Top 10 Most Unreliable Cars to Avoid – Consumer Reports’ Annual Reliability Studies

Car manufacturers do not always offer the same level of quality for the cars they produce. Thus, we have compiled a list of the most unreliable cars that any buyer should avoid.

We are calling for help this time as well Car Help Cornerwhich gathered information on the lowest-scoring vehicles on Consumer Reports’ annual reliability studies.

We must remember, however, that the source of the information is North America, and the technical characteristics of the vehicles may differ compared to cars on the world car market. Thus, these are the least reliable vehicles.

10. Jeep Wrangler

Despite being a popular off-road vehicle, it doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability. The main problems found on this model come from the suspension, electrical components, but also extend to the engine and transmission. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe seems to be the most problematic version of the American car, with numerous service recalls due to engine failures or battery overheating. Consumer Reports rated this vehicle 24 out of 100 for reliability.

9. Mercedes GLE

With a score of 23 out of 100 from Consumer Reports, this car’s problems include minor engine or electrical malfunctions. European luxury cars are not seen very well in the USA in terms of reliability and repair costs are very high.

8. Jeep Gladiator

Being the pick-up version of the aforementioned Wrangler, it takes over its faults, from electrical parts to mechanical components. Its score isn’t stellar, scoring just 21/100 from Consumer Reports.

7. GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado

The last decade has seen a decline in reliability for General Motors vehicles. Numerous problems have been reported with the transmission, electronics or even the various engines – especially the 5.3 and 6.2 liter V8s. The most common problem would be related to the engine’s valves, which could eventually lead to a rebuild. Consumer Reports gave it a reliability score of just 19/100.

6. Chevrolet Bolt

The batteries of these electric cars have been the main cause of customer dissatisfaction, as there have been cases of them catching fire. The incidents have resulted in numerous service recalls covering Chevrolet Bolt models produced through 2017.

5. Ford Explorer

The Ford model is among the most unreliable cars in the three-row SUV sector. Ford Explorer owners have encountered problems related to the transmission, electronic components or even EcoBoost engines. Considering the price, design and options on offer, the Ford Explorer doesn’t seem like an ideal car. This is also confirmed by Consumer Reports, with the car in question scoring just 16 points out of 100 in terms of reliability.

4. Nissan Sentra

Although several Nissan models have been affected by this defect, the CVT transmission is the subject of a long history of problems for the Nissan Sentra. The Japanese manufacturer carried out a redesign of the car, but it was not enough to cover the technical flaws.

3. Lincoln Aviator

The model shares the same production platform as the Ford Explorer, and therefore shares the same flaws. However, the Lincoln Aviator is slightly more expensive and has a more complicated system than the previously mentioned model. Being a plug-in hybrid car (system not very effective on this car), it has had a service recall related to a battery fault, along with a risk of the vehicle catching fire. These shortcomings resulted in the Aviator’s low score of just 8/100 from Consumer Reports.

2. Hyundai Kona EV

Although electric vehicles are already not known for their reliability, the Hyundai Kona EV underperforms in this category. Electronic problems, defects in the climate system, electric motors and the battery are some of the weaknesses of the Kona EV model. Like the Chevrolet Bolt, the Korean car has been the subject of a major recall due to faulty batteries. The Hyundai Kona EV scored 5 points out of 100.

1. Ford F-150 Hybrid

The model has a 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a Ford brand hybrid system. While these specs are good, the F-150’s flaws are numerous, affecting the transmission, battery, and various electrical components. The Ford F-150 Hybrid scored just 4 points out of 100 on Consumer Reports, ranking it as the least reliable vehicle.

The statistics come from North America, specifically the US. Although the information may differ for vehicles in Romania or those on the international market, these faults could be found on any model, of any origin.

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