Which Brand of Car Is Most Unreliable?

There isn’t a single brand that is universally the “most unreliable,” but across the latest widely cited owner surveys, Land Rover is most often ranked at or near the bottom by Consumer Reports, while J.D. Power’s 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study places Chrysler among the least dependable. Results vary by source, methodology, and specific models, so the answer depends on which survey you consult and which model years you’re considering.

What “Most Unreliable” Really Means

Reliability rankings aggregate owner-reported problems and predicted trouble spots, but they measure different things. Consumer Reports (CR) emphasizes predicted reliability based on 300,000+ owner surveys covering problem areas over the first years of ownership. J.D. Power tracks problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), either early in ownership (Initial Quality Study) or after three years (Vehicle Dependability Study). Because of different samples, timeframes, and problem definitions, the same brand can score differently across studies.

What the Latest Major Surveys Show

The following points summarize how prominent 2023–2024 reliability studies characterize brands at the bottom of the pack. This provides a quick way to see where the consensus overlaps—and where it diverges.

• Consumer Reports (2023/2024 Auto Reliability): Land Rover frequently appears at or near the bottom; EV startups (e.g., Rivian) score poorly as early builds mature; Tesla remains below average overall (with Model 3/Y faring better than S/X); several luxury brands with complex tech often land below average.
• J.D. Power 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study (3-year ownership): Chrysler ranks among the least dependable brands; Land Rover also typically sits near the bottom; results highlight chronic infotainment and driver-assistance issues as major contributors to complaints.
• J.D. Power Initial Quality (first 90 days, recent studies): Tech-heavy models and brands introducing new platforms or infotainment systems often see higher problem counts early on, which can foreshadow longer-term issues if not addressed.

Taken together, these sources point to a recurring pattern: brands with complex, newly introduced technology or smaller lineups dominated by newer models tend to fare worse, especially in early years of a product cycle.

Brands Most Frequently Flagged as Unreliable (Recent Years)

Based on overlapping findings from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power through late 2024, these brands most commonly appear near the bottom. Specific rankings vary by year and study, and individual models can buck the brand trend.

• Land Rover: Consistently cited for electronics, air suspension, and infotainment issues; often at or near the bottom in CR and low in dependability metrics.
• Chrysler: Limited lineup means a single troubled model can drag the brand; placed among the least dependable in J.D. Power’s 2024 dependability results.
• Alfa Romeo: Small lineup with recurring electronics/build-quality complaints; frequently below average in owner surveys.
• Jeep: Notorious variability by model; Wrangler and plug-in variants often drive below-average reliability scores.
• Tesla: Below average overall in CR due to body hardware, paint, trim, and cabin electronics; Model 3/Y tend to fare better than S/X; not fully ranked by J.D. Power due to data limitations.
• Rivian: Early-build EVs with above-average problem rates in CR’s data; reliability expected to evolve as production matures.
• Volkswagen and some German luxury marques: Mixed results, but several models score below average due to infotainment and electronics complexity.

These patterns don’t condemn every model from these brands. A few specific trims or later model-year refreshes may test above average once early issues are resolved.

Why Some Brands Score Poorly

Brand-level reliability often reflects product strategy and timing more than engineering prowess alone. These are the recurring drivers behind low scores.

1. Complex new technology: Fresh infotainment stacks, ADAS suites, and air suspensions add failure points and software bugs.
2. Early production runs: First model years tend to show higher problem rates; mid-cycle updates may stabilize quality.
3. Supplier variability: Rapid ramp-ups or component shortages can affect consistency, especially for smaller brands.
4. Low-volume lineups: With only one or two core models, a single problematic vehicle can sink the whole brand’s average.
5. Harsh duty cycles: Off-roaders and performance cars may see more wear-related complaints, affecting survey results.

Understanding these factors helps explain why reliability can improve materially within a few years as software is patched and components are updated.

How to Use Reliability Data When You’re Shopping

Brand reputations are useful, but choosing wisely means drilling down to the model, year, and powertrain you’re buying. Consider these steps to reduce risk.

1. Look up model-level scores: Review Consumer Reports’ model pages and J.D. Power’s dependability results for the exact model and year.
2. Favor later build dates: If buying new, consider waiting a model year after a full redesign; for used, target post-refresh years.
3. Keep tech simple: Fewer complex features (air suspension, novelty infotainment) often means fewer headaches.
4. Check TSBs and recalls: Look for recurring fixes; a high count can signal ongoing issues or, conversely, proactive remedies.
5. Get a pre-purchase inspection: Especially vital for luxury SUVs and performance models with expensive components.

Following these steps can mitigate brand-level risk and help you find a reliable example even from a brand with a shaky reputation.

Sources and Methodology Notes

To interpret “most unreliable,” consult the latest editions of these resources:

• Consumer Reports Auto Reliability (annual): Aggregates owner-reported issues across 20+ trouble areas; brand and model rankings vary by year. See: consumerreports.org/cars
• J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (annual): Measures problems per 100 vehicles after three years of ownership. See: jdpower.com/business/press-releases
• J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (annual): Tracks early ownership problems; a leading indicator for potential longer-term issues.

Together, these sources provide complementary views: predicted reliability (CR), three-year durability (J.D. Power VDS), and early defects (J.D. Power IQS). Cross-referencing them gives the clearest picture.

Summary

No single brand is universally the “most unreliable,” but Land Rover is most often cited at or near the bottom in Consumer Reports’ brand reliability rankings, while J.D. Power’s 2024 dependability results place Chrysler among the least dependable. Other brands frequently flagged include Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Tesla (below average in CR), Rivian (early-build issues), and some tech-heavy German marques. Always check model- and year-specific data—the right configuration from a “bad” brand can still be a reliable buy, and the wrong configuration from a “good” brand can disappoint.

Which car brand is the most unreliable?

According to multiple recent surveys, including a recent Consumer Reports study from 2025, Rivian and Tesla are among the most unreliable car brands due to a higher incidence of electronic and software problems. Other brands like Cadillac, GMC, Jeep, and MG also appear frequently on lists of least reliable vehicles, though their specific issues vary by brand and model. 
Factors Contributing to Unreliability:

• New Technology/EVs: Some studies indicate that new electric vehicle (EV) companies and models can have initial reliability issues due to bugs in new software and hardware. 
• Brand History: Newer brands like Rivian can also have lower reliability scores compared to established brands with decades of experience. 
• Specific Models: Even within a generally reliable brand, certain models can perform poorly. 
• European Brands: Some European luxury brands, while not always the lowest-ranked, can have increasing reliability problems and costly repairs as they age, especially after their warranties expire. 

Key Takeaways:

• Rivian and Tesla: These brands are consistently ranked low in reliability in recent surveys by sources like Consumer Reports. 
• GM Brands: Cadillac and GMC often appear on lists of less reliable brands. 
• Jeep: Holds a spot on some lists, particularly due to recalls and a longer supply of high-defect models. 
• MG: A UK-based brand that has shown low reliability in some surveys, with a high fault rate and long repair times. 

What to do if you’re concerned about reliability:

• Check Surveys: Consult reports from organizations like Consumer Reports and What Car? for the most up-to-date reliability ratings. 
• Focus on the Model: Reliability ratings are often brand-specific, but it’s also important to check the specific model you are interested in. 

Which car brand has the least problems?

Brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Mazda often emerged at the top for having the least problems, thanks to their strong engineering, quality control, and customer satisfaction.

Which car has the worst reputation?

Contents

• 4.10 Leyland P76 (1973–75)
• 4.11 Ford Mustang II (1974–78)
• 4.12 AMC Pacer (1975–80)
• 4.13 Bricklin SV-1 (1975)
• 4.14 Triumph TR7 (1975–81)
• 4.15 Chevrolet Chevette (1976–87)
• 4.16 General Motors cars with Oldsmobile diesel engines (1978–85)
• 4.17 FSO Polonez (1978–2002)

What car is ranked #1 in reliability?

Lexus ranks highest overall in vehicle dependability for a second consecutive year, with a score of 135 PP100. Among premium brands, Porsche (175 PP100) ranks second and BMW (190 PP100) ranks third. Toyota ranks highest in the mass market segment, with a score of 147 PP100.