Credit: Chevrolet
New cars aren't cheap anymore. The average price has crossed $50,000, which means buying one is a serious financial commitment — and getting stuck with an unreliable one hurts a lot more than it used to.
Consumer Reports put out their annual reliability survey, and this year they pulled data from over 350,000 vehicles, looking at 20 different problem areas. Some were minor, like brakes that squeak. Others were serious — engine failures, transmission breakdowns, and for electric vehicles, battery and charging problems that can leave you stranded.
1 / 10
Credit: Stellantis
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid keeps showing up in reliability complaints, and the issues are spread across a few different areas. The transmission and engine have both given owners trouble, and the plug-in hybrid system adds its own layer of problems — particularly around keeping the EV battery cool, which matters a lot for how long it lasts. On top of that, the screens freeze or go dark, which gets old fast when you're depending on them every day.
2 / 10
Credit: Honda
Honda $HMC's Prologue, an electric SUV, has faced several challenges. Some owners have needed a full battery replacement, which is one of the most disruptive car problems. Charging has also been difficult, and both the climate system and drive system have had issues. The screens often freeze as well, which is a repeated frustration for those who depend on them for navigation and music.
3 / 10
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Kia's EV6 has had its share of problems as well. The battery and electric motor have both caused issues, and the integrated charging control unit — the part that manages how efficiently the car charges — has been a trouble spot. Owners have also flagged the climate system, brakes, and body hardware, which suggests the problems aren't isolated to one area.
4 / 10
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The Kia EV9, a larger three-row SUV, has run into similar territory. Battery issues have come up, including cases where individual cells needed to be swapped out. Charging problems have persisted, and owners have also dealt with issues involving body hardware, electrical accessories, and in-car electronics. For a vehicle at this price point, that's a frustrating list.
5 / 10
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The Mazda CX-90 is a midsize SUV that's been let down by two of the things that matter most — the engine and the transmission. Those are expensive fixes under any circumstances. Steering problems and brake issues add to the concern, and even smaller things like the keyless entry system have failed. Put it all together and it's hard to recommend for anyone who values dependability.
6 / 10
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The Genesis GV60 is Hyundai's luxury EV, and it's had problems that go beyond the expected. The battery has been a consistent issue, and some owners have noticed trim pieces around the windshield coming loose. One owner described a dashboard warning that turned out to require a full high-voltage battery replacement — an expensive and stressful experience that highlights just how costly EV ownership can get when things go wrong.
7 / 10
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The Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid manages to have even more problems than its non-hybrid sibling. Battery and electric motor issues, transmission trouble, drivetrain problems, brakes, steering, suspension — the list covers a lot of ground. One owner had their car stall out shortly after buying it, traced back to a battery leak that took a long time to sort out. That's not the kind of story anyone wants to be telling about a new car.
8 / 10
Credit: Chevrolet
Chevy's Blazer EV has had battery problems and cooling failures, both of which directly affect how safe and reliable the car is day to day. The climate system has been an issue, and 12-volt battery failures have come up more than once. The screens freeze or cut out without warning, which is a persistent complaint from owners who depend on them.
9 / 10
Credit: Rivian
The Rivian $RIVN R1T is an electric pickup that's had serious battery and motor problems. The climate system, steering, suspension, and body hardware have all had issues too — including door handle motors that stop working. One owner found out about a major drivetrain problem during a routine service visit, which is exactly the kind of surprise nobody wants when they've spent this much on a truck.
10 / 10
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The GMC Acadia tops the list with the highest number of reported problems across the board. Transmission issues — including fluid leaks — are the most common complaint. Brakes, electrical accessories, and in-car electronics round out a long list of concerns. One owner lost oil pressure on the highway and ended up needing an engine replacement under warranty. That's a scary situation and an expensive one, even when the warranty covers it.
