Top 10: the least reliable 2026 models according to Consumer Reports
Have you seen Consumer Reports magazine's ranking of the brands and models with the best predicted reliability for 2026? Toyota, Subaru, and Lexus take the top three spots. In fact, seven of the top 10 are Japanese or Korean brands. But what about the least reliable?
Before going any further, it should be noted that the exercise is based on a survey of owners and data on more than 380,000 vehicles from 2000 to 2025 (and a few from 2025), taking into account 20 categories of problems. A score is then assigned on a scale of 100.
According to the latest report, which has just been released, 100% electric vehicles continue to be slightly more reliable than plug-in hybrids but less so than conventional hybrids and vehicles with internal combustion engines. In terms of vehicle categories, cars (sedans, station wagons, hatchbacks) rank highest, followed by minivans and SUVs. Pickup trucks come in last.
Brands with the lowest predicted reliability for 2026
Consumer Reports gives poor ratings to American brands such as Chrysler, GMC, Jeep, and Ram, as well as Rivian, which ranks at the bottom of the list, as it did last time. Forget Tesla, which jumped from 17th to 9th place, but Mazda did the same in the other direction, slipping from 6th to 14th place (notably because of its CX-70 and CX-90):
However, it is important to note that several brands were not considered this year because they either have too few models or there is insufficient data available about them. This is the case for Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Fiat, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lucid, Maserati, MINI, Mitsubishi, Polestar, and Porsche. Historically, most of these brands rank below average or even at the bottom of the list, with Porsche being one of the exceptions.
Models with the lowest predicted reliability for 2026
In addition to brands, Consumer Reports also looks at individual vehicles. So which 2026 models have the worst predicted reliability? We've compiled the top 10 below.
Consumer Reports reliability score: 26
Problem areas: transmission, engine, electrical accessories, on-board electronic systems, battery, and charging system.
Consumer Reports reliability score: 25
Problem areas: battery and charging system, air conditioning, bodywork, electrical accessories, on-board electronic systems (screens), noises/leaks.
8. Kia EV6
Consumer Reports reliability score: 25
Problem areas: electric motors, battery, charging system (integrated control charging unit), air conditioning, electrical accessories, brakes, bodywork.
7. Kia EV9
Consumer Reports reliability score: 24
Problem areas: battery, charging system, bodywork, electrical accessories, and on-board electronic systems (screens).
6. Mazda CX-90
Consumer Reports reliability score: 23
Problem areas: engine (timing chain), transmission and torque converter, steering (rack), brakes, electrical accessories (keyless entry), onboard electronic systems (screens), and noises/leaks.
5. Genesis GV60
Consumer Reports reliability score: 21
Problem areas: battery, charging system (integrated control charging unit), drivetrain, air conditioning, brakes, electrical accessories, onboard electronic systems (infotainment), noise/leaks, and trim around the windshield.
Consumer Reports reliability score: 20
Problem areas: battery (operation and cooling), electric motor, transmission, drivetrain, fuel supply, air conditioning, steering, suspension, brakes, electrical accessories, noises/leaks, and paintwork.
Consumer Reports reliability score: 19
Problem areas: battery (operation and cooling), air conditioning and heating, electrical accessories (12 V battery), on-board electronic systems (screens), and noises/leaks.
2. Rivian R1T
Consumer Reports reliability score: 18
Problem areas: battery and electric motors, air conditioning, steering, suspension, electrical accessories, bodywork (handles and locks) and trim (fenders).
1. GMC Acadia
Consumer Reports reliability score: 14
Problem areas: transmission (parts and oil), brakes, electrical accessories, and on-board electronic systems.
