CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its elaborate Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you probe reliability as long as we have, you commence to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is incredible, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less sophisticated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Experienced Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We probe seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For visible reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you probe reliability as long as we have, you commence to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is exceptional, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its petite A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less complicated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Pro Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We investigate seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you begin to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is exceptional, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its petite A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less sophisticated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Pro Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We probe seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For visible reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you begin to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is amazing, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its petite A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less sophisticated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Experienced Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We explore seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and violated interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complicated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you examine reliability as long as we have, you commence to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is amazing, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its petite A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less sophisticated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Experienced Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We explore seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For visible reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you commence to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is outstanding, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its petite A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less elaborate infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Accomplished Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We examine seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you commence to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is outstanding, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its petite A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less complicated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Accomplished Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We investigate seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complicated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you probe reliability as long as we have, you begin to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is amazing, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its petite A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less sophisticated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Accomplished Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We examine seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For visible reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you commence to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is amazing, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less elaborate infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Accomplished Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We probe seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For visible reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complicated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you commence to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is astounding, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its petite A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less elaborate infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Pro Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We probe seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For demonstrable reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complicated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you commence to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is exceptional, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less elaborate infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Accomplished Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We examine seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and violated interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For demonstrable reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complicated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you commence to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is awesome, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less complicated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Pro Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We examine seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and violated interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For visible reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you probe reliability as long as we have, you commence to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is extraordinaire, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less complicated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Accomplished Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We investigate seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and violated interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For demonstrable reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its elaborate Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you examine reliability as long as we have, you begin to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is incredible, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less elaborate infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Pro Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We probe seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and violated interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you probe reliability as long as we have, you embark to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is incredible, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less sophisticated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Accomplished Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We examine seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you embark to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is awesome, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less complicated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Experienced Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We examine seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and violated interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its elaborate Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you examine reliability as long as we have, you embark to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is astounding, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less complicated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Accomplished Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We probe seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you probe reliability as long as we have, you begin to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is awesome, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its petite A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less elaborate infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Accomplished Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We examine seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For visible reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complicated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you begin to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is epic, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less complicated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Experienced Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We examine seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you examine reliability as long as we have, you begin to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is incredible, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less elaborate infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Accomplished Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We explore seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and violated interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complicated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you begin to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is awesome, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its petite A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less complicated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Pro Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We probe seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its elaborate Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you commence to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is extraordinaire, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less complicated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Experienced Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We examine seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For demonstrable reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you commence to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is astounding, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less sophisticated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Pro Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We explore seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For visible reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its sophisticated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you investigate reliability as long as we have, you embark to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is exceptional, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less complicated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Accomplished Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We explore seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For demonstrable reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complicated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you investigate reliability as long as we have, you embark to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is amazing, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less sophisticated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Pro Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We investigate seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complicated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you examine reliability as long as we have, you embark to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is outstanding, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less complicated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Accomplished Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We investigate seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and violated interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For demonstrable reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complicated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you probe reliability as long as we have, you begin to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that spread from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is astounding, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less elaborate infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Experienced Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We probe seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For visible reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrified car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complicated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you embark to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is exceptional, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less complicated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Pro Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We explore seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and violated interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For evident reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its elaborate Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you explore reliability as long as we have, you begin to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is extraordinaire, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its petite A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less elaborate infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Pro Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We examine seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For visible reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its complicated Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you probe reliability as long as we have, you begin to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is extraordinaire, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its petite A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Trio: Enlargened Complexity Equals Enhanced Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less sophisticated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Experienced Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We explore seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more finish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For demonstrable reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the accomplish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey two thousand sixteen

CR’s Car Reliability Survey Exposes Shuffles in Brand and Model Rankings

It’s effortless to assess the style, spaciousness, and features of a fresh vehicle in a showroom. You can even take it out for a spin to see whether its spectacle is up to your expectations. But there’s no way to test drive a vehicle’s reliability. For that, you need time and data. So every year we send Consumer Reports subscribers our Annual Auto Reliability Survey to determine which vehicles are likely to be dependable and which ones are an invitation to years of headaches.

This year we gathered data on more than half a million vehicles, covering more than three hundred models from two thousand to 2016, plus a few early 2017s. With that much information, Consumer Reports can predict the future reliability of established models. We can also make predictions on fresh or redesigned models based on similar models and brand history.

Car Reliability Trends

• Very first, the least surprising news: Toyota and Lexus topped our list of the most reliable brands again. Toyota uses tried-and-true methods to build its vehicles, taking a conservative, evolutionary treatment.
• Buick moves into the top three brands this year. Its core product line is mature, with most problems having been ironed out. But Buick has introduced several fresh vehicles, which could have an influence on future brand spectacle.
• Subaru dropped out of the top ten reliable brands because of numerous problems in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon, which now have average reliability. The drop was compounded by the WRX/STi falling to below average reliability.
• Tesla’s Model S has improved to average reliability, which now makes the electrical car one of our recommended models. But its fresh Model X SUV has been plagued with malfunctions, including its elaborate Falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles can be upgraded to include Tesla’s optional semi-autonomous Autopilot software, which can permit the car to maintain lane position, speed, and following distances on its own.
• Consumer Reports has serious concerns about how some automakers, including Tesla, have designed, deployed, and marketed semi-autonomous technology. We believe automakers need to clearly communicate what these systems can and cannot do. To that end, we have identified models in our ratings that suggest semi-autonomous features.

Guide to Car Reliability

Fresh and used car reliability trends and ratings

Lessons From CR’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey

If you examine reliability as long as we have, you begin to notice recurring themes. Those are general principles that cut across pretty much all models and brands, and serve as good advice for anyone in the market for a fresh vehicle. Here are three key insights.

Lesson 1: Don’t Just Shop by Brand

Not all vehicles in a brand lineup are created identically. In fact, most are a mixed bag. Infiniti, for example, has products that open up from a best score of ninety one for the Q70 sedan down to a lowly thirty three for the QX60. Ford’s Expedition SUV is epic, but the Fiesta and Concentrate have persistent reliability issues. And Audi is in the top five brands, but its puny A3 ranked below average.

Lesson Two: Wait a Year or Two Before Buying a Fresh or Redesigned Model

It’s true that a few brands, like Lexus and Toyota, have lines that are consistently reliable, but even they can launch a few clunkers. The redesigned Tacoma pickup was unreliable in its very first year, and it took three years after being redesigned for the Ford Escape to improve to average reliability. It can take years for an automaker to work out the kinks. When a car model is brand fresh or “completely redesigned,” that can mean fresh parts, fresh systems—and fresh problems.

Lesson Three: Enhanced Complexity Equals Enlargened Problems

It’s also wise to avoid complicated fresh systems. In the past few years, Ford introduced its troublesome MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment systems, as well as a dual-clutch automated transmission in its Fiesta and Concentrate that also had significant problems. Honda and Acura owners told us they have been stymied by problematic infotainment systems and transmissions as well. For Ford and Honda, models with less sophisticated infotainment systems or proven transmissions fared far better.

Our Experienced Predictions of Reliability for two thousand seventeen Cars

Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We explore seventeen trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and cracked interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle’s Overall Score.

Our fresh survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more accomplish picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on ten years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we’ve gone back sixteen years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for fresh and redesigned models. For demonstrable reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are fresh to the market.

Fresh this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a zero to one hundred point scale. This makes it lighter to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from forty one to 60, with better than average and worse than average spanning twenty points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the two thousand seventeen models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn’t switched significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

See the finish reliability ratings on the car model pages and in the new-car selector.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Our recommendations are based on: our road-test scores; predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction data from our Annual Auto Survey; and independent safety testing. The recommendations may switch from year to year based on the latest information available. Here we list models that are either freshly recommended or no longer recommended based on our newest reliability data.

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