Experts analyzed data on 19.5 million vehicles that rolled off assembly lines between 1996 and 2020. The main reliability indicator was how often the engine malfunction indicator, known as Check Engine, activated per year.
It was the frequency of Check Engine signals per vehicle that formed the basis of the rating. The fewest problems with the powertrain were recorded for Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. The top ten of the rating looks as follows:
- Mitsubishi — 0.66 Check Engine activations per vehicle;
- Mercedes-Benz — 0.74;
- Volkswagen — 0.81;
- Buick — 0.84;
- Ford — 0.89;
- Mazda — 0.93;
- BMW — 0.94;
- GMC — 0.97;
- Subaru — 0.99;
- Cadillac — 0.99.
Car models with the most reliable engines
In the list of the most reliable models, the picture is slightly different. The largest number of such cars belongs to Toyota, and overall Japanese manufacturers dominate here:
- Toyota Tacoma 2018 — 0.041;
- Honda CR-V 2015 — 0.050;
- Toyota Camry 2018 — 0.055;
- Honda Accord 2017 — 0.060;
- Toyota Tacoma 2017 — 0.061;
- Hyundai Santa Fe 2018 — 0.061;
- Honda CR-V 2014 — 0.065;
- Ford Explorer 2017 — 0.073;
- Nissan Rogue 2018 — 0.079;
- Toyota Tacoma 2016 — 0.080.
Which cars have the cheapest engine repairs
In addition to the frequency of malfunctions, CarMD also assessed the costs of engine restoration. In this list, the leaders have changed:
- Kia — $322;
- Chrysler — $333;
- Mazda — $339;
- Hyundai — $352;
- Dodge — $355;
- Jeep — $359;
- Chevrolet — $376;
- Ford — $382;
- GMC — $384;
- Volkswagen — $413.
