rewrite this title What Are the Most Reliable Car Brands? – NerdWallet

You can find car reliability rankings through several sources, but one of the most comprehensive is the Consumer Reports (CR) annual car reliability survey. CR collects data about more than 300,000 vehicles from the nonprofit organization’s members. Survey recipients are asked about vehicle problems they experienced in the past 12 months, covering 20 different aspects like engine, transmission, body hardware, paint and trim. For EVs, batteries and charging are included.

CR weighs reported problems by severity, and each vehicle model gets a score from 1 to 100. The most recent survey covers model years 2000 to 2024, with a few 2025 models. After rating each vehicle make and model, CR uses these scores to rank car brands for average predicted reliability.

Our list of the most reliable car brands is based on findings from the CR member surveys.

In 2024, Subaru moved to the top of the brand reliability rankings, a position Lexus and Toyota held in previous years. Auto experts note that Subaru’s consistent design approach, making incremental improvements without overhauling their models, has helped enhance reliability. Based on the CR survey, the Subaru Forester and Impreza had the highest reliability scores — 98 and 89 respectively. The Subaru Crosstrek, Legacy, Outback and Ascent also rated above average and average. The only car in Subaru’s lineup with a below-average reliability score (38) was the all-electric Solterra, which is basically the same vehicle as Toyota’s bZ4X. Solterra issues commonly reported were related to the in-car electronics and climate system.

Despite moving down from the top spot on the CR list of most reliable brands for 2024, Lexus was only three points behind Subaru. The Lexus NX scored highest with a reliability score of 77, followed by the NX Hybrid at 76 and the ES at 75, all considered above average. Other Lexus models that scored average for reliability were the RX Hybrid, ES Hybrid and TX. Below average were the NX Plug-in Hybrid (58) and RX (41). Owners reported vibration issues with the RX drive system, and both vehicles had problems related to in-car electronics.

Long known for durability and longevity of its vehicles, Toyota maintained a strong presence in the CR reliability rankings by taking the number three spot. Four Toyota models had well above average reliability rankings — the RAV4 (86), Corolla (84), RAV4 Prime (84) and RAV4 Hybrid (83). Eleven additional Toyota models scored either above average or average. Toyota’s overall brand reliability score was likely brought down by the below average scores of the all-electric bZ4X (38), Tundra pickup (32) and Tacoma pickup (29). The bZ4X problems pertained mainly to in-car electronics and the climate system. Tacoma owners reported steering, transmission and noise issues, while the Tundra was said to have problems with in-car electronics and brakes.

Also recognized for building cars that need little more than regular maintenance for many miles, Honda came in at number four. Scoring above average for reliability were the HR-V (72), Accord (64) and CR-V (61). Seven additional models had average reliability rankings, with the popular Civic at 59. Honda’s lowest-scoring model was the Accord Hybrid at 46, which is still in the average range, meaning no models were below average for reliability.

Acura, which is Honda’s luxury car division, was at number five. Acura’s vehicle lineup includes five models, with CR ranking only two of them. The RDX was above average with a score of 64, and the MDX was average at 46. The Integra, TLX and ZDX (Acura’s first electric model) were not ranked. CR may not rank certain car models for reliability due to lack of sufficient data from owner reporting.

One of four Japanese automakers on the top 10 list of most reliable cars, Mazda has a reputation for making vehicles that are dependable as well as stylish. The MX-5 Miata ranked well above average for reliability with a score of 84. Three additional models — the CX-5 (74), Mazda 3 (72) and CX-30 (64) — were above average, followed by average reliability for the CX-50 (47). Mazda’s overall reliability score took a hit from the CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid’s below average score of 15. Common problems reported by owners for the CX-90 PHEV pertained to steering and in-car electronics, with the vehicle also having numerous recalls.

The German luxury automaker Audi is one of two European brands on the top 10 reliability list. This can be attributed to above average rankings for four models, the Audi A4 (75), Allroad (75), A5 (72) and Q7 (63). It’s worth noting that Audi had two models with below average reliability rankings: the Q5 at 36 and Q8 E-Tron at 26. Q8 E-tron owners reported problems with the vehicle’s EV battery, which needed replacement, along with charging issues.

Luxury brand BMW is the second German carmaker on the top 10 reliability list. The BMW i4 scored well above average with an 82, followed by the above average X5 at 61. Average scores went to the 4 Series (53), 3 Series (48) and X5 Plug-in Hybrid (45). The iX earned a below-average score of 29, with owners reporting problems with the EV battery, electric motor, climate system and in-car electronics.

Kia has made significant strides in improving its reputation for quality and reliability. With 13 models ranked for reliability by CR, Kia has three above average models — the Sorento Hybrid and Carnival, both at 68, and the Sportage at 67. Nine models received an average score, with the two highest being the Soul (58) and Niro EV (54). Kia’s lone below-average vehicle for reliability according to CR is the EV6 with a score of 31. EV6 owners reported problems that included the EV charging system, paint/trim and climate system. Also, some EV6 vehicles were recalled due to a possible loss of drive power.

Rounding out the CR top 10 list of most reliable car brands is Hyundai, with 13 models rated. At the top are the Elantra Hybrid and Sonata, with above-average scores of 79 and 67. Nine Hyundai models received average scores, and the highest were the Palisade (59) and Tuscon (54). Below average rankings went to the Santa Cruz at 34 and Ioniq 5 with 30. Santa Cruz owners reported major transmission problems that required replacement. It’s worth noting that Hyundai does offer a powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles. Ioniq 5 issues were commonly related to EV charging and electrical accessories, and there were two recalls in 2024 for loss of drive power.

The CR reliability survey found that hybrids (HEVs), which use both a gas engine and electric motor for short distances, are about as reliable as a traditional gas-powered car. However, HEV owners reported fewer problems than owners of EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

HEVs have been around long enough to benefit from refined technology, whereas EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are still integrating new features and technologies, leaving more opportunity for glitches that affect reliability.

But, according to CR, EVs and PHEVs are improving. EVs in the reliability study had 42% more problems than gas-powered vehicles and HEVs, but that’s down from 79% last year. PHEVs had 70% more problems than gas vehicles and HEVs, which was down from 146% last year.

Eight of CR’s top 10 most reliable brands are from Asian automakers, with European automakers filling the other two spots. The highest scoring domestic brand was Buick in 11th place. That’s not to say U.S. carmakers don’t make reliable cars, because in many cases specific makes and models do score well. For example, Ford was in 13th place overall, but the Mustang scored well above average with an 84, and the Escape was above average with a 68. Chevrolet, which came in at number 16 overall, has the Trailblazer, which scored above average with a 68.

Identifying the most reliable car brands is a good place to begin when shopping for a car, but consider the reliability of specific car models. Some car brands may rank lower for reliability overall, yet have models with a track record of dependability and high reliability scores. Brand and model reliability information can also be helpful when buying a used car.