The annual Auto Reliability Survey from Consumer Reports is not only for crowning the most reliable new car you can get in the USA, but also finding out which ones were the poorest performers.
The survey gathered and evaluated data from over half a million new cars as reported directly from their owners and as with every study of this kind, the final results showed which company does a good job and which needs to improve asap.
As with the list showing the best performers of 2016, models with an asterisk next to them are rated based on one year of reliability data. Let’s begin the countdown, shall we?
10. FIAT 500L*
Fiat’s 500L is one of them, with CR’s subscribers pointing out issues with its automatic gearbox which can slip or even lock-up, its powered accessories, the drive system and the in-car electronics.
9. CHEVROLET TAHOE – GMC YUKON
The Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon twins suffered from problems like steering vibrations, failing powered accessories and in-car electronics.
8. FORD FIESTA
Ford’s Fiesta is also there, with owners reporting trouble spots such as a rough-shifting or slipping transmission, problems with its powered accessories, premature clutch replacements and various noises and leaks.
7. RAM 2500
The Ram 2500 pickup truck also scored low points, with the main trouble spots being steering vibrations, emissions controls and sensors, 4WD components and its powered components.
6. TESLA MODEL X*
While Tesla did improve the reliability score of the Model S, the newer Model X scored poorly, with owners reporting problems with its Falcon-wing doors, locks and latches, in-car electronics and climate system among others.
5. CHRYSLER 200*
The fifth place on the list with the least reliable new cars went to the Chrysler 200 which faces issues with its nine-speed automatic gearbox which reportedly sometimes won’t shift gears or it hesitates to move when you put it in gear.
4. CHEVROLET SUBURBAN – GMC YUKON XL
Fourth place goes to the Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL models, with owners reporting leaking sunroofs and transmission problems, failing in-car electronics and 4WD components.
3. JEEP RENEGADE*
The Jeep Renegade is ranked third in this list, after facing issues with its brakes, pieces of the exterior body trim falling off and transmission problems among others.
2. FORD FOCUS
Number two in the list is the Ford Focus, which according to CR readers, suffers from a rough-shifting or slipping transmission which can make it jerky to drive in low speeds with the driveline also transmitting vibrations.
1. CADILLAC ESCALADE
The biggest ‘loser’ of this list is none other than the Cadillac Escalade. Owners reported that faced issues like the AWD system being stuck in 4WD mode, an unresponsive infotainment system and water leaks from the sunroof.