When shopping for a new or used car, reliability is one of the most important factors to consider, and Consumer Reports has long been one of the most trusted sources for evaluating it. Its reliability rankings are based on extensive road testing and large-scale owner surveys, making low scores a strong warning sign for potential buyers.

In recent years, models like the Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, GMC Acadia, and Rivian R1T have scored incredibly low in a wide range of areas. Understanding which models scored the lowest, why they performed so poorly, and what issues contributed to those rankings can help you avoid costly mistakes and choose a more dependable vehicle.

How Consumer Reports Scores Vehicles

​One of the main reasons Consumer Reports (CR) is such a trustworthy publication when it comes to vehicle reliability is how cars are tested. The publication uses a comprehensive road test program to look at things like braking, acceleration, handling, and ergonomics.

​In addition to the road test, CR also analyzes hundreds of thousands of responses to annual surveys asking vehicle owners about the frequency and severity of different issues. These can be things like engine and transmission problems, electrical failures, and hardware issues. This, combined with the hands-on road tests, allows CR to make dependability predictions that are accurate and paint a real-world picture of what drivers can expect from their vehicles.

Lowest-Scoring Car Models of All Time

​Because of Consumer Reports’ rigorous testing, there have been some car brands and models that have gotten consistently lower reliability scores than expected over the years. CR publishes “least reliable” lists at the end of every year, and they are a great way to know what to avoid. You might be surprised at just how many issues some of the most popular automotive brands can have. We’ve broken them down into a digestible Q&A format, organized by common issues.

Q: Which model is known for steering issues, structural concerns, and a high number of recalls?

​A: Jeep Wrangler

While the Jeep Wrangler is a popular vehicle for off-roaders and commuters alike, it has been well-known for being the subject of many recalls, especially the 2019 model year version. One of these recalls involved a software-related issue that completely disabled drive power, making the Wrangler an unpredictable choice for consumers.

Q: Which family vehicle has a powertrain so complex that it tends to fail quickly?

​A: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Chrysler Pacifica is one of the few minivans currently in production, but the hybrid version is one of the least reliable vehicles on the market. The low overall score of the minivan in CR’s reliability ratings is generally attributed to its complicated powertrain, with its unique software and battery management electronics. This has amplified consumer-reported issues and dropped the Pacifica Hybrid’s score increasingly lower as time goes on.

Q: Which SUV has gained a reputation for bad electronics that lead to other system failures?

​A: GMC Acadia

​Electronic components have become more and more important for a vehicle’s reliability over the years, and the GMC Acadia is, unfortunately, known for serious electrical problems. The 2023 Acadia, for example, was the subject of four NHTSA recalls for electronic components. This makes the Acadia a less dependable option than several of the other SUV models currently on the market.

Q: What vehicle produced by an EV startup has had a rough start due to software faults?

​A: Rivian R1T

​While there was a lot of hype for the Rivian R1T when it first came out, there have been several issues that have arisen since its introduction. The faults that the R1T has become known for may be the result of a poor supply chain and the complexity of the software. They also seem to stem from a relatively small automaker scaling up production and dealing with the issues that come with a larger-scale operation.

Top Failure Areas and Ownership Costs for These Vehicles

​Across the models with the lowest reliability ratings, owner complaints tend to cluster around a few shared failure categories. One of the most prominent ones is electronics and software. This is especially true for hybridized or electric vehicles, where complex powertrains and battery management systems open up more potential problems. These, combined with more traditional problems like steering and structural issues, drive up the total cost of ownership for these vehicles and make them much more expensive in the long run.

​If you are in the market for a used or new car, you need to know what you can expect to spend as time goes on so you can plan accordingly. The more issues a car, truck, minivan, or SUV is known for, the more costly it is likely to be year after year. Choosing a vehicle with a higher reliability rating is going to be your best option if you want to keep your total costs low.

How to Avoid a Low-Scoring Vehicle

​If you want to avoid a low-scoring vehicle and ensure that you choose a reliable car for your next purchase, model-year-specific research is key. It can be tempting to shop based on the overall reputation of a brand, but that might not get you the particular information you need. Every brand has failures, and if you want to avoid spending more money than you should on repairs, you need to know what to expect from a specific model.

Before you decide that a vehicle is right for you, be sure to check out the reliability ratings it has received from a variety of publications. NHTSA recall information is another great way to find out if a specific vehicle is known for issues. It is also a good idea to avoid model years that are redesigns or new generations. These years tend to have more problems because the automakers have not had time to work out small flaws in the design. By being as informed as possible, you can save yourself a lot of money and time in the long run and get the best car that will consistently deliver owner satisfaction.

Make Your Vehicle More Reliable With Endurance

​No matter how much research you do when purchasing a vehicle, you are more than likely to encounter problems. The longer you own a car, the more issues it will develop, no matter how reliable it is. Having a vehicle protection plan or extended warranty in place is your best bet if you want to protect your car and your wallet.

Endurance offers protection for your car when the factory warranty runs out, and there is a wide range of available plans and options for vehicles of all kinds. Whether you have an older high-mileage car or an exotic or luxury vehicle, there is something for everyone. Endurance even covers vehicles that other providers won’t, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with rebuilt or salvage titles, and cars used for rideshare or delivery.

On top of comprehensive protection, Endurance customers also get a wide range of standard benefits. These include things like 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and travel interruption coverage. You can also add Endurance’s Elite Benefits, which include tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, collision discounts, and windshield coverage.*

When you are ready for the best protection for your car to make it as reliable as possible, get in touch with representatives at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also shop online to see your price right away so you can make the right decision.

For more auto expert resources, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find articles about other brands, including Honda, Lexus, Toyota, Hyundai, and more.