by A ranking of the most problematic cars has been compiled, according to various studies conducted over the year. Previously, the most unreliable cars were named by the British publication What Car?. As for this list, it is based on the results of surveys of owners by various websites and companies in 2021.
This ranking can be considered the most objective and fair. Let’s note right away, the TOP-20 most unreliable cars consist not only and not even mainly of 2021 model year cars. It’s worth emphasizing – the ranking includes 5-7-year-old models, and it is compiled based on various (!) studies conducted in 2021. For this reason, putting cars in “award” places is not entirely correct and fair. But we can say one thing for sure, this twenty represents a list of cars that break down more often than others. So let’s go in alphabetical order.
The Most Unreliable Cars
Chevrolet Corvette
According to Consumer Reports, which evaluates reliability on a 100-point scale (the higher the score, the higher the reliability), the Corvette has an index of 13. In other words, this model is definitely not reliable.
Chevrolet Silverado
Another model from the brand turned out to be slightly more reliable, but among pickups, it is one of the most prone to breakdowns.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer crossover is nearly as unreliable as the Chevrolet pickup, which means it’s not very impressive either.
Ford Fiesta
According to What Car?, 34 percent of hatchbacks surprised their owners with unpleasant surprises, including engine and suspension issues. 31 percent were repaired within a day, while 40 percent of owners waited more than a week for the car to return. 92 percent of cases were covered by warranty.
Ford Galaxy
Among 2-3-year-old cars, this minivan is among the top three most unreliable models.
Ford Mustang
The Mustang also cannot be described as “indestructible” – like the aforementioned minivan, this pony car ranks in the top three most unreliable cars.
Fiat Punto
At 2-3 years old, the Fiat takes “silver” in the reliability anti-rating.
Dacia (Renault) Lodgy
According to the international organization TÜV, this minivan can be considered one of the most unreliable on the market at the age of 2-3 years. However, among 4-5 and 6-7 year- olds, it also ranks among the top three most unreliable.
Dacia (Renault) Logan
Among 2-3 year-old and 4-5 year-old cars, the Logan proved to be more reliable than the Lodgy, but not by much. However, in the 6-7 year category, Dacia Lodgy (known as Renault in our market) is considered the most unreliable.
Land Rover Discovery
The failure rate is 38 percent of cases. It’s comparable to other Land Rover models, but 36 percent of defective vehicles were deemed unfit to drive, and in 42 percent of cases, repair took more than a week. Therefore, the Discovery is recognized as the least reliable in the British brand’s lineup, and among competitors, it is also one of the least reliable.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
In its class, this is the absolute outsider – it is recognized as the most unreliable.
Nissan X-Trail
Another absolute underperformer in its class. 39 percent of surveyed X-Trail owners encountered issues with various car systems – with the exception of navigation. Most breakdowns were associated with electronics, brakes, and interior trimming. 24 percent of the cars were repaired within a day, while 40 percent of owners waited more than a week for their cars to be returned. Warranty covered 92 percent of cases.
Porsche 718 Cayman
Not so unreliable, but repairing a mid-engined sports car is not only very expensive but also time-consuming. Problems occurred with 53 percent of the cars. Repairs were covered by warranty in 67 percent of cases. Eight percent of cars took more than a week to repair.
Volkswagen Passat CC
The German model was recognized as the most problematic among four-five-year-old cars. In the category of six-seven-year-old cars, it received fourth place.
Volkswagen Touran
56 percent of vehicles with a two-liter turbodiesel and a DSG “robot” experienced issues. 24 percent of the cars were repaired within a day, while 40 percent took more than a week to return. Warranty covered the cases for 92 percent.
To Believe in the Unreliable Car Ratings or Not?
To be honest, various ratings may allow you to determine the “average temperature in the hospital,” but our opinion is that if you love your car and take care of it, even the most “temperamental” cars will serve you faithfully and reliably.
