Consumer Reports has recently unveiled its 2023 Auto Reliability Survey, highlighting the top-performing automotive brands. In a notable shift from the previous year, Lexus and Toyota have emerged as the leaders, securing the first and second positions, respectively. Mini follows closely, rounding up the top three. The ranking is based on an extensive survey involving over 330,000 vehicles, ranging from the 2000 to 2023 model years, with some early-introduced 2024 models.
The survey examines 20 trouble areas, encompassing minor nuisances like squeaky brakes to more substantial concerns such as engine, transmission, EV battery, and EV charging problems. Consumer Reports assigns a predicted reliability score to each vehicle on a scale of 1 to 100, factoring in the severity of reported issues. This score is then combined with track testing data, owner satisfaction survey results, and safety data to determine the Overall Score for each tested vehicle.
This year’s survey also reflects the growing prevalence of electrified vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and electric vehicles (EV). Consumer Reports added three new trouble areas specifically for these types of vehicles: electric motor, EV/hybrid battery, and EV charging.
Asian automakers continue to dominate reliability, boasting an overall average score of 63 out of 100. Seven out of the top 10 most reliable brands hail from Asia. European automakers secure the second spot with an average score of 46, while domestic brands trail behind at 39. Notably, each domestic automaker has at least one model with an average or better reliability ranking.
The survey delves into how different vehicle types fare in terms of reliability. Cars, including sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons, lead the pack with an average reliability rating of 57. SUVs follow closely at 50, minivans at 45, and pickup trucks at the bottom with an average rating of 41.
In the realm of electrified vehicles, hybrids outshine their internal combustion engine counterparts, exhibiting 26 percent fewer problems. Notable performers include the Lexus UX and NX Hybrid, as well as the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid. However, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) present a mixed picture, with 146 percent more problems than traditional vehicles. The survey highlights specific models like the Audi Q5 and Chrysler Pacifica as less reliable, while others like the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Kia Sportage stand out with above-average scores.
Electric cars and electric SUVs, on the other hand, show average reliability scores of 44 and 43, respectively. Electric pickup trucks rank the lowest, with an average score of 30. As the electric vehicle market expands, issues with the EV drive system motors, EV charging systems, and EV batteries are becoming more apparent, affecting models from various manufacturers.
Among the top five brands, Lexus and Toyota consistently demonstrate above-average or better reliability, with specific models like the Lexus NX and Toyota 4Runner standing out. Acura, Honda’s luxury brand, also performs well, with the RDX and TLX models boasting above-average reliability.
Consumer Reports’ brand-level rankings provide valuable insights into the automotive landscape, offering consumers a comprehensive overview of the most and least reliable brands based on average predicted reliability scores. These rankings serve as a crucial resource for potential car buyers, guiding them towards brands that consistently deliver reliable vehicles.