Published rating of the most reliable engines over the past 25 years

The American company CarMD, one of the largest suppliers of equipment for service stations, has compiled a rating of the reliability of car engines, starting from 1996. Unlike most similar lists, the researchers were not based on owners’ opinions but took into account statistical data on the number of cases of the “Check Engine” indicator being triggered (Check Engine).

Contrary to the common belief about the reliability of Toyota engines and other prestigious brands, the top positions were unexpectedly taken by completely different brands for most. It should be emphasized that the rating is based on the frequency of the “check” indicator lighting up on the dashboard, which, in the case of the USA, may be an important factor, while for us, objectively, it is enough to refuel at “Uncle Vasya’s” or a “garage” gas station to trigger this indicator. But in any case, we consider this information useful.

The most reliable engines (rating by brands)

• Mitsubishi — 0.66;
• Mercedes-Benz — 0.74;
• Volkswagen — 0.81;
• Buick — 0.84;
• Ford — 0.89;
• Mazda — 0.93;
• BMW — 0.94;
• GMC — 0.97;
• Subaru — 0.99;
• Cadillac — 0.99.

Interestingly, if you look at the rating by models rather than brands, the first place goes to Toyota (even though it didn’t even make it into the top 10 in the brand list). And in general, the list by models is full of “Japanese” cars.

The most reliable modern engines

• Toyota Tacoma 2018 — 0.041;
• Honda CR-V 2015 — 0.050;
• Toyota Camry 2018 — 0.055;
• Honda Accord 2017 — 0.060;
• Toyota Tacoma 2017 — 0.061;
• Hyundai Santa Fe 2018 — 0.061;
• Honda CR-V 2014 — 0.065;
• Ford Explorer 2017 — 0.073;
• Nissan Rogue 2018 — 0.079;
• Toyota Tacoma 2016 — 0.080.

Finally, here is a brand reliability rating based on calculating the repair cost after the Check Engine light comes on. In this case, it is about brands whose engines were the cheapest to repair.

The most cost-effective engines for repair price

• Kia — $322;
• Chrysler — $333;
• Mazda — $339;
• Hyundai — $352;
• Dodge — $355;
• Jeep — $359;
• Chevrolet — $376;
• Ford — $382;
• GMC — $384;
• Volkswagen — $413.

Want to know about the most reliable engines in the history of the automotive industry?

Then read the post about cars with the highest mileage in the history of the automotive industry.