Most Unreliable Cars To Own Over 5-10 Years

Previously, we asked and answered the question whether some of the worst-designed cars reach 200,000 miles (or more) as long as they are maintained regularly and driven gently.

It is possible, but closer on the side of being unlikely. In fact, according to the host of the Car Help Corner YouTube channel, it will come at a significant financial cost in repairs and headaches to nurse these modern-day lemons further than 60,000 miles.

What Does the Future Look Like for the 2025 Models?

Automotive experts who analyze many cars generation by generation and model by model do not need a crystal ball to predict the future of how a new model will turn out should you buy one―especially those carrying the same engine design used in previous models. That, along with the data accumulated from owner surveys and reviews, adds to the picture of what to expect in a new model with little change aside from cosmetics and a few added features.

To help new car shoppers avoid those 2025 models predicted to develop problems solved only by expensive fixes, here are the models the host believes will be the most unreliable cars to own if you plan on keeping one for 5-10 years. His findings are based on recent Consumer Reports studies that focused on models and brands that are not only unreliable, but those that are expected to be exceptional in 2025.

Related article: "You May Spend So Much Repairing These Cars That You Could Have Bought a Newer Model" - Used Cars to Avoid Warns Consumer Reports

MOST UNRELIABLE VEHICLES TO OWN

Here are the worst of the most unreliable car models, beginning with the bottommost 10:

#10. Hyundai: Scoring an Overall Reliability Score of only 38/100, mostly due to its history of severe engine problems from 2014 to 2029. Fire risk-based recalls have identified over 5 million models that are potentially (and fatally) hazardous. Any used Hyundai model made between 2012 and 20 with a 4-cylinder engine is strongly recommended against buying.

#9. Chevrolet: Scoring an Overall Score of only 38/100 for reliability, their full-size trucks are prone to suffer from engine and transmission problems. Changes to what was once a stable truck, the move to additional emission controls, and cylinder deactivation tech have led to its downfall.

#8. Kia: Kia ties with Hyundai on their reliability score due to the similarity in their builds and possessing the same reliability issues. From 2012-2020, millions of Kia models were affected by engine problems that have led to massive recalls and some class action lawsuits. Avoid these used Kia models.

#7. Ford: Scoring an Overall Score of only 36/100 for reliability, there are a wide range of models to avoid used, including crossovers, SUVs, and trucks that carry the EcoBoost engine family.

#6. GMC: Scoring an Overall Score of only 36/100 for reliability, the GMC is the sister brand of Chevy and scores slightly lower due to GMC carrying more truck models than Chevrolet does. Again, their full-size trucks suffer from similar engine and transmission problems―including build-quality issues with their truck models.

#5. Ram: Earning an Overall Score of only 35/100 for reliability making it the least reliable of truck brands, the Ram is poorly made, overly expensive, and difficult to repair. Stellantis customer service for those seeking help with their ailing Ram also earned low marks from their customers.

#4. Jeep: Another Stellantis brand with reliability problems, Jeep has an Overall Score on reliability of only 32/100, which the hosts state is "pretty terrible." This includes all Jeep models. Do not expect one to last as long as you would like is the warning despite the fact that Jeep does have a loyal following, albeit one that is relatively small compared to its naysayer past owners.

#3. Tesla: WAIT?! What? Tesla? Yes, Tesla. Tesla received a reliability score of only 30/100; however, this is based on the years 2014 to 2019 when Tesla was going through its growing pains. The Model S and X were the only two models, which were understandably plagued with electronics, motor, and battery problems. Unless you are a collector, these early models are best avoided because the newer Model Y and Model 3 rate much better for reliability.

#2. Dodge: Scoring an Overall Reliability Score of only 28/100, another Stellantis offering bites the reliability dust.

#1. Chrysler: The least reliable of all brands, Chrysler deservedly earns an Overall Reliability Score of only 27/100 due to its predictability of aging badly and fast. "Avoid these vehicles at all costs," warns the host.

RELATIVELY RELIABLE (to a point) VEHICLES TO OWN

Before listing the most reliable brands, let's not forget about those "in-between" brands, "Not the worst, but certainly far from the best…" when it comes to reliability: The European brands of Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen, includes Mini and Volvo points out the host. Models from these brands are only good for the first five years; after that, expect problems followed by expensive repairs for the rest of the vehicle's life.

Land Rover, Maserati, and Jaguar were not included due to a lack of data for the Consumer Reports review. However, the expectation is that models from these makers would have appeared in the "Most Unreliable" list.

MOST RELIABLE VEHICLES TO OWN

Starting at #5, here is a brief summary of the most reliable vehicles to own:

#5. Honda: Scoring an Overall Reliability Score of 55/100, most models are expected to remain reliable for 5-10 years after buying new.

#4. Acura: Similar to Honda scoring an Overall Reliability Score of 57/100, this is not surprising because Honda and Accura share many of the same components.

#3. Mazda: Scoring an Overall Reliability Score of 59/100, like Honda and Acura, Mazda would score higher if their models did not have so many inconsistencies over the years covered; It was a hit or miss of some models over some years.

#2. and #1. Toyota and Lexus, respectively: There's no surprise that these two sister brands share the spotlight as being the best of the most reliable with scores of 72/100 and 75/100 (again, respectively), with Lexus being the luxury brand over Toyota. Of special note is that Toyota and Lexus are the only brands with consistent reliability from 2014-2019.

A Final Note from the Host: While owner maintenance plays an important role toward keeping a reliable car reliable, the onus is on the manufacturers and their build quality. Of those models noted to be unreliable, the reasons for this include increasing complexity in modern cars and the parts used to keep them running, which is a struggle for any auto manufacturer today.

MOST Unreliable Cars To Own Over 5-10 Years || DO NOT BUY

For additional articles related to car reliability, here are a few useful ones for your consideration.

• Least Reliable Cars That Don't Make It Past Their Warranty
• Least Reliable Cars That Won't Even Last 60,000 Miles
• The Worst American Cars You Should Avoid Buying In 2024

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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