Top 10 Least Reliable Car Brands
American automakers are proving to be the least reliable on the market.
According to Consumer Reports‘ 2016 Annual Auto Reliability Survey, American automakers continue to turn in poor scores when it comes to reliability. The annual survey ranks automakers based on the predicted reliability of their product lines, with this year’s survey gathering data from more than 500,000 subscribers that have bought or leased a new vehicle between model year 2000 and 2017.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 Most Reliable Car Brands
In total, this year’s survey analyzed more than 300 models and you can see the top 10 least reliable car brands below.
10. Lincoln
Lincoln dropped four spots this year to be the 10th worst automaker when it comes to reliability. With three models involved in the survey, the American automaker had an average reliability score of 33. Helping it score poorly on the survey is the MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, which have proved troublesome with owners. In addition, the Lincoln MKX is no longer recommended by the publication due to declining reliability.
9. Cadillac
Cadillac may be working to change its image all around the world, and this year it actually rose four spots in the overall rankings to 21st place overall. With four models evaluated, the American automaker had an average reliability score of 32. Helping boost its image is the Cadillac XTS, which is newly recommended due to improved reliability.
8. Volkswagen
As if Volkswagen needed any more negative press. The German automaker is battling a multi-billion dollar diesel scandal and three of its models are no longer recommended by Consumer Reports: Jetta, Passat and GTI. The company had an average reliability score of 30 and dropped nine ranks compared to last year.
7. Jeep
Jeep rose four spots to 23rd overall, with five models surveyed earning an average reliability score of 30. The brand is one of the only bright spots in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) portfolio, ranking highest among the brands sold in the U.S.
6. GMC
GMC dropped five spots to 24th overall this year with its seven models earning an average reliability score of 29. Although the American automaker shares many of its components with Chevrolet, it has poor reliability mostly because its lineup consists of SUVs and pickup trucks.
5. Tesla
It’s Tesla’s first appearance on the Annual Auto Reliability Survey and its results aren’t pretty. Both the Model S and Model X were considered, earning an average reliability score of just 28. According to Consumer Reports, the Tesla Model S did improve to average reliability, but the Model X has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complex Falcon-wing doors.
4. Dodge
And so begins the rest of FCA’s portfolio in the U.S., with Dodge scoring 28, tying with Tesla. The American automaker had five models considered for the survey, resulting in a three-position drop to 26th overall. In addition, the Dodge Durango is no longer recommended by the publication becaues of declining reliability.
3. Chrysler
Next on the list is Chrysler, dropping five spots to 27th overall and scoring just 26. Two models were considered in the survey and it’s worth noting the Chrysler 300 is newly recommended by Consumer Reports due to improved reliability.
2. Fiat
Fiat stayed in the same spot it earned last year, as the second to worst automaker on the list. Two models were evaluated earning an average reliability score of just 17.
1. Ram
And the least reliable car brand on this year’s survey is Ram, dropping three spots to 29th overall. Only two models were considered, averaging a score of 16. Not a single vehicle from either Ram or Fiat earned an average reliability rating in this year’s survey.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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From reading through these descriptions, it is obvious that the definition of "reliability" varies depending on whom you ask.
Consumer Reports named the Honda I used to own a best buy. I questioned their opinion when it was necessary to receive the ridiculously expensive quote for a replacement transmission at 80,000 miles.