Toyota’s 2 Least Reliable New Models Are Top-Sellers

Which Toyota models are the most reliable?

I recently reported on the most reliable car brands, and it's not a surprise that Toyota makes the most dependable vehicles. Check out my complete report here. However, not all Toyota models in its lineup get the highest reliability marks. 

A recent report from iSeeCars reveals the most and least reliable Toyota models. First, I'll cover the ten most reliable Toyota models and then the ten least in the iSeeCars ranking.

iSeeCars says, "Toyota is perhaps the best brand for reliability, as a number of its models are ranked number one in their categories. We show comprehensive iSeeCars ratings for each brand's models, along with the rankings and Reliability scores. We believe multiple factors should be considered when buyers seek the best vehicle. Two of these factors are safety and resale value, both of which are included in our rating system." 

The top ten Toyota reliability ratings for the 2024 model year and their reliability score. 

• Toyota Tundra (hybrid) - 10 / 10
• Toyota Sequoia (hybrid) - 10 / 10
• Toyota FJ Cruiser - 10 / 10
• Toyota Land Cruiser - 9.9 / 10
• Toyota Avalon - 9.8 / 10
• Toyota Sequoia - 9.7 / 10
• Toyota Highlander (hybrid) - 9.5 / 10
• Toyota 4Runner - 9.4 / 10
• Toyota Tundra - 9.3 / 10
• Toyota Tacoma - 9.2 / 10
• Toyota Camry - 8.9 / 10

As you can see, three Toyota models scored a perfect 10 / 10. Also interesting is that two of the top models are hybrid trim levels, and three hybrids make up the top ten models. 

How is the iSeeCars score calculated?

The reliability score is meticulously calculated based on the latest research and analysis by iSeeCar's data science team. This data analysis, which includes over 12 million new and used vehicles in its Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings, provides a comprehensive and reliable assessment of each vehicle's reliability.

How long do Toyota vehicles last?

The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.

I also reported on the 6 Toyota vehicles that will go 250,000+ miles. Check out my report here. 

Surprisingly, the top-selling Toyota RAV4, Toyota Corolla, and Toyota Prius are not among the top models on the longevity list. Which Toyota models last the longest?

iSeeCars says, "The highest ranked vehicles, Toyota's Tundra and Sequoia, are four times more likely to reach a quarter-million miles, while the Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, Highlander Hybrid, and Honda Ridgeline are three times more likely to reach 250,000 miles compared to the average vehicle."

I've listed the top ten models and show the percentage of their chance of lasting 250,000 plus miles. Note: The overall average of all cars is 8.6%. The top six Toyota models far exceed those percentages. There's also one from its luxury division, Lexus. 

• Toyota Tundra - 36.6%
• Toyota Sequoia - 36.4%
• Toyota 4Runner - 26.8%
• Toyota Tacoma - 26.7%
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid - 25.9%
• Honda Ridgeline - 25.8%
• Chevrolet Suburban - 22.0%
• Toyota Avalon - 22.0%
• Lexus GX - 20.7%
• Chevrolet Silverado - 18.8%

Where does Toyota rank among all automakers for longevity? Here are the top seven automakers and their percentage to last 250,00+ miles compared to the average car. The overall average of all cars is 8.6%.

• Toyota 17% (2.0x)
• Honda 13.6% (1.6x)
• Ram 11.5% (1.3x)
• GMC 11.4% (1.3x)
• Chevrolet 10.5% (1.2x)
• Lexus 9.7% (1.1x)
• Ford 9.5% (1.1x)

Toyota ranks number one overall in this important category. Is it a surprise that Toyota is the world's number one selling automaker maker? Toyota sold 11.2 million vehicles worldwide in 2023. This is the fourth year in a row that Toyota has held the top spot. Note: Toyota's sales include vehicles from its Daihatsu and Hino brands.

Here are the next-tier reliable Toyota models according to the iSeeCars analysis. 

The Toyota reliability rating for the 2024 model year and their reliability score.

• Toyota Camry - 8.9 / 10
• Toyota Highlander - 8.9 / 10
• Toyota Venza (hybrid) - 8.9 / 10
• Toyota Prius (hatchback) - 8.9 / 10
• Toyota Camry Hybrid - 8.9 / 10
• Toyota Prius c - 8.7 / 10
• Toyota Sienna - 8.7 / 10
• Toyota RAV4 - 8.5 / 10
• Toyota Corolla - 8.5 / 10
• Toyota Yaris - 8.5 / 10
• Toyota Avalon Hybrid - 7.8 / 10

Ok, now for the two least reliable Toyota models according to the iSeeCars analysis.

• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - 6.2 / 10
• Toyota Prius Prime - 5.7 / 10

I was surprised that these two Toyota models ranked significantly lower than the automaker's other models. 

Here are key facts about the Toyota Prius Prime hatchback.

• Average Lifespan (years): 13.6
• Average Lifespan (miles): 146,196 miles
• Typical Miles Driven per Year: 9,425 miles
• Probability of Reaching 200k Miles: 15.4%

Here are key facts about the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

• Average Lifespan (years): 12.2
• Average Lifespan (miles): 148,119 miles
• Typical Miles Driven per Year: 10,262 miles
• Probability of Reaching 200k Miles: 17.7%

What does Consumer Reports say about Toyota's reliability?

According to a new report from Consumer Reports (by subscription), the Toyota brand of vehicles ranks as the second most reliable automaker. Lexus is ranked number one. This ranking, the first-ever brand ranking for used cars, is a significant milestone in the automotive industry. 

Why are Lexus and Toyota consistently ahead of the rest? 

Consumer Reports says, "Brands like Lexus and Toyota have a history of conservative redesigns, incrementally improving their entire product line, rather than introducing many all-new systems," says Steven Elek, Consumer Reports' senior automotive data analyst.

I like the new brand ranking for used cars. For this analysis, they use 5- to 10-year-old models. At the same time, its new car reliability ranking is based on CR's analysis of the latest three years of reliability, along with brand history and factors such as shared componentry. 

Toyota isn't perfect.

In August, Toyota had a stop-sale on the Grand Highlander and the Lexus TX and had to purchase back nearly a dozen from consumers. 

Kent Rice, group vice president of Toyota Motor North America's quality division, told Automotive News (by subscription) that the two large crossovers failed a random NHTSA audit involving the vehicles' side-curtain shield airbags in May. Toyota plans to fix consumers' vehicles and restart idle production in Indiana by the end of October.

"We make mistakes, right? It's a difficult, complex business. It's only about what do we need to do to get this right for the customer. This is our opportunity to put our values into action. In May, NHTSA conducted a random compliance audit of the Grand Highlander to determine whether it met Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. "We failed," Rice said.

It's Your Turn

How reliable is the Toyota model you drive? Click the red 'Add new comment' link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer 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 SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Toyota