Consumer Reports data from over 300,000 vehicle surveys reveals a striking reliability crisis among 2025 SUVs. Average scores plunge to 21/100, far below acceptable levels, signaling costly risks for buyers. Families must carefully weigh these factors before making a purchase. Let’s explore the root causes behind these trends and the models most at risk.
How Reliable Are Today’s SUVs?
Vehicle dependability in 2025 hits its lowest point since 2009, according to J.D. Power. Average SUV prices reach $48,700, but costly mechanical and software failures lurk beneath slick marketing. Electric and plug-in hybrid models dominate the least reliable ranks. Consumer Reports identifies systemic platform and software flaws that often go undetected until after purchase.
Pandemic Aftershocks Shake SUV Quality
Disruptions from 2020 to 2023 forced automakers to rush vehicles to market without sufficient testing. Supply chain constraints led to subpar parts, compounding reliability risks. Meanwhile, rising software complexity outpaced validation, producing buggy infotainment and driver-assistance features that frustrate owners and erode confidence in brand quality.
So, Which Are The 12 Least Reliable SUVs?
Here are the 12 SUVs you should avoid in 2025 if you value peace of mind and long-term savings. This list spans compact, subcompact, midsize, luxury, plug-in hybrid, and full-size categories. You’ll discover recurring failure patterns, owner horror stories, reliability scores, and exactly why each model cut. Let’s start with the absolute worst…
#1 Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S ranks dead last with a 14/100 reliability score. Despite topping satisfaction surveys, owners face frequent electrical failures, battery issues, and constant maintenance needs. Long service wait times leave owners stranded. Rattles, wind noise, and software glitches requiring regular over-the-air updates make ownership a persistent challenge.
#2 Ford Escape Hybrid
Scoring just 24/100, the Escape Hybrid struggles with brake problems, battery failures, and widespread electrical issues. Owners frequently report unresponsive or blank infotainment systems. Once recommended, the hybrid now appears near the bottom of Consumer Reports’ rankings, highlighting a sharp decline in dependability for this compact SUV.
#3 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos earns a 24/100 score, marking it as the least reliable subcompact SUV. Recurrent head gasket leaks, premature rear brake wear, and CVT transmission noise plague the model. Electronics failures, interior noises, and persistent leaks frustrate owners, showing systemic reliability problems that persist even after repeated repairs.
#4 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid
Mazda’s CX-90 PHEV scores 30/100. Owners report jerky transmission, shuddering during acceleration, and low-speed hesitation. Recalls address adaptive cruise control issues, unintentional braking, power steering loss, and hybrid system electrical leaks. Complete system failures require lengthy dealership visits, and the powertrain feels clunky compared to competitors.
#5 Mercedes-Benz GLE
The GLE earns 61/100 with widespread AIRMATIC suspension failures, sensor malfunctions, infotainment crashes, and battery drain. Owners report creaking noises, missing components, AC issues, fuel module problems, and total screen blackouts. High repair costs and repeated dealership visits underline the financial and emotional burdens of this luxury SUV.
#6 GMC Hummer EV SUV
The Hummer EV SUV frequently experiences battery management failures, charging issues, and software glitches. Its massive 9,000-pound weight accelerates tire wear, requiring costly replacements. Owners report key detection errors, lockouts, and “condition not met to drive” warnings. Repairs often take more than a month, and infotainment and driver-assist systems remain glitchy despite software updates.
#7 BMW iX
The BMW iX scores 32/100, plagued by nine recalls, high-voltage system failures, and driver-assist glitches. Emergency braking engages without cause, CarPlay requires frequent reboots, and Highway Assistant malfunctions 10% of the time. Climate control acts unpredictably. BMW offers minimal goodwill or buyback assistance, leaving serious reliability concerns unresolved.
#8 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
The Evoque earns 33/100, facing airbag recalls, PHEV battery failures, exhaust issues, and frequent electrical problems. Approximately 20% of models encounter significant issues. Brand reliability consistently ranks low, finishing 27th of 31 manufacturers. Expensive repairs make ownership financially challenging for this luxury compact SUV.
#9 Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler scores 27/100, with persistent steering issues, premature suspension wear, and hybrid charging glitches. Off-road prowess comes with constant dealership visits. Electrical problems and inconsistent build quality make reliability a gamble. Owners love its iconic image but are frustrated by frequent maintenance needs.
#10 Lincoln Corsair
The Corsair receives below-average predicted reliability. Owners report transmission, electrical, and build-quality issues, alongside heavy steering and minor quality control problems. Side-impact crash testing revealed marginal scores. While the plug-in hybrid offers efficiency, concerns about reliability overshadow its luxury features, with service and repair costs exceeding expectations for a premium SUV.
#11 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee is one of the least reliable midsize SUVs. Electronics failures, freezing infotainment, and complete drive power loss are common. The 4xe plug-in hybrid experiences severe powertrain communication problems. Owners report vehicles stopping in active intersections, requiring full transmission replacements, and spending over 120 days in repair shops within the first year.
#12 Volkswagen Atlas & Atlas Cross Sport
Both Atlas models score 24 out of 100. Engine hesitation, rough eight-speed automatic shifting, and electrical glitches compromise performance. Frozen infotainment screens, lagging controls, and random warning lights frustrate owners. The interior quality suffers from the use of cheap plastics, rattles, and premature wear. These larger SUVs share many of the same problems as the smaller Taos, indicating systemic issues across VW’s lineup.
Family Buyers Confront Risky Choices
With SUVs as top family haulers, a 23/100 reliability average carries practical risks, including tow-truck calls, missed trips, and unexpected repairs. Parents must weigh convenience against potential costs.
Families now face the reality that rugged looks do not equal reliability. The reliability gap might influence next year’s buying decisions. But how might other automakers respond to these revelations?
Popularity vs. Dependability Tension
SUVs account for half of Consumer Reports’ 10 least reliable vehicles. High demand clashes with poor reliability, forcing buyers to reconsider their options and expectations.
This tension reveals a broader market pattern: popularity alone cannot guarantee long-term satisfaction. Could emerging trends in SUV design and technology shift this reliability landscape further?
Buying Decisions Require Careful Research
2023 reliability scores emphasize the need for informed choices. Prospective buyers should study multi-year surveys, paying attention to specific trouble areas like engines, transmissions, and electronics.
Even trusted brands show vulnerabilities, making careful research critical. Yet this scrutiny only scratches the surface of why certain models fail consistently. Could hidden factors explain the recurring Jeep dominance?
What Shoppers Should Know Today
Shoppers must balance style, performance, and rugged appeal with reliability scores. VW, Volvo, and Jeep dominate the bottom rankings, each exposing different systemic weaknesses.
Awareness is now more important than ever. These numbers aren’t abstract—they reflect real-world frustrations and expenses. The next step is understanding how to spot potential reliability traps before signing a purchase agreement.