10 New Models Owners Would Not Buy Again, Nissan And Kia Have The Most

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Do you own a Nissan Altima, Nissan Kicks, Nissan Sentra, Kia Forte, Kia Seltos, or Kia Sorento Hybrid? If so, Consumer Reports says these models are the least liked by their owners. See why here.

Which new car and SUVs are owners the most dissatisfied with? Nissan and Kia have six of the ten least liked and least satisfying cars that disappoint their owners the most. According to Consumer Reports (by subscription) data, the Nissan Altima, Nissan Kicks, Nissan Sentra, Kia Forte, Kia Seltos, and Kia Sorento Hybrid have the lowest owner satisfaction scores. 

My son-in-law has owned two Nissan Altima’s and he loves them. So what gives? 

It’s all About Delivering What You Promise

Consumer Reports says, “Every year, there are models from automakers who talk a big game but can’t deliver the goods.” 

CR says it analyzed data from its latest member survey to measure the current state of vehicle owner satisfaction. The owner satisfaction score is based on whether owners say they would definitely buy the same car again if given the choice. It measures whether a vehicle has lived up to expectations.

These Nissan and Kia models rank among the worst and do not deliver what their automakers promise. CR says, “Often, the same models find their way to the least satisfying list.”

Here is what Consumer Reports says about the Nissan Altima, Kicks, and Sentra and how many owners would not buy them again. 

  1. Nissan Sentra: 61% would not buy again
  2. Nissan Kicks: 56% would not buy again
  3. Nissan Altima: 52% would not buy again

My son-in-law is a happy camper and is among the 48% who say they would buy the Nissan Altima again. He recently purchased a 2024 Altima. 

Here is what Consumer Reports says about the Kia Forte, Seltos, and Sorento Hybrid and how many owners would not buy them again.

  1. Kia Sorento Hybrid: 58% would not buy again
  2. Kia Seltos: 55% would not buy again
  3. Kia Forte: 53% would not buy again

Here are four additional models with which owners are the most dissatisfied. Volkswagen has two on the list. What Does CR say about buying these models?

“Despite our warnings to approach the least-satisfying models with caution, a new crop of owners purchase these cars, SUVs, and trucks each year, only to realize how truly disappointing they are.”

I recently wrote a report on the least-liked new SUV you can buy, the Infiniti QX50. Check out my report here

What are The Most Liked New Cars? 

Now check the most satisfying new cars, trucks, and SUVs with the highest customer satisfaction rating.

  1. Chevrolet Corvette: 93% Would Buy It Again
  2. Rivian R1T: 88% Would Buy It Again
  3. Mazda MX-5 Miata: 88% Would Buy It Again
  4. Lexus NX PHEV: 87% Would Buy It Again
  5. BMW X5: 85% Would Buy It Again
  6. Rivian R1S: 84% Would Buy It Again
  7. Ford Maverick Hybrid: 83% Would Buy It Again
  8. Kia Telluride: 82% Would Buy It Again
  9. Honda Pilot: 82% Would Buy It Again
  10. Hyundai Ioniq 6: 81% Would Buy It Again

I was surprised to see two new Rivian electric models on the list. The automaker is doing something right. 

CR says, “Our latest owner satisfaction survey reinforces that the models that deliver the promised performance, efficiency, roominess, luxury, and comfort are the ones owners will readily buy again.”

We Want To Hear From You

Do you own a Nissan Altima, Kicks, Sentra, Kia Forte, Seltos, or Sorento Hybrid? If so, we want to hear from you. What is your experience with your vehicle? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this least-liked new model story. I'll see you tomorrow for my latest report.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Freepik

Submitted by Sandy (not verified) on May 14, 2024 - 5:13PM

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I own a 2021 seltos I absolutely love my car the navigation screen is big. it rides very comfortably and the gas milage is fantastic

I own two Kia type automobiles. Both are 2019 one is a Kia Forte gets 43 miles to the gallon highway and 35 City driving. I have had nothing but good luck with both automobiles. I also have a Kia Sorento LS model V6, 2019 it gets around 32 miles to the gallon highway and 26 in the city. My last Kia Forte was a 2013 that has over 300,000 miles my brother-in-law drives it now. I've had nothing but smooth driving pleasure from Kia's. I think people expect cars to take care of themselves. I'm sorry if you take care of Kia automobiles they will last you at least 200,000 MI. I think any car is not going to be desirable if you drive the hell out of it and that's what I see a lot of people doing with Kia automobiles and then they expect them to last that's not going to happen with any automotive company.

Submitted by Lee Gianangelo (not verified) on May 15, 2024 - 5:00AM

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I have a Nissan Altima and it has been a perfect vehicle from the 1st mile to today's 91,000 mile. I'd love to get a new one in 2025.

Submitted by Sonia (not verified) on May 15, 2024 - 7:36AM

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I bought a Nissan Kicks in 2018, loved it. Then bought a 2023 Nissan Kicks, just a different color. I LOVE MY KICKS, BOUGHT IT TWICE & I AM CONSIDERING THE 2025 MODEL NOW. I have never had any issues with Nissan Kicks.

Submitted by Marnita Byerly (not verified) on May 15, 2024 - 10:34AM

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I own a 2017 Nissan Altima. I love it. I have not had any major issues with it. This is my 3rd Nissan. I have had 2 Nissan Sentra's. And now an Altima. This will probably be my last one. I want to try Toyota or Honda next time. Just for a change. But so far so good.