Consumer Reports studies, “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.” The site goes on to say, “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.” 

Related: These Are the Longest-Lasting Vehicles on the Road Today

2023 Jeep Wrangler

2023 Jeep Wrangler
Jeep

Reliability Score: 24/100

Common Problems: On-road capabilities are sub-par compared to other SUVs. “Constant short motions make the Jeep jittery even on smooth roads. On the highway, the Wrangler is out of its element,” says Consumer Reports. 

Related: Why People Are Crazy About Jeeps — And Why You’d Be Crazy to Buy One

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Wikimedia Commons

Reliability Score: 23/100

Common Problems: Mercedes-Benz may be an expensive brand, but more money doesn’t always mean a better product. The GLE has had numerous recalls and issues with the electronics, engine, keyless entry, and hardware.

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2022 Jeep Gladiator

2022 Jeep Gladiator
Wikimedia Commons

Reliability Score: 21/100

Common Problems: Like the Jeep Wrangler, the Jeep Gladiator is designed with off-roading in mind, but performance and reliability on-road are poor. Besides there being five recalls, the Gladiator has also had problems with the engine and transmission as well as the brakes. Failure of the power equipment and electrical issues are also noted as problems.

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 by LukaCali ((CC BY-SA))

Reliability Score: 19/100

Common Problems: Despite its popularity, the Silverado has numerous problems that make it one of the least reliable cars you can buy now. According to Consumer Reports the Silverado has problems with the engine, brakes, and transmissions, not to mention the poor fuel economy.

2022 Chevrolet Bolt

2022 Chevrolet Bolt
2022 Chevrolet Bolt by Benespit ((CC BY-SA))

Reliability Score: 17/100

Common Problems: Chevy isn’t on its A-game when it comes to this electric vehicle. Battery and electric drivetrain problems are both commonly reported issues for the Bolt.

2022 Ford Explorer

2022 Ford Explorer
2022 Ford Explorer by Kevauto ((CC BY-SA))

Reliability Score: 16/100

Common Problems: Over 100,000 Ford Explorers were sold in the first three quarters of 2022. Despite this popularity, Ford Explorers are notoriously unreliable. Problems with power equipment, steering, suspension, and hardware have all been reported as have issues with the climate control system and the body paint.

2022 Nissan Sentra

2022 Nissan Sentra
2022 Nissan Sentra by Gold Pony ((CC BY))

Reliability Score: 9/100

Common Problems: The Sentra is a classic case of, “You get what you pay for.” The lower-cost sedan has issues with paint and trim and is a noisy ride. The brakes and climate control have also been reported by consumers to be trouble spots.

2022 Lincoln Aviator

2022 Lincoln Aviator
2022 Lincoln Aviator by MercurySable99 ((CC BY-SA))

Reliability Score: 8/100

Common Problems: The Aviator’s most common problems include steering, suspension, electronics, and climate control. Cosmetic issues like paint and trim are also a problem for many buyers. Finally, there have been multiple recalls for seats, seatbelts, and engine rail problems.

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric by Mariordo ((CC BY-SA))

Reliability Score: 5/100

Common Problems: Kona Electric owners have reported so many issues that it was the second least reliable car according to the most recent Consumer Reports analysis. There have been issues with electronics, batteries, charging, electric drive systems, and climate control.

2022 Ford F-150 Hybrid

2022 Ford F-150 Hybrid
2022 Ford F-150 Hybrid by RL GNZLZ ((CC BY-SA))

Reliability Score: 4/100

Common Problems: Most hybrid cars are among the most reliable according to Consumer Reports. Not so with the Ford F-150 Hybrid. Many users complain about the ride and handling, not to mention the problems with power and electrical equipment and the drive system.

Consumer Reports Least Reliable Cars 2022

Ford Mustang
Ford Motor Company

If you’re looking to buy a slightly used vehicle, buyer beware of these vehicles. Here are the least reliable vehicles of 2022, that didn’t also make the 2023 list, according to Consumer Reports. Vehicles that were on both year’s lists include Chevy Silverado and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Subaru Ascent

Subaru Ascent
Subaru Ascent by DestinationFearFan ((CC BY-SA))

Common Problems: According to Consumer Reports, common issues are related to the automatic transmission which often slips, stutters, or even fails. Other users report issues with the battery draining frequently.

Chrysler Pacifica

Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler Pacifica by Navigator84 ((CC BY-SA))

Common Problems: The most common issues for the Chrysler Pacifica are with the engine and powertrain. The engine has even been reported to shut off entirely at times. The hybrid model appears to have more issues than the non-hybrid.

Tesla Model Y

July 26, 2020 Fremont / CA / USA - Tesla Model Y travelling on the freeway in Silicon Valley; East San Francisco bay area
Sundry Photography/istockphoto

Common Problems: It might be a shock that an expensive vehicle like a Tesla would make the list of the least reliable vehicles. The most major issue reported for the Model Y is safety concerns with the Auto Pilot mode, so be careful before letting this car drive itself.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen Tiguan by Dinkun_Chen ((CC BY-SA))

Common Problems: There have been two major problems with this vehicle. One is with the vehicle’s infotainment system which often freezes or otherwise doesn’t respond or function properly. Another problem with the Tiguan is related to hesitations after cold-starting the vehicle and then trying to put it into drive.

Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90 by Vauxford ((CC BY-SA))

Common Problems: Powertrain issues are the predominant cause of complaints for the Volvo XC90.

Chevrolet Corvette

Chevy Corvette
Chevy Corvette by Jason Lawrence ((CC BY))

Common Problems: When buying a fancy sports car, users expect the best. Although not as commonly purchased, the Chevy Corvette has enough issues that consumers have noticed. There have been reports of transmission problems and leaky fluid as the primary problems.

Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang
Ford Motor Company

Common Problems: Another sports car with reliability issues is the Ford Mustang. According to Consumer Reports, there have been issues with the brakes and brake pressure. Owners have also noted powertrain issues, especially with the EcoBoost.

Meet the Writer

Kathryn’s writing passions are personal finance and travel, which she brings together in her personal life: Kathryn has been living in an RV and traveling the country for the past few years while working toward financial independence. In addition to freelance writing, she currently works as a full-time speech-language pathologist. Kathryn travels with her husband, Joel, and her sweet dog, Luna. You can find more of her work and connect with her on her blog Cool RVers.