Consumer Reports’ latest reliability survey of nearly 380,000 vehicle owners reveals troubling declines across the industry, with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles dominating the bottom of the reliability rankings. Scores below 25 out of 100 signal critical unreliability across engines, transmissions, batteries, electrical systems, and suspensions, based on data from 20 problem areas.
Survey Methodology
The rankings draw from owner experiences with vehicles from the 2000-2025 model years and some early 2026 models, a method refined over decades to predict long-term dependability. The survey covers 20 specific trouble areas including engine, transmission, EV battery, charging systems, body hardware, paint and trim, electrical accessories, and climate systems. This year’s findings highlight pronounced weaknesses in electrified powertrains, affecting mainstream vehicles and premium brands alike.
Electric and Hybrid System Challenges
Electric vehicles continue to outpace conventional vehicles in reliability issues, with battery management, charging failures, and electrical components frequently cited. Plug-in hybrids show similar patterns, combining the complexity of dual powertrains with emerging technology challenges. Consumer Reports notes that many owners experience major repairs within 2-3 years of ownership, regardless of vehicle price point.
The 10 Least Reliable 2026 Models
Consumer Reports ranks the following vehicles as its 10 least reliable models for 2026, with critical defects emerging across powertrains, electrical systems, and build quality.
The Ram 1500 (5/100) stands at the bottom, representing a stunning reversal from prior years. The redesigned 1500 displays severe transmission failures, brake problems, electrical accessories malfunctions, and in-car electronics glitches that plague owners within the first few years of ownership.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (10/100) follows closely behind. The plug-in hybrid version struggles with transmission malfunctions, electrical faults, suspension issues, body hardware defects, and persistent noises and leaks, with the added powertrain complexity compounding reliability challenges.
The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain (17/100) display transmission failures, brake problems, electrical accessories failures, and in-car electronics glitches. Their appearance on the least-reliable list marks an industry-wide quality concern that extends beyond electrified models alone.
The Rivian R1T (18/100) suffers from EV battery issues, electric motor malfunctions, climate system failures, steering problems, suspension defects, faulty door handle motors, and paint and trim issues. The premium electric pickup trails far behind the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning (45/100), underscoring the gap in engineering maturity between manufacturers.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV (19/100), built on the Ultium platform, experiences EV battery malfunctions, 12-volt battery failures, climate system problems, display screen freezing, and widespread in-car electronics glitches. The platform’s rollout has coincided with significant reliability challenges.
The Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid (20/100) combines EV battery failures, electric motor issues, transmission troubles, climate malfunctions, brake problems, noises, and paint and trim concerns. Mazda’s transition to electrified powertrains has proven particularly problematic.
The Genesis GV60 (21/100) experiences critical failures in the integrated charging control unit, alongside EV battery cooling problems, climate system malfunctions, brake failures, body hardware defects, and electrical accessories issues. The luxury brand’s electric entry has struggled out of the gate.
The Mazda CX-90 (22/100) in gasoline form displays premature timing chain failure, transmission slipping and torque converter issues, steering problems, brake failures, electrical accessories defects, and persistent noises and leaks. The model represents a dramatic decline from Mazda’s prior reliability standing, signaling broader manufacturing concerns.
The Kia EV9 (24/100), the brand’s three-row electric SUV, shows EV battery problems including cells requiring replacement, EV charging failures, body hardware defects, electrical accessories failures, and in-car electronics glitches.
Rounding out the bottom ten are the Kia EV6 and Honda Prologue (25/100), which score identically with EV battery problems, charging system breakdowns, climate system failures, body hardware issues, electrical accessories defects, and widespread in-car electronics glitches. The Honda Prologue, based on General Motors’ Ultium platform, dropped 11 points year-over-year, continuing a troubling trend for the emerging EV architecture.
Brand-Level Performance
Brand scores reflect the model-level trends. Rivian ranks last among major U.S. manufacturers in predicted reliability. Other brands with consistently low scores include Jeep, GMC, Ram, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, and Mazda. By contrast, Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, and Honda maintain substantially higher reliability ratings across their lineups.
Cost Implications of Unreliable Ownership
Owners of unreliable vehicles face significant financial burdens. Battery replacements for electric vehicles range from $5,000 to over $20,000 out of warranty. Major automatic transmission repairs typically cost $3,000-$5,000. Insurance premiums for less-reliable vehicles tend to increase, and resale value declines more rapidly compared to reliable alternatives. Warranty coverage typically lasts only 3-5 years, exposing owners to full repair costs thereafter.
Industry Implications
These patterns signal industrywide pressures favoring speed to market over comprehensive testing and quality assurance. Buyers weighing electric or plug-in hybrid models face heightened financial risks, while reliable options from Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura continue to demonstrate long-term dependability. Future purchases demand scrutiny of Consumer Reports’ full rankings to safeguard long-term costs and ownership reliability.
Sources:
“10 Least Reliable Cars of 2026.” Consumer Reports, December 3, 2025.
“Consumer Reports Releases Its 2026 Automotive Brand Report.” Consumer Reports Press Release, December 1, 2025.
“Rivian Tops 2025 Owner Satisfaction but Scores Lowest in Reliability.” Electric Vehicles, December 4, 2025.
“Tesla Ranks Dead Last in Used Car Reliability Study.” Electrek, December 10, 2025.
“These Used Car Brands Are the Least Reliable, Report Finds.” Fox 13 Seattle, December 11, 2025.