make the most reliable new vehicles, according to real drivers at Consumer Reports and expert reviewers at J.D. Power. But for used vehicles, it’s a tie between the 2022 Mazda 3 sedan and the 2021 Toyota Tacoma pickup.

Car repair

experts at

Jerry

analyzed the industry’s two biggest vehicle reliability studies—the Consumer Reports annual car reliability survey and the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS)—to find the most reliable models, makes, and used car picks for 2024.

The 10 most reliable cars of 2023

According to real drivers, the Toyota 4Runner is the most reliable car of 2023. 1

Every year, Consumer Reports (CR) conducts a survey of over 330,000 vehicles, asking drivers about problems they experienced with their vehicles over the past 12 months—from small nuisances like rust and squeaky windows to major powertrain failures.2 The most recent survey covers vehicles from model years 2000 to 2023, and includes EVs and hybrid vehicles in addition to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models. CR uses the survey data to assign a reliability score from 1 to 100 to each model.

The result: the most comprehensive study of vehicle reliability in 2023. This year, Consumer Reports found that sedans and small SUVs were the most reliable vehicles, with Toyota models leading the pack.

Reliability score (out of 100)	Model	Vehicle type	2024 MSRP
87	Toyota 4Runner	Large SUV	$40,705 – $55,170
87	Toyota Camry Hybrid	Midsize sedan (HEV)	$28,855 – $34,295
86	Toyota Camry	Midsize sedan	$26,420 – $36,845
84	Toyota RAV4 Prime	Small SUV (PHEV)	$43,690 – $47,560
82	BMW X5	Midsize luxury SUV	$65,200 – $89,300
82	Subaru Forester	Small SUV	$27,095 – $37,395
80	Toyota RAV4	Small SUV	$28,675 – $38,380
80	Acura RDX	Small luxury SUV	$44,350 – $54,150
77	Toyota Corolla	Small sedan	$22,050 – $27,150
75	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	Midsize SUV (HEV)	$40,720 – $53,125

Who makes the most reliable cars overall?

The 10 models listed above are the most reliable individual models in Consumer Reports’ study—but which automakers consistently build the most reliable vehicles?

Consumer Reports has an answer for that, too. Based on the average predicted reliability of models manufactured by each make, these are the most reliable car brands: 3

Automaker	Reliability score (out of 100)
Lexus	79
Toyota	76
Mini	71
Acura	70
Honda	70
Subaru	69
Mazda	67
Porsche	66
BMW	64
Kia	61

For short-term reliability, the numbers look a little different. J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) found that 2020 models from Lexus, Genesis, Kia, Buick, and Chevrolet had the fewest problems. 4 However, these numbers reflect only the problems owners saw in the first three years of ownership—so Consumer Reports’s analysis is likely a better predictor of long-term reliability.

Learn more:

Are Kias good cars?

Why are Toyotas so reliable?

Toyota’s reputation for rock-solid dependability is more than a rumor. The two most reliable car brands in CR’s study—Lexus and Toyota—are both owned by the Toyota Motor Corporation.

So what sets Toyota apart when it comes to reliability? The answer: revolutionary manufacturing and management systems pioneered by Toyota engineers in postwar Japan.

The Toyota Production System (TPS), developed by Eiji Toyoda and Taiichi Ohno in the 1950s and 60s, is a philosophy that focuses on eliminating all forms of waste on the assembly line—including the wasted time that comes from not catching errors immediately. 5 Constant improvements to quality and efficiency translate into vehicles built to last.

Toyota prioritizes simplicity in its vehicle builds, which results in low-maintenance vehicles that can stand up to years of neglect. They’re also easy to fix, which means lower labor and repair costs when you do need to bring your vehicle to the shop.

The bottom line: Toyota picked up where Henry Ford left off in creating a super-efficient manufacturing process for low-maintenance vehicles.

Learn more:

How long do Toyotas last?

Which automaker has the most problems?

Chrysler

came in dead last in Consumer Reports’ 2023 vehicle reliability rankings, with an average reliability score of just 18. The Pacifica Hybrid minivan scored the worst of any Chrysler vehicle, with a predicted lifetime reliability of 14 out of 100 and consistent powertrain problems.

Other brands to watch out for: Volvo, Jeep, Volkswagen, Rivian, and Mercedes-Benz. All scored under 30 points in CR’s reliability study, signaling serious dependability issues in their lineups. The same brands also came in below the industry average in J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

Learn more:

The most common Chrysler problems

The most reliable used cars

Opting for a used vehicle can reduce your upfront expenses as well as

long-term insurance costs

—but you run the risk of paying more for maintenance and repairs. The models below are among the most reliable used vehicles from the past 10 model years.

Reliability score (out of 100)	Model	Vehicle type	Kelley Blue Book fair market range (base model)
88	2022 Mazda 3	Small sedan	$16,815 – $19,438
88	2021 Toyota Tacoma	Midsize pickup	$21,416 – $23,703
86	2021 Hyundai Tucson	Small SUV	$15,191 – $18,390
86	2021 Lincoln Nautilus	Midsize luxury SUV	$23,647 – $26,522
85	2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata	Sports car	$17,553 – $21,130
83	2018 Toyota Prius	Hatchback (HEV)	$15,098 – $18,115
83	2017 Lexus RX	Midsize luxury SUV	$22,385 – $26,732
82	2019 Toyota Avalon	Large sedan	$20,944 – $23,191
77	2021 Toyota Highlander	Midsize SUV	$25,367 – $29,270

What makes a car reliable?

Reliability ratings from experts like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports can help buyers choose the right vehicle—but what actually makes a vehicle reliable?

Vehicle dependability basically depends on two elements: manufacturing and maintenance. Well-built vehicles with a simple design tend to stand the test of time—it’s why Toyotas and Hondas last so long, even if they’re not the most exciting cars to drive. But the other piece of the puzzle is how you care for your car—even less-reliable makes can achieve Toyota-level dependability with proper maintenance.

Simple design

The most reliable cars are also frequently, well, the most boring. That’s because reliability depends on simplicity—easy to fix, easy to maintain vehicles are most likely to stand the test of time.

If you’re shopping for a new car, avoid:

Unnecessary tech: J.D. Power found that infotainment systems had the highest rate of problems out of any repair category. Opt for a vehicle with low-key tech and steer clear of higher trims with bells and whistles just waiting to break down.

Redesign years: Model redesigns typically come with new problems, and it can take a couple of model years for manufacturers to perfect their innovations. A recent redesign can also mean hard-to-replace components.

Small and midsize sedans and SUVs tend to perform best in these areas, while compact cars, pickup trucks, minivans, and luxury cars all come with a pattern of problems.

Regular maintenance

Your vehicle’s reliability is only as good as the work you put into it. Keeping up with your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule extends your vehicle’s lifespan. It can also improve fuel economy, prevent major unexpected repairs, and lower the overall cost of ownership.

Infographic depicting a simple-to-follow schedule for car maintenance. Remember, you should always consult your owner’s manual to ensure your maintenance schedule aligns with your car’s needs. The basic maintenance schedule includes: oil and filter changes every 5,000 miles for conventional oil users and every 10,000 miles for synthetic oil users, tire rotation and air filter and engine air filter inspection and/or replacement every 10,000 miles, a full mechanic’s inspection every 36,000 miles, fuel filter, brake pad, and transmission fluid replacement every 50,000 miles, complete suspension, emissions, and exhaust system inspection every 50,000 miles, tire change and spark plug replacement every 60,000 miles, inspection of belts, valves, and hoses every 60,000 miles, timing belt change at 60,000 miles (if recommended by manufacturer), coolants and spark plug changes every 100,00 miles, full vehicle inspection at 100,000 miles, power steering fluid replacement at 180,000 miles, airflow sensor cleaning, timing chain and engine mount inspection, and inspection and replacement (if necessary) of axle and driveshaft seals at 180,000 miles, plus inspection of chassis, cleaning of fuel injectors, and inspection of catalytic converter at 250,000 miles.

Maintenance schedules are different for every vehicle, so start by checking your car’s owner’s manual for the exact schedule—or use an app like Jerry to get regular reminders when your car’s due for service.

With

Jerry

, you can enter your car’s make, model, year, and mileage and the date of any recent maintenance to get customized reminders when your vehicle is due for service.

You can also see fair cost estimates for any scheduled maintenance and find a vetted repair shop near you.

Learn more:

How to properly maintain your car

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Gas power—for now

Electric cars

have generated unprecedented buzz in the past few years, but drivers’ enthusiasm is waning—and a lack of reliability might be to blame.

Consumer Reports found that EVs released in the past three years have roughly 79% more problems than conventional gas-powered cars.6

Tesla

, the country’s leading EV producer, received a dismal 48 points in CR’s 2023 survey and scored worse than all but four conventional automakers (Ford, Audi, Lincoln, and Land Rover) in J.D. Power’s latest dependability study.

EVs might not be ready to compete with gas-powered cars for reliability—but hybrids are up to the task. Three of CR’s top-rated reliable vehicles are hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles, and Jerry’s

2024 State of the American Driver Report

found that 83% of drivers would choose a hybrid over an EV. 7

FAQs

Which car brand is the most reliable?

Lexus is the most reliable car brand, according to expert analysis by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. The most reliable mass market car brand is Toyota, Lexus’s sibling brand.

What car brand has the least problems?

Lexus and Toyota owners report the fewest problems with their vehicles over the years, according to a study of over 300,000 cars by Consumer Reports.

What is the longest lasting reliable car?

The Toyota 4Runner has the best record for reliability of any vehicle on the road today, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Is Toyota or Mazda more reliable?

Toyota is typically a more reliable make than Mazda, thanks to a fine-tuned manufacturing process that emphasizes quality and minimizes waste. However, with regular maintenance, a Mazda vehicle can last as long as a Toyota.

What car brand breaks down the most?

According to Consumer Reports’ research, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, and Rivian are the three most unreliable car brands for 2023. However, the Jeep Wrangler ranked as the least reliable model in CR’s 2023 study.

SOURCES

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/10-most-reliable-cars-a6569295379/

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/new-cars-you-can-count-on-latest-car-reliability-survey-a9891586663/

https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2023-us-vehicle-dependability-studyvds

https://global.toyota/en/company/vision-and-philosophy/production-system/

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/electric-vehicles-are-less-reliable-than-conventional-cars-a1047214174/

https://getjerry.com/communication_assets/Jerry+2024+State+of+the+American+Driver+Report.pdf