When buying a new car, the first thing you will want to know is if it is reliable or not. Of course, you can't say that without actually driving the car, and that's where Consumer Reports comes to your rescue. Like every year before, it has issued a list with the most and least reliable automakers and the most and least reliable cars for 2023.
The predictions were made after getting information from more than 300,000 owners of cars for the past three model years. And, while cars like Toyota Corolla Hybrid or Lexus GX are among the most reliable cars of 2023, the list of vehicles found to be the least reliable is a bit surprising. What's an even bigger surprise is that Mercedes was Consumer Reports' least reliable brand for the first time ever!
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 June 18, 2023: Even though 2023 model year sales are giving way for the 2024 model year, the year-end sales will be making room for the new round of vehicles. It is important to know which cars are unreliable and should be avoided, so we have decided to update and refresh this list. You will find all the original unreliable cars below, as well as a few new ones to watch out for.
15 2023 Jeep Wrangler
Predicted Reliability Rating: 2/5
There is no doubt that the Jeep Wrangler is one of the best off-road vehicles in the world, but when it comes to daily use, things are a little bit different. The new generation Wrangler brought a lot of improvement in terms of powertrain, amenities, and connectivity when compared to the generation before, but it seems they were not enough to make this a reliable car.
Reliability
According to Consumer Reports, "The Wrangler's on-road behavior is still not on par with that of a modern SUV. Constant short motions make the Jeep jittery even on smooth roads. On the highway, the Wrangler is out of its element." Customers have reported problems with the steering/suspension and in-car electronics, along with excessive noise when driving down the road.
- 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)
14 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Predicted Reliability Rating: 2/5
When you pay anywhere between $60,000 to $120,000 for a brand-new Mercedes, you would expect it to deliver the best driving experience. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe features low-profile tires for better grip around corners, but the trade-off is a noisy, uncomfortable ride because you feel every little bump and pothole. The exterior style is unique and futuristic, meaning you either love or hate it.
Reliability
Consumer Reports found the GLE offered a nice ride and a quiet cabin, but the controls made things difficult, and the keyless entry was "uncooperative." Owners also reported tons of issues with the car's electronics, engine, in-car electronics, climate system, and hardware. The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is anything but a good value.
- 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 Coupe Year To Buy Used: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE (handling, 23 recalls including fire hazards, powertrain, and weak structure)
13 2023 Jeep Gladiator
Predicted Reliability Rating: 2/5
Sales figures for the Jeep Gladiator went down in 2022 compared to the previous year and continued on that trend going into this year. It is basically a Jeep Wrangler with a truck bed attached because Jeep has used the same foundation, which means it has the majority of the same problems. On the positive side, it fills the gap that Jeep lovers have longed for since the 1985 Jeep Scrambler was retired.
Reliability
According to Consumer Reports, the Gladiator is another Jeep vehicle that should only be used for off-roading. It is the least reliable truck on the market and, of course, one of the least reliable models you can purchase in 2023. Owners have reported many issues, from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment failure and electrical system issues.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $634 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $11,803 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (clutch pressure plate)
- Worst Gladiator Year To Buy Used: 2020 Jeep Gladiator (electrical, suspension, steering, electrical system, drive system, noise when driving)
12 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2023 GMC Sierra 1500
Predicted Reliability: 1/5
We must admit: the Chevrolet Silverado is one of the biggest surprises on this list. With about 48,000 copies sold in 2022, it is shocking to see it is one of the most unreliable cars on the market. The trucks do come with some good choices of powertrains and can tow some impressive amounts of weight, but the company did not bother offering any high-performance options like the Raptor, TRX, or Trailhawk.
Reliability
According to Consumer Reports, the Silverado not only has a very poor fuel economy and unsafe transmission but there are also issues with the engine and the brakes. Customers have reported issues with the infotainment system that crashes, engine failures, electrical problems, drivetrain issues, and brake problems.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $649 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,003 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (exterior lighting)
- Worst Silverado 1500/Sierra 1500 Year To Buy Used: 2010 Chevy Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 (engine computer system, paint and trim, engine, heads, electrical system, body hardware, transmission, and battery)
11 2023 Chevrolet Bolt
Predicted Reliability: 1/5
The Bolt has been in production since 2016 and has had some type of issue almost yearly. In the fourth quarter of 2020, one such problem was so bad that the company had to stop assembling the car until the recall was fixed. Otherwise, the fires that the batteries started would continue to cause harm. Perhaps these issues have finally caught up to the carmaker, or the low price tag on the car has made it unprofitable. Either way, 2023 will be the last year of production for the Chevy Bolt.
Reliability
According to Consumer Reports for the 2023 model year, hybrid cars are among the most reliable vehicles, while electric ones are at the opposite corner. The Chevrolet Bolt was found to be one of the first poor-performing electric vehicles, with one of the lowest reliability ratings in the EV segment. Clients reported issues with the battery pack and the electric drivetrain.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $649 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: No data yet (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (fire risk after seat belt detensioner deployment)
- Worst Bolt Year To Buy Used: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt (in-car electronic, electric motor, EV battery, EV charger, brakes, and EV thermal management)
10 2023 Ford Explorer
Predicted Reliability: 1/5
In 1990 when the Ford Explorer first appeared for the 1991 model year, it brought something great to the market. It has come a long way since then, still offering a refined SUV with a wide-shouldered stance and plenty of room inside. Unfortunately, it has been overtaken by the droves of competitors that have seen the chance for profits. Carmakers that bring more to the table than the Explorer does, with better reliability ratings and more options.
Reliability
In the first nine months of 2022, the Ford Explorer placed first in its segment, with more than 155,000 copies sold. However, Consumer Reports ranks it as one of the worst midsize SUVs and thinks it is "less compliant than many rivals." Owners have reported many issues with the Explorer, including its transmission, power equipment, body hardware, steering, suspension, climate system, paint, and possible leaks. It is also very likely for the SUV to require frequent non-routine maintenance.
- 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)
9 2023 Nissan Sentra
Predicted Reliability: 1/5
The 2023 Nissan Sentra may not be fun to drive, and it may not give you goosebumps when you slam the accelerator to the floor, but it offers a nice daily driver to anyone willing to settle for simplicity. The Sentra is a simple car at a low price, but it offers more for your money than you might expect. The problem is that the car has a few issues that the carmaker needs to work out before it can honestly be a good investment.
Reliability
Priced at under $20,000, the Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan that does precisely what it should: it takes you and your family from point A to point B. However, despite its low price, Consumer Reports suggests you may want to rethink your decision about buying a 2023 Sentra. On the one hand, the Sentra has a "comfortable ride, nimble handling, great fuel economy, roomy cabin, and intuitive controls," but owners have reported many issues with the brakes, climate control, paint and trim, noise, and leaks. Its halogen headlights also offer feeble illumination.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $500 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,441 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Sentra Year To Buy Used: 2015 Nissan Sentra (transmission, body hardware, power equipment, air and water leaks, engine, climate controls, and suspension)
8 2023 Lincoln Aviator
Predicted Reliability: 1/5
The Lincoln Aviator shares its platform with the Ford Explorer, so it is no wonder it is found on the same unreliable cars list. When compared to the Explorer, the Aviator delivers an upgraded driving experience with a more sophisticated, luxurious cabin. Also, unlike the Explorer, owners of the Aviator reported no issues with the transmission.
Reliability
There are, however, enough problems with the climate control, steering, suspension, electronics, paint, trim, and infotainment systems that require having the system hardware replaced many times. There are five recalls on the Aviator for the seats, seat belts, and engine rail that may detach and contact the road while driving.
- 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)
7 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric
Predicted Reliability: 2/5
The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric is exactly what you would expect it to be; the compact car replacement for the ICE version of the same model, the Hyundai Kona, with the four-banger under the hood. The great thing is that the electric motor installed in the Kona Electric pushes out more oomph than the gas-powered version, pushing it from 0 to 60 in a faster fashion. The bad thing is that the Electric version of the Kona has some problems.
Reliability
The Hyundai Kona Electric is a car of big contradictions. According to Consumer Reports, it is one "of the best electric vehicles (EV) under $50,000" that "blends an enjoyable driving experience with practicality." However, owners have reported so many issues with the EV that it is ridiculous: battery pack, charging, electric drive system, climate control, and in-car electronics - all these gave a lot of headaches to current owners.
- 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)
6 2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid
Predicted Reliability: 1/5
Out of all the Ford F-150 lineup, the Hybrid version has one of the most powerful drivetrains, besides the Raptor and the Lightning. The combined 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque can tow up to 12,700 pounds, which is more than enough to tow even the biggest camper or trailer loaded with off-road toys. That, of course, is a good thing because you may need them to get back to civilization due to the low reliability of the truck itself.
Reliability
Despite hybrids being some of the most reliable cars on the market, the Ford F-150 Hybrid was placed at the opposite corner with one of the lowest reliability scores. Despite its improvements for the model year, the truck is still under the comfort of the Ram 1500, and the "ride is still stiff, and handling is ponderous." Drivers have reported many issues with the F-150 Hybrid, including the electrical system, power equipment, drive system, noises, and various leaks.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $775 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,245 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst F-150 Hybrid Year To Buy Used: 2022 Ford F-150 Hybrid (in-car electronics, brakes, climate controls, engine, and engine cooling system)
5 2023 Hyundai Elantra
Predicted Reliability: 2/5
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra sits low to the ground, which is expected for a compact sedan. The acceleration is crisp and reminiscent of the old-school automatic, making it seem like the assemblers forgot to install the continuously variable transmission. The engine has plenty of power for daily driving with all of the trim levels, with the top Elantra N adding a supercharger into the mix.
Reliability
Consumer Reports can be unkind to cars not up to their standards, and the Hyundai Elantra is no exception. For the most part, they marked the car as giving an average ride but one that was much stiffer and harsher than the competition. Owners of the car were not as kind, stating that the forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, the electrical system has some issues, and the engine can give problems even when routine maintenance is performed.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $468 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,880 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (airbag cover)
- Worst Elantra Year To Buy Used: 2013 Hyundai Elantra (brakes, suspension, steering, paint, trim, climate controls, body hardware, and in-car electronics)
4 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
Predicted Reliability: 1/5
One of the bonus additions owners get when driving a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is that they can tow up to 6,000 pounds. It may not seem like a ton, but since the basic-sized camper weighs around 5,000 pounds, it is plenty for most applications. It is better than many rivals, such as the Toyota Highlander and the Kia Telluride. But, towing capacity does not help much when you cannot rely upon the vehicle towing the load.
Reliability
Consumer Reports took this SUV through its paces and found that even though the vehicle is wide, it flows through corners very well. But when you produce an off-road rig that is wide, you are bound to have some problems. Owners have claimed that the Nissan Pathfinder is simply not worth the value because the transmission has trouble shifting, and it is not as capable off-road as it needs to be.
- 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)
3 2023 Kia Sorento
Predicted Reliability: 1/5
The 2023 Kia Sorento is an excellent option for those looking to get into a mid-sized crossover without spending an entire year's salary on it. The SUV offers many options for the buyer while keeping the price tag low. The third row is small but able to handle smaller adults and children, with the choice of powertrain options allowing you to pick the perfect combination.
Reliability
Unfortunately, before you can jump head-first into buying a Sorento, the carmaker has a few bugs to work out. According to some current and past owners (yes, owners have already unloaded some 2023 Kia Sorentos), the SUV is known for losing power, cracking windshields, and exploding sunroofs. Ouch!
- 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 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Predicted Reliability: 1/5
The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a one-of-a-kind vehicle, offering you a minivan that you can plug in and charge when not in use. This version is not only better for the environment but also on fuel, has more power than the basic ICE version, and drives better than any minivan should.
Reliability
The one major problem that all owners, testers, and designers can attest to is the squishy brake pedal. It doesn't seem to affect the stopping power of the van, but it sure does make you wonder. However, according to first-hand accounts, the problem concerning the reliability of the Hybrid Pacifica is the defective wiring harness inside the transmission.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $608 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,620 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (electrical short causing engine shutdown)
- Worst Pacifica Hybrid Year To Buy Used: 2018 Pacifica Hybrid (in-car electronics, paint, trim, body hardware, engine, power equipment, climate controls, and engine)
1 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Predicted Reliability: 1/5
You should remember the Chevrolet Bolt because it was talked about a little bit ago, but since the EUV is an entirely different model, here it is again. The EUV used the same basic framework and styling as the Bolt but with an added layer of sheet metal to shape it more like an SUV than a car. This, of course, was a purposeful design shift to help increase sales, but the carmaker did not improve the problems, so it was almost pointless.
Reliability
The people at Consumer Reports did have the time to put this electric utility vehicle through a range of tests. They found that even though it was more comfortable than the original Bolt, it did have some corner roll that could easily become a problem. The Bolt EUV also had issues with the electric motor, which of course, is the heart of the EUV, so back to the drawing board for General Motors.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $649 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: no data shown (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (seatbelt pretensioner can cause a fire)
- Worst Bolt EUV Year To Buy Used: 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV (in-car electronics, electric motor, and air/water leaks)