This Is the Least Reliable Car in the Industry

When you’re shopping for a new car, you can’t trust all the ads you see on TV or online. Each automaker is going to tout its biggest benefits and go hard at its competitors’ flaws. So who can you really trust when deciding on your next car? Fellow drivers who already own the car you’re considering.

That’s how Consumer Reports gathered the data for its 2020 annual Auto Reliability Ranking. Using responses from over 325,000 vehicle owners, it ranked the most and least reliable brand new 2021 cars. Coming in dead last: the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra 1500. Plus, find out the car brand with the worst reputation in America.

Since these models are brand new, Consumer Reports relied on feedback from two previous years of models to create a “predicted reliability” score. The rankings for the least reliable car were determined by studying 17 trouble areas ranging from squeaky brakes to major out-of-warranty repairs. The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are mechanically identical (hence their being in the same spot); they just have different features. They earned their place as the least reliable vehicle primarily due to transmission flaws. Their reliability score was an unfortunate 13—a full five points below the next-worst, the Subaru Ascent, which received a 15. Look out for these 14 signs your car is about to die.

Chevrolet wasn’t the only American car manufacturer to make the list. In fact, six of the ten least reliable vehicles are American-made, two of which were manufactured by Chevrolet. In addition to transmission, emissions, and technology complications, buyers reported assembly problems like defects. Volvo was the only other manufacturer to appear more than once on the list; it also accounted for two.

Here is the full list of the 10 least reliable cars of 2021, counting down to the worst:

10. Volvo XC60
9. Ford EcoSport
8. Jeep Wrangler
7. Tesla Model S
6. Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon
5. Volvo XC90
4. Jeep Compass
3. Volkswagen Atlas
2. Subaru Ascent
1. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500

So if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you’d be wise to avoid these makes and models. And for those who already own any car on this list, never fear. Regardless of what you drive, all drivers can benefit from these 74 maintenance tips that will extend the life of your car.

Sources:

Consumer Reports: “Consumer Reports’ Car Reliability FAQ”
Consumer Reports: “10 Least Reliable Cars”
USA Today: “These are the 10 most and least reliable 2021 cars, trucks and SUVs, Consumer Reports says”
Auto Accessories Garage: “Comparing the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra”