The Most Unreliable Cars According To Consumer Reports (2023)

When buying a new car, the first thing you will want to know is if it is reliable or not. Of course, you can't know that without actually driving the car, and that's where Consumer Reports comes to your rescue. Like every year before, it has issued a list with the most and least reliable automakers and the most and least reliable cars for 2023. The predictions were made after getting information from more than 300,000 owners of cars for the past three model years. And, while cars like Toyota Corolla Hybrid or Lexus GX are on the top of the most reliable cars of 2023, the list of cars that were found to be the least reliable is a bit surprising. What's an ever bigger surprise is that Mercedes was Consumer Reports’ least reliable brand for the first time ever!

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10 Jeep Wrangler - 24/100

Front three-quarters shot of a 2023 Jeep Wrangler

There is no doubt that the Jeep Wrangler is one of the best off-road vehicles in the world, but when it comes to daily use, things are a little bit different. There is no doubt that the new generation Wrangler brought a lot of improvement in terms of powertrain, amenities, and connectivity when compared to the generation before, but it seems they were not enough to make this a reliable car. According to Consumer Reports “The Wrangler’s on-road behavior is still not on par with that of a modern SUV. Constant short motions make the Jeep jittery even on smooth roads. On the highway, the Wrangler is out of its element.” Customers have reported problems with the steering/suspension and in-car electronics, and there are also four recalls, two of which included major engine issues.

9 Mercedes-Benz GLE - 23/100

Front three-quarters shot of a Mercedes-Benz GLE

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When you pay anywhere between $60,000 to $120,000 for a brand-new Mercedes, you would expect it to deliver the best driving experience. The Mercedes-Benz GLE, however, is anything but that. Consumer Reports found the GLE offered a nice ride and a quiet cabin, but the controls made things difficult, and the keyless entry was "uncooperative." Clients also reported tons of issues with the car's electronics, engine, in-car electronics, climate system, and hardware. There were also four recalls for the GLE this past year, including one for a fire hazard caused by electrical cables.

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8 Jeep Gladiator - 21/100

Front three-quarters shot of a 2023 Jeep Gladiator

Sale figures for the Jeep Gladiator went down in 2022 when compared with the year before. Jeep sold 12,170 units in 2022, and for a good reason. However, according to Consumer Reports, the Gladiator is yet another Jeep vehicle that should only be used for off-roading. It is the least reliable truck on the market, and, of course, one of the least reliable models you can purchase in 2023. Owners have reported many issues ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment failure and electrical system issues. There were five different recalls on the Gladiator, including one for the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) that may fail, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.

7 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 - 19/100

Shot of multiple 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s

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We must admit: the Chevrolet Silverado is one of the biggest surprises on this list. With about 48,000 copies sold in 2022, it is shocking to see it is one of the most unreliable cars on the market. According to Consumer Reports, the Silverado not only has a very poor fuel economy, and unsafe transmission, but there are also issues with the engine and the brakes. Customers have reported issues with the infotainment system that crashes, but also engine failures, electrical, drivetrain, and brake problems. There are several recalls on the Silverado for faulty brakes, transmission issues, engine problems, and for the sudden loss of air in the tires.

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6 Chevrolet Bolt - 17/100

Front three-quarters shot of a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt

According to Consumer Reports for the 2023 model year, hybrid cars are among the most reliable vehicles, while electric ones are placed at the exact opposite corner. The Chevrolet Bolt was found to be one of the first poor-performing electric vehicles, with one of the lowest reliability ratings in the EV segment. Clients reported issues with the battery pack and the electric drivetrain. There were also a few recalls done for the Bolt, including one to fix a seat belt problem and one to replace defective lithium-ion battery modules with new ones.

5 Ford Explorer - 16/100

Front three-quarters view of a blue 2022 Ford Explore ST with the performance package.

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In the first nine months of 2022, the Ford Explorer placed first in its segment with more than 155,000 copies sold. However, Consumer Reports ranks it as one of the worst midsize SUVs and thinks it is "less compliant than many rivals." Owners have reported many issues with the Explorer, including with its transmission, power equipment, body hardware, steering, suspension, climate system, paint, and possible leaks. It is also very likely for the SUV to require frequent non-routine maintenance. There were many recalls issued for the Explorer, including one for rollaway risk caused by a faulty design of the drivetrain.

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4 Nissan Sentra - 9/100

Front-end shot of a Nissan Sentra

Priced at a little under $20,000, the Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan that does exactly what it is supposed to do: it takes you and your family from point A to point B. However, despite its low price, Consumer Reports suggests you may want to rethink your decision about buying a 2023 Sentra. On one hand, the Sentra has a "comfortable ride, nimble handling, great fuel economy, roomy cabin, and intuitive controls," but owners have reported many issues with the brakes, climate control, paint and trim, noise, and leaks. Its halogen headlights also offer very poor illumination.

3 Lincoln Aviator - 8/100

Front three-quarters shot of a Lincoln Aviator

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The Lincoln Aviator shares its platform with the Ford Explorer, so it is no wonder it is found on the same unreliable cars list. When compared to the Explorer, the Aviator delivers an upgraded driving experience with a more sophisticated, luxurious cabin. Also, unlike the Explorer, owners of the Aviator reported no issues with the transmission. There are however enough problems with the climate control, steering, suspension, electronics, paint, trim, and infotainment systems that required having the system hardware replaced many times. There are five recalls on the Aviator, for the seats, seat belts, and engine rail that may detach and contact the road while driving.

Related: Most Reliable Car Brands in 2022

2 Hyundai Kona Electric - 5/100

Front three-quarters shot of a Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is a car of big contradictions. According to Consumer Reports, it is one "of the best electric vehicles (EV) under $50,000" that "blends an enjoyable driving experience with practicality." However, owners have reported so many issues with the EV that it is ridiculous: battery pack, charging, electric drive system, climate control, and in-car electronics - all these gave a lot of headaches to current owners. One of the recalls issued for the Kona Electric was to fix its Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) which may have been improperly sealed causing the coolant to leak internally.

1 Ford F-150 Hybrid - 4/100

Front three-quarters shot of a Ford F-150 Hybrid

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Despite hybrids in general being some of the most reliable cars on the market, the Ford F-150 Hybrid was placed at the exact opposite corner with one of the lowest reliability scores. Despite its improvements for the 2022 model year, the truck is still placed way under the comfort delivered by the Ram 1500 and the “ride is still stiff and handling is ponderous.” Drivers have reported many issues with the F-150 Hybrid, including the electrical system, power equipment, drive system, noises, and various leaks.