Top 10 Worst Automakers of 2018: Consumer Reports

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu
top 10 worst automakers of 2018 consumer reports

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

You may want to avoid these automakers if you’re shopping for a new car.

Consumer Reports has released its 2018 Brand Report Card, ranking automakers based on an overall score that is determined by vehicle testing, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction. Owner feedback was provided on more than 640,000 cars to determine predicted reliability and satisfaction from J.D. Power’s Annual Auto Survey.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Least Dependable Automakers: 2018 J.D. Power

In order to be included in the rankings, an automaker must have at least two vehicles that were tested by Consumer Reports. That means this year, Maserati and Smart lacked sufficient data to be ranked.

Top 10 Worst Automakers of 2018: Consumer Reports

10. MINI

top 10 worst automakers of 2018 consumer reports

Although MINI had below average predicted reliability, the brand did have above average owner satisfaction. Still, it is ranked 25th among automakers with an overall score of 58. A total of three models were tested, contributing to the road test score of 74.


9. Ram

top 10 worst automakers of 2018 consumer reports

The first of several Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) brands on the list is Ram. The American automaker earned average predicted reliability marks and above average owner satisfaction, but earned an overall score of 57. Only two models from Ram were tested, helping the brand earn a road test score of 70.


8. Dodge

top 10 worst automakers of 2018 consumer reports

Next on the list from FCA is Dodge, with below average predicted reliability and average owner satisfaction ratings. With five models tested, Dodge received a road test score of 74 on its way to an overall score of 56.


7. GMC

top 10 worst automakers of 2018 consumer reports

Seven models were tested from the GMC brand, resulting in a road test score of 69. The American automaker received below average predicted reliability marks, but owner satisfaction is above average. GMC’s overall score was 54, placing it in 28th place.


6. Jaguar

top 10 worst automakers of 2018 consumer reports

Like GMC, Jaguar had below average predicted reliability but above average owner satisfaction. Consumer Reports tested four models from the British automaker, contributing to a road test score of 77. Its overall score of 53 helps it land in 29th place.


5. Mitsubishi

top 10 worst automakers of 2018 consumer reports

Mitsubishi is working on changing its image in the U.S., but it still has a ways to go. Although it did have above average predicted reliability, the Japanese automaker had average owner satisfaction. Only two models were tested from the brand, resulting in a road test score of 44 and an overall score of 50.


4. Alfa Romeo

top 10 worst automakers of 2018 consumer reports

Alfa Romeo may have earned above-average marks for owner satisfaction, but it received the worst rating for predicted reliability. The Italian automaker is part of FCA and the two models tested earned the brand a road test score of 72. The overall score of 49 however, puts it in 31st place.


3. Land Rover

top 10 worst automakers of 2018 consumer reports

Where there’s Jaguar, there’s a good chance there’s Land Rover. Falling under the same parent company, Land Rover performed worse than Jaguar in this year’s study. It received the worst marks for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction is average. A total of five models were tested, earning a road test score of 72 and an overall score of 49.


2. Jeep

top 10 worst automakers of 2018 consumer reports

Things don’t get much better for FCA in the top two spots, with Jeep ranking 33rd overall. It had below average predicted reliability and average owner satisfaction, while the five models tested earned a road test score of 55. In this year’s study, Jeep had an overall score of 48.


1. Fiat

top 10 worst automakers of 2018 consumer reports

As for the worst automaker, that dubious honor goes to none other than Fiat. With the worst mark available for predicted reliability and below average owner satisfaction, Fiat’s four tested models didn’t fare much better. A road test score of 58 help contribute to its last-place ranking, thanks to an overall score of 39.

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

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.

More by Jason Siu

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 37 comments
  • Bobby Bobby on May 20, 2018

    Well Fiat as a brand name maybe, but why 124 Spider being so successful has to suffer? Vehicle is made in Japan by Mazda....Engine and Transmissions are Fiat and ZF.....

  • Peter Mazza Peter Mazza on Nov 13, 2018

    My family has bought 4 Challengers and Chargers since 2013. Of the 4 only 1 has been in for a repair during that time. I consider such, pretty good after all these years. I am always left scratching my head by what I read on the web.

Next