Top 10 Least Reliable Cars: 2018 Consumer Reports
American automakers continue to have some of the least reliable cars available.
Consumer Reports has released its annual Car Reliability Survey, which takes the responses from over 500,000 vehicle owners and studies 17 trouble areas to determine which vehicles are the last reliable. Trouble areas that go under study range from squeaky brakes and broken interior trim to major issues such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or problems with four-wheel-drive systems.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 Least Reliable Automakers: Consumer Reports 2018
Here are the top 10 least reliable vehicles based on Consumer Reports‘ 2018 Car Reliability Survey.
10. Honda Odyssey
Honda’s popular minivan gets praised for its refinement, quietness, fuel economy, and relatively intuitive infotainment system, but it’s plagued by issues with its in-car electronics, power equipment, and body hardware. Other complaints include the push-button gear selector being troublesome to use when parking and the optional eight-inch infotainment touchscreen can be distracting.
9. Volkswagen Atlas
Volkswagen’s three-row crossover offering drives well, has a comfortable ride, and surprisingly agile handling. But owners have experienced issues with its climate system, transmission, noises, and leaks. Still, the cabin is quiet and very accommodating and the infotainment system is easy to use. The V6 engine, which is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, is smooth but acceleration doesn’t keep up with the competition and its 20-mpg overall fuel economy leaves a bit to be desired.
ALSO SEE: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 Review
8. Buick Enclave
Redesigned for the 2018 model year, the Buick Enclave is another three-row offering that suffers minor problems with its transmission, issues with its climate system, and emissions/fuel system. Consumer Reports tested the Enclave to return 18-mpg overall and found the 3.6-liter V6 engine to be lively while the nine-speed automatic transmission was smooth and responsive. Although the infotainment system is easy to use, the gear selector is unintuitive and a nuisance in parking maneuvers.
7. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
Chevrolet’s heavy-duty offering, the Silverado 2500 HD, received complaints about major engine issues, noises and leaks, as well as its in-car electronics. Its twin, the GMC Sierra HD, shares reliability ratings with the Silverado 2500 HD.
6. Kia Cadenza
Kia as a brand fares well in this year’s study, but the Cadenza large sedan suffers from issues with its climate control and fuel/emissions systems. Competitive with the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon, the Kia Cadenza is better suited for long-distance cruising, according to Consumer Reports. Powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine that is both slick and powerful, the Cadenza offers 290 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly.
5. Chevrolet Traverse
Although it’s a competent challenger in the three-row crossover segment, the Chevrolet Traverse does suffer from minor transmission issues, and problems with its in-car electronics. Powering the model is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that returns 20-mpg overall, while its infotainment system is intuitive and an eight-passenger configuration is available.
ALSO SEE: Top 10 Most Reliable Automakers: Consumer Reports 2018
4. Honda Clarity
The Honda Clarity is the Japanese automaker’s focus on alternative powertrains, available in fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen-powered variants. Owners, however, experienced issues with its climate control and fuel/emissions system, as well as its body hardware. Consumer Reports does note that the plug-in hybrid’s engine “makes a loud ruckus” while in hybrid mode and the front seats are uncomfortable due to their short bottom cushion and lack of lower back support.
3. Cadillac ATS
Although the Cadillac ATS sedan has been discontinued for the 2019 model year, the American automaker still offers the coupe. Issues with this model include problems with its in-car electronics, climate system, and drive system. The Cadillac ATS coupe is available with either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V6 that is smooth and refined. Stepping up to the ATS-V gets a twin-turbo V6 engine with 464 hp.
2. Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X remains troublesome for its owners, with in-car electronics problems, noises and leaks, and issues with body hardware. The all-electric crossover does handle well and offers great performance, but Consumer Reports does note that ride comfort and noise isolation on the Model X isn’t as good as in the Model S.
1. Ram 3500
Ram’s 3500 heavy-duty pickup truck has some reliability concerns, with owners stating issues with its steering/suspension, fuel/emissions system, engine cooling, noises, and leaks. Engine choices on this pickup include a 5.7-liter V8, 6.4-liter V8, and a 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged diesel engine.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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I wouldn't use CR to base my research on cars. Their base of information is skewed, and unequal to others