Some of the most popular SUVs on the market may not be the best ones out there, as popularity doesn't necessarily equal reliability. Now that we're well into 2023 and testing of all new models for the year has commenced, the list of least reliable SUVs has changed considerably since 2022, though models like the Volkswagen Taos and Kia Sorento still come in as a couple of the least reliable models on the market.

All of the models on this list have either shown reliability issues in previous years or are already receiving complaints and NHTSA recalls. Needless to say, if you're looking for a new SUV and you don't want to have to worry about reliability, the models on this list might warrant a second guess.

We have compiled the information provided below using information from the Consumer Reports website for the most part, but we have also used data from sites such as RepairPal, CarEdge, and J.D. Power.

Updated On 6/21/2023: With the offering of SUVs and crossovers continuously growing and an onslaught of new or updated models being released for 2023, we've decided to give our list of the most unreliable SUVs a major overhaul. As of this writing, all of these SUVs and crossovers only have predicted reliability ratings from Consumers Reports. However, the predicted ratings are justified based on previous model years and consumer complaints.

Related: 10 Most Reliable SUVs According To Consumer Reports

15 2023 Dodge Hornet

Predicted Reliability: 2/5

Gray Dodge Hornet
Dodge

The Dodge Hornet will go down in history as the first electrified vehicle to wear a Dodge badge. However, did you know it's a badge-engineered version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, whose primary purpose was to help improve Dodge's corporate average fuel economy? Alfa Romeo isn't thrilled about the idea as the Hornet could put the brand's relevance in North America at risk, but it might not work out so well for Dodge, either.

Reliability

According to Consumer Reports and based on other Stellantis models with which the Hornet shares components, the 2023 Dodge Hornet has a predicted reliability score of just 2 out of 5. Since the Dodge Hornet is new for 2023, there is not any actual feedback from car owners yet, but Consumer Reports has gone back through some recent attempts by Dodge in the SUV segment to estimate the reliability of the Hornet.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $634 (Automoblog)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $11,079 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst Hornet Year To Buy Used: 2023 Dodge Hornet (Estimated due to past models)

14 2023 Ford Bronco Sport

Predicted Reliability: 2/5

2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Editions
Ford

The Ford Bronco Sport was launched for the 2021 model year as a sibling model to the more rugged Bronco and is aimed more at millennials and those that want decent capability and a sportier appearance. The Bronco Sport features several engine choices depending on the trim level, mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and the standard all-wheel-drive system. Handling is good, the cabin has a decent amount of room, and the interior tech is easy to learn how to operate.

Reliability

In the last couple of years, however, the Bronco Sport has earned a reputation for having problematic brakes, major engine problems, and body integrity issues. Because of the problems based on previous model years, Consumer Reports has given the Ford Bronco Sport a predicted reliability rating of just 2 out of 5, which – believe it or not – is an improvement from last year's rating of 1 out of 5.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $775 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,750 (RepairPal (775x10))
  • Total Recalls: 3(ABS leak, fuel system leak, parking light short)
  • Worst Bronco Sport Year To Buy Used: 2022 Ford Bronco Sport (air and water leaks, brakes, engine, and transmission)

13 2023 Jeep Compass

Predicted Reliability: 2/5

A parked 2023 Jeep Compass
Jeep

The current second-generation Jeep Compass has been on the market since 2016, with a major overhaul happening at the turn of the decade. 2022 brought some other minor enhancements, the most notable being over-the-air updates. For 2023 the more sluggish engine was dropped for the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and the nine-speed automatic was replaced with a more efficient eight-speed version. The Compass is still a Jeep, so it is great offroad but feels a little out of its element on the pavement.

Reliability

There is little data to go by for the 2023 Jeep Compass quite yet. However, based on Jeep's brand history and the reliability of previous models of the Compass, Consumer Reports has given the 2023 model a predicted reliability rating of just 2 out of 5. Whether or not the 2023 Compass will live up to that score or if it will prove the world wrong remains to be seen, but we'll know soon enough.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $526 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,031 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst Compass Year To Buy Used: 2019 Jeep Compass (transmission, powertrain, suspension, and steering)

Related: Most Reliable Car Brands in 2022

12 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe

Predicted Reliability: 2/5

The Chevy Tahoe entered its fifth generation for the 2021 model year. While it came with huge improvements over the previous generation, it was far from perfect. The Tahoe is larger than many of the more popular SUVs on the market, but when you want the convenience of an SUV with the towing capabilities of a larger vehicle, it is the perfect combination of both. The standard V-8 has plenty of power to tow up to the rated 7,900 pounds, which is more than most common campers and toy haulers weigh.

Reliability

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 model was plagued with major engine problems, and issues with the drive system, and there have been marginal problems with body integrity and in-car electronics. In 2022, most of those issues seemed to have been resolved (or people quit complaining about them), but in-car electrics proved to be worse than the previous model year. Despite a big improvement for 2022, Consumer Reports has given the Tahoe a predicted reliability rating of just 2 out of 5.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $744 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,302 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1 (running lights stay on)
  • Worst Tahoe Year To Buy Used: 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe (in-car electronics, climate control, air-conditioning compressor, air suspension, transmission, 4WD components, and engine)

11 2023 Jeep Wrangler

Predicted Reliability: 2/5

2023 Jeep Wrangler
Jeep

Jeep lovers across the globe all know that the Jeep Wrangler has a few issues they will have to deal with. Since the company does not seem too likely to address them anytime soon, it is something that they have come to accept. After all, Jeep is known for its offroad mastery rather than its on-road prowess, so if you want a Jeep, you will have to buck it up and deal with the basic bad.

Reliability

Consumer Reports has once again given the Jeep a predicted 2 out of 5 reliability rating simply because that is where most of the company's lineup falls. Some of the most common complaints given by owners, past and present, are excessive noise when driving, water leaks around the top and windows, rough ride, jittery steering on the highway, and climbing in and out of the Wrangler can be difficult.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $634 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,397 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 5 (electrical system, engine, power train, fuel system)
  • Worst Wrangler Year To Buy Used: 2012 Jeep Wrangler (engine, drive train, electrical, cooling, paint, body hardware, brakes, leaks)

10 2023 Hyundai Kona

Predicted Reliability: 2/5

2023 Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai

Technically, the Hyundai Kona is still in its first generation, with an all-new model coming in 2024. This is a good thing considering it hasn't been the most reliable crossover on the market. Since 2018, Consumer Reports has only given the Kona a rating above 3 out of 5 once, and that was for the 2021 model year, with the 2022 model falling from grace to just 2 out of 5 once again.

Reliability

The outlook isn't good for this generation's last year on the market. The Hyundai Kona is predicted to carry on with a 2 out of 5 reliability score. However, there's a lot of hope for the second-generation model that should hit the market for the 2024 model year. Needless to say, if you want a Kona, you might want to wait just a little bit longer.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $468 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,871 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst Kona Electric Year To Buy Used: 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric (keyless entry, suspension, steering, electric motor, brakes, and in-car electronics)

Related: The Most Unreliable Cars According To Consumer Reports

9 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Predicted Reliability: 2/5

Armor-plated Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee has improved from its earlier versions, featuring a cabin that offers a quieter, more refined ride filled with easily learned tech. There is plenty of leg room even for tall occupants, and the wood grain with simulated jewel styling creates a luxurious atmosphere that can only be found in the Grand Cherokee of the Jeep lineup. Under the hood is the same smooth-running V-6 mated to the easy-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

Reliability

As you may have already guessed, here is another Jeep mid-sized SUV that receives a 2 out of 5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports. Customers have similar complaints about the Grand Cherokee as they do for the other models, such as noise and leaks. Still, this particular model has numerous complaints about the temperature blend doors failing and the engine failing to start due to a malfunctioning control module.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $634 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,484 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 3 (rear coil springs that detach, steering control loss, missing dashboard airbag light)
  • Worst Grand Cherokee Year To Buy Used: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (climate controls, air-conditioning compressor, air suspension, EGR system, in-car electronics, and engine overheating)

8 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Predicted Reliability: 2/5

A parked 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is known for giving you an exceptionally comfortable ride full of luxury and technology. That is actually three things, but tech and luxury can be combined into one group because it is all found within the cabin of the mid-size SUV. Unfortunately, the GLE falls slightly short of what is expected of a high-class vehicle, so it has found its way on this list.

Reliability

One thing you may not ever expect to see on a list of unreliable vehicles is a model built by Mercedes-Benz, but every carmaker has times when they are not at the top of their games. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is such an SUV, receiving a Consumer Reports predicted reliability ranking of 2 out of 5 for 2023 because it has numerous issues with the electronic components.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $908 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $14,738 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1 (rear door window trim)
  • Worst GLE Year To Buy Used: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE (handling, 23 recalls including fire hazards, powertrain, and weak structure)

7 2023 Ford Escape

Predicted Reliability: 2/5

A parked 2023 Ford Escape
Ford

The 2020 facelift of the Ford Escape took a visual step away from what you once knew as an SUV towards what was once known as a hatchback or even a small station wagon. SUVs today are built to haul family and friends, or groceries, while still offering a ton of fun when driving. The 2023 Ford Escape is fun to drive, but it has some vibrations at lower RPMs, and transmission shifting can sometimes be felt.

Reliability

The 2023 Ford Escape has not changed much since the upgrades in 2020, so the same issues can be expected for the year. That is the main reason why Consumer Reports has given the Ford Escape a predicted reliability of 2 out of 5, which is better than the 1 out of 5 that the SUV received the previous year. Some of the common complaints by owners are excessive noise when driving, water leaks through the seals, and premature brake wear.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $775 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,721 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 2 (risk of engine compartment fire from fuel leaks)
  • Worst Escape Year To Buy Used: 2018 Ford Escape (engine, shocks and struts, transmission, alarm system, rain sensor wiper, body control module, and cooling leaks)

Related: The Most Reliable Electric Cars According To Consumer Reports

6 2023 Lincoln Aviator

Predicted Reliability: 1/5

A parked 2023 Lincoln Aviator
Lincoln Canada

The Lincoln Aviator returned to the market after a 15-year hiatus in 2020, but its return hasn't been as great as the brand had hoped. The interior is loaded with innovative technology, so much so that it can be hard to grasp. The ride is comfortable and luxurious, especially if you opt for the higher trim levels. Overall, minus the excessive noise on acceleration, the ride is as expected out of a larger-sized SUV.

Reliability

Since the Aviator's relaunch, it has suffered issues with in-car electronics, body integrity, paint, trim, and suspension, among other things. Based on previous model years, Consumer Reports has hit it with a predicted reliability score of just 1 out of 5. Not great when you factor in the idea that Lincoln is supposed to be the premier brand for Ford Motor Company.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $879 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $11,691 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 4 (backup camera, powertrain, and seat belts)
  • Worst Aviator Year To Buy Used: 2021 Lincoln Aviator (in-car electronics, drive system, suspension, steering, paint, trim, air, and water leaks)

5 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

Predicted Reliability: 1/5

Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan

The Nissan Pathfinder entered its fifth generation for the 2022 model year after being removed from the market for the duration of 2021. Handling is much improved because of the wider stance, but the trade-off is that you get a rougher ride when traveling down the road. The mid-sized Pathfinder has a better engine than previous years, which has been mated to a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic.

Reliability

As a new model, there was a lot of hope for the updated Pathfinder, but according to Consumer Reports, there were several issues with the 2022 model. Problems included in-car electronics, power equipment, body hardware, and major transmission issues. The engine lineup proved to be quite reliable. However, because of these other issues, the Pathfinder received a reliability score of 1 out of 5 for 2022, and it's predicted to have the same reliability score for 2023.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $500 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,558 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1 (broken welds on seats)
  • Worst Pathfinder Year To Buy Used: 2017 Nissan Pathfinder (electric fan, antilock brake system, transmission sensor, engine, transmission, drive system, and climate controls)

4 2023 Ford Explorer

Predicted Reliability: 1/5

A parked 2023 Ford Explorer
Ford

Entering its sixth generation for the 2022 model year, the Ford Explorer was fresh, attractive, and better than ever. At least on the outside, anyway. Once you start digging into the Explorer, it is safe to say that Ford took a step backward with this one, reminding you of the old days when the SUV first came onto the market. The transmission clunks, the engine is loud, and the suspension is stiff and harsh on the inside.

Reliability

The problem, however, is that the Explorer has been plagued with issues involving the in-car electronics, power equipment, body hardware, body integrity, and there have even been consistently reported minor transmission issues. Consumer Reports gave Ford Explorer a 1 out of 5 reliability rating for 2020 and 2021, but 2022 improved to 2 out of 5. Despite this, the outlet has predicted the 2023 Ford Explorer's reliability rating to settle at 1 out of 5.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $775 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,017 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 3 (backup camera, power train)
  • Worst Explorer Year To Buy Used: 2016 Ford Explorer (air and water leaks, paint, trim, steering, suspension, drive system, climate controls, transmission, and body hardware)

Related: 10 Most Unreliable Pickup Trucks

3 2023 Kia Sorento

Predicted Reliability: 1/5

Gray 2023 Kia Sorento
Unsplash / Kia

You know Kia offers some of the most inexpensive vehicles on the planet compared to the competitors within the same segment. You may not know that Kia is also the oldest carmaker in Korea, so they have had some serious time to get things right, but the problem is that since they try to keep costs down, sometimes it shows through to you as the buyer. For example, the Kia Sorento can be picked up for as little as $30,000, but for that, you get a noisy SUV that rides rough and is slow to accelerate.

Reliability

Since the early 2010s, the Kia Sorento has had problems with reliability. The new Sorento is no different, receiving an estimated reliability rating of 5 out of 100 because of the issues seen in previous model years, which Kia has not attempted to fix. The main problems with the 2023 model center in the transmission and drivetrain, but definitely includes major and minor issues within the engine components of the hybrid SUV.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $474 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,953 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1 (trailer hitch harness fire hazard)
  • Worst Sorento Year To Buy Used: 2014 Kia Sorento (ABS, brake calipers, air-conditioning condenser, paint, trim, engine, engine computer, and body hardware)

2 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Predicted Reliability: 1/5

Chevrolet Bolt EUV Redline Edition
Chevrolet

In 2022 Chevrolet decided to update and upgrade the base-level Bolt, creating the Chevy Bolt EUV that is more of an SUV and less of a compact vehicle. The car offers you more room inside for people or luggage (any items) and a smoother, more comfortable ride. The Bolt EUV is also the first GM product, outside of the Cadillac lineup, that received the Super Cruise active driving assistance system.

Reliability

It sounds great on paper, and it even looks good up close. However, Consumer Reports still gives it a predicted reliability rating of 1 out of 5. Perhaps because of how bad the car has been in the past, but time will tell if the common issues found with the electric motors continue to plague the little SUV.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $649 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,490 (RepairPal (649x10))
  • Total Recalls: 1 (seatbelt pre tensioner can cause a fire)
  • Worst Bolt EUV Year To Buy Used: 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV (in-car electronics, electric motor, and air/water leaks)

1 2023 Volkswagen Taos

Predicted Reliability: 1/5

2023 Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen

Taking the honors for the most unreliable SUV in the U.S. is the 2022 Volkswagen Taos. It is also estimated that the new model year will be just as bad, simply because the company has not suggested to anyone that they plan to make changes to improve on any of the issues. According to testers and owners, one of the main issues you must deal with is a substantial delay when taking off from a complete stop.

Reliability

The main reasons found for the ranking given by SUV owners begin with major and minor engine problems, issues with all the electrical components, including safety features, major and minor transmission failure, serious fuel system problems, and drivetrain issues that could leave a person stranded on the side of the road. Leading to the reasons why Consumer Reports has ranked the reliability of the Taos as a 1 out of 100.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $676 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,166 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst Taos Year To Buy Used: 2022 Volkswagen Taos (engine, in-car electronics, fuel system, emissions, transmission, noises, and air and water leaks)

FAQ

Q: What is the most unreliable SUV on the market?

Volkswagon has the lousy distinction of carrying the top two most unreliable SUVs on the market. The 2022 Taos and the 2022 Ttiguan have reliability ratings given by Consumer Reports as being 1 out of 100 and 3 out of 100, making them both SUVs to avoid at all costs.

Q: What SUV on the market is the most reliable?

The top SUV over the past couple of decades is the Lexus NX Hybrid and the Lexus NX. Both received consumer reliability ratings of 99 out of 100 and 98 out of 100. They are the most luxurious, reliable, and sought-after SUVs on the market.

Q: Which SUV depreciates the most?

The depreciation of an SUV is significant because not many of us hang on to our cars for more than 5 to 10 years, which means that we want to be able to sell them without losing a ton of money. Out of all the SUVs on the market, the Toyota 4Runner depreciates the most, reaching up to 24.6%.

Q: Which SUV is best in an accident?

Even though not many will ever be in a serious accident, there is always a chance, so as a consumer, you want to have the safest SUV on the roads. As of now, the Tesla Model Y has 5 stars all the way across the board from IIHS and NHTSA.