Purchasing a used car can be a great way to save money, as the first owner typically absorbs the biggest hit on depreciation. However, these savings can quickly vanish if the vehicle is unreliable and requires frequent repairs. To help consumers make informed decisions, Consumer Reports has compiled a list of 60 used cars, trucks, and SUVs with below-average reliability based on extensive survey data.
Understanding the Importance of Reliability –
Reliability should be a top priority when buying a used car. An unreliable vehicle can lead to frequent and costly repairs, turning what seemed like a good deal into a financial burden. Consumer Reports gathers data from thousands of vehicle owners through its Annual Auto Surveys, identifying which models and years are most prone to problems.
The List of Used Cars to Avoid –
The following 60 vehicles have been identified as having worse-than-average reliability. These findings are based on subscriber responses and reflect real-world experiences with these models.
Audi
- A3 (2018)
- A6 (2019)
- Q3 (2016, 2022)
- E-Tron (2019)
Buick
- Encore (2015, 2017)
- Encore GX (2020)
Cadillac
- XT4 (2019)
Chevrolet
- Blazer (2023)
- Bolt (2019-2022)
- Cruze (2014)
- Malibu (2014)
- Suburban (2021, 2023)
- Tahoe (2016-2017, 2021)
- Traverse (2018)
Chrysler
- Pacifica Hybrid (2018, 2021-2022)
- Town & Country (2016)
Dodge
- Grand Caravan (2016, 2018)
Ford
- Escape (2021)
- Escape Hybrid (2020)
- Expedition (2017-2019)
- Explorer (2016, 2020)
- F-150 Hybrid (2021-2022)
- F-250 (2019, 2021)
- Mustang (2020)
GMC
- Acadia (2018)
- Yukon (2016-2017, 2021)
- Yukon XL (2021, 2023)
Hyundai
- Ioniq (2020)
- Ioniq 5 (2022)
- Kona Electric (2019)
- Santa Fe Sport (2014)
- Sonata (2017-2018)
- Tucson (2016-2017)
Jeep®
- Cherokee (2014)
- Gladiator (2020)
- Grand Cherokee L (2021)
- Wrangler (2018, 2020-2021)
Kia
- Niro (2019)
- Soul (2021)
Mazda
- CX-9 (2023)
Mercedes-Benz
- C-Class (2018)
Mini
- Cooper (2018)
Nissan
- Frontier (2023)
- Pathfinder (2023)
- Rogue (2022)
Ram
- 2500 (2017, 2022)
Rivian
- R1T (2022)
Tesla
- Model S (2019-2021)
- Model X (2018, 2022)
Volkswagen
- Atlas (2021)
- ID.4 (2021, 2023)
- Jetta (2014, 2021)
- Taos (2022)
- Tiguan (2018)
Volvo
- S60 (2015, 2022)
- V60 (2015, 2020)
- XC60 Plug-In Hybrid (2022-2023)
- XC90 (2016, 2019)
Making an Informed Decision –
While this list highlights models with below-average reliability, it doesn’t mean every vehicle of these types will have issues. However, it does suggest a higher risk of problems. When considering a used car purchase, it’s essential to do thorough research, check for any recalls, and get a professional inspection.
