Toyota has regained its position as America’s top car brand for reliability, but a 42-point chasm between leaders and laggards underscores deepening divides in vehicle durability amid rising repair expenses and technological shifts.
Consumer Reports’ newest rankings, drawn from owner experiences, spotlight a 42-point spread between top and bottom performers among 26 brands. Toyota scores 66 out of 100, far ahead of last-place Rivian at 24. This gap translates to more frequent breakdowns, steeper repair costs, and extended vehicle downtime for unlucky owners. As cars incorporate complex electronics and powertrains, selecting a dependable maker has become a critical financial safeguard.
Technology’s Hidden Costs
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids show higher failure rates than gas-powered cars or traditional hybrids, according to the data. Non-plug-in hybrids hold the strongest records overall. Buyers pursuing lower emissions must weigh these dependability shortfalls, especially as redesigns amplify risks. First- and second-year refreshed models, including the Mazda CX-70, CX-90, Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Colorado, and GMC Canyon, consistently deliver outsized problems. Experts advise delaying purchases until the third model year to sidestep these pitfalls.
The scores stem from surveys of roughly 380,000 owners reporting issues over 12 months. Qualifying brands needed at least two models across multiple years. Metrics cover repair expenses, breakdown frequency, and safety effects, capturing authentic owner costs and inconveniences.
Top Performers Set the Standard
Toyota (66) leads with minimal engine, drivetrain, and electrical complaints on models like Camry, Corolla, Highlander, and RAV4. Subaru (63) follows closely, excelling in Outback, Forester, and WRX thanks to its reliable all-wheel-drive setup. Lexus (60), Toyota’s luxury arm, outshines rivals with steady performance in ES, RX, and NX lines. Honda (59) shines via durable Accord, Civic, and CR-V. BMW (58) improves on 3 Series and X models, balancing thrill with fewer fixes. Nissan (57) delivers on Altima, Rogue, and Pathfinder through straightforward designs. Acura (54) merges Honda roots with refinement in TLX, RDX, and ILX.
Midpack and Bottom Dwellers Struggle
Buick (51) advances with fewer issues in Enclave and LaCrosse. Tesla (50) rises eight spots, led by Model 3 and Y among electrics, though hardware woes persist. Kia (49) builds credibility via Telluride, Sportage, and Niro, backed by long warranties. Ford (48) middles with F-150 hybrid gains offset by electrical glitches. Genesis (33) disappoints despite luxury aims. Chrysler (31) falters across its range. Rivian (24) anchors the list, plagued by failures in its pricey electric trucks and SUVs from rushed production.
Lower-tier brands like Jeep (28) and Ram (26) score about half of Toyota’s mark, while luxury names Mercedes-Benz (41), Cadillac (41), and Lincoln (40) underperform expectations despite high prices. Lexus stands alone as the reliable premium outlier.
These patterns signal broader challenges. Asian brands dominate the upper ranks, while some U.S. and European ones lag. Electrification adds failure points from added components. Owners should prioritize data over hype, favor hybrids or proven gas engines, and shun early redesigns. As the industry accelerates toward electric dominance, maturing these platforms will determine whether reliability catches up or widens the divide further, affecting ownership costs and consumer trust for years ahead.
Sources:
Consumer Reports Releases Its 2026 Automotive Brand Report Card. Consumer Reports, December 2024
Toyota Again Tops Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability Survey. Cars.com, December 3, 2025
Lexus, Subaru, and Toyota Lead Consumer Reports’ Car Brand Reliability Rankings. Reddit, December 4, 2025
26 Car Brands Ranked from Most to Least Reliable by Consumer Reports. MarketWatch, December 8, 2025
Most and Least Reliable Vehicles 2026, According to Consumer Reports. Driving.ca, December 10, 2025