The Most Reliable and Unreliable Car Brands
The study is based on a survey of nearly 13,000 motorists: they were asked about what cars they drive, what breakdowns they encountered over the last 12 months of operation, how long it took to resolve the repair issue, and how much it cost them to fix the malfunction(s). In total, 175 models from 31 car manufacturers took part in the study, each of which was given a unique reliability rating. After that, our colleagues from the UK compiled a brand reliability ranking based on the data obtained for specific models.
The Most Reliable Car Brands
10. BMW
Reliability rating: 95.2%
BMW took first place in four of the twelve car classes. The star of the Bavarians was the previous-generation 1 Series – its reliability rating was 99.2%; followed by the X1, which scored 98.1%. In addition, the 5 Series in the E39 body was praised, being recognized as the safest luxury sedan, as well as the 2 Series in coupe and convertible bodies – both cars turned out to be the most reliable in their segments.
9. Mazda
Reliability rating: 95.2%
Two Mazda models – the CX-3 and Mazda 6 – scored as much as 98.0% for reliability, making them the second most reliable in their class. Next comes the MX-5 with a figure of 93.3%. The average reliability rating is 95.2% – same as BMW.
8. Honda
Reliability rating: 95.3%
The Honda Jazz is not only a very practical hatchback but also a very reliable one – 99.0%. Also a trouble-free car is the Honda CR-V: the newest model scored 97.9%, while the previous generation – 94.8%.
7. Kia
Reliability rating: 95.9%
The champions of the Korean brand are the Sportage crossover and the premium sedan Optima, whose ratings are just over 96%. Slightly below them is the Niro plug-in hybrid, which earned 95.8%.
6. Hyundai
Reliability rating: 96.3%
Next comes another Korean brand – Hyundai. The highest score – 99.3% – was achieved by the i20 hatchback, followed by its smaller brother i10 with a result of 98.8%. Also mentioned is the Ioniq hybrid, which scored 97.4%.
5. Skoda
Reliability rating: 96.4%
During the survey, all three owners of the Citigo city car stated that their cars never broke down in a year, giving the Citigo a perfect score – 100%. If you need a more spacious car, the Superb is an excellent alternative with a figure of 98.3%.
4. Mini
Reliability rating: 96.8%
The Mini Countryman was recognized as the most reliable compact crossover of the brand, with a rating of 98.3%. Right behind it is the Clubman with a score of 97.1%, while the iconic Cooper scored 96.1%.
3. Toyota
Reliability rating: 97.7%
Toyota cars have always been considered among the most reliable, and the WhatCar rating is proof of that. Like the Skoda Citigo, the Aygo hatchback also received a 100% reliability rating from its owners. Next is the slightly larger Yaris, which has 99.7%. Toyota hybrid models also showed high reliability: the Corolla got 98.4%, and the Auris – 97.4%.
2. Mitsubishi
Reliability rating: 97.9%
Second place in the overall reliability ranking for Mitsu was secured by the Outlander plug-in hybrid, earning as much as 97.8%. Only 13% of owners of such crossovers reported any problems over the past year.
1. Lexus
Reliability rating: 98.7%
Finally, the top of the list. And it is Lexus, which now mainly offers hybrids, which looks even more impressive (given the complexity of such cars). During the survey, the highest scores were achieved by the NX and RX crossovers – over 99%.
The Least Reliable Car Brands
3. Tesla
Reliability rating: 88.6%
Tesla has many problems with the build quality of the older Model S and X. Probably because of this, it ended up among the outsiders. Nevertheless, its future looks promising. The newer Model 3 is among the leaders in reliability among electric vehicles – 99.4%.
2. Renault
Reliability rating: 87.6%
Not in favor of Renault was the Renault Kadjar – owners of these crossovers rated it at 88.6%. However, the slightly smaller SUV Captur turned out to be quite reliable – 95.0%.
1. Land Rover
Reliability rating: 78.2%
Land Rover cars traditionally confirmed their high propensity for breakdowns. The least reliable cars of this brand were the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Sport – they scored 73.1% and 74.2% respectively.
Earlier, AvtoPortal wrote that WhatCar named:
The most reliable used crossovers.
The most reliable and unreliable cars based on data on passing technical inspection.
The most reliable and unreliable cars over the last 20 years.
