{"id":76819,"date":"2026-07-26T13:18:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-26T17:18:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/?p=76819"},"modified":"2026-07-26T13:19:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-26T17:19:02","slug":"car-reliability-in-2025-owner-survey-reveals-standout-models-and-persistent-problem-areas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/car-reliability-in-2025-owner-survey-reveals-standout-models-and-persistent-problem-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"Car Reliability in 2025: Owner Survey Reveals Standout Models and Persistent Problem Areas"},"content":{"rendered":"

How Does Owner-Reported Data Shape Our Understanding of Car Reliability?<\/p>\n

The annual reliability survey, drawing on the experiences of over 32,000 car owners, offers a rare longitudinal glimpse into the real-world durability of vehicles across segments. Yet, while such a large sample size provides a degree of statistical confidence, the methodology is not immune to certain biases. Self-selection\u2014wherein dissatisfied or particularly satisfied owners may be more likely to respond\u2014can subtly skew results. Furthermore, the two-year window for reported faults privileges newer models and may underrepresent chronic, long-term issues that only emerge with greater mileage or age. Thus, while the survey is a valuable tool for prospective buyers seeking to minimize hassle and maintenance costs, its findings are best interpreted as indicative rather than definitive.<\/p>\n

What Patterns Emerge Among the Most Reliable Cars, and Why Might They Matter?<\/p>\n

A striking, if not entirely surprising, pattern is the dominance of Asian manufacturers\u2014Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, and Lexus\u2014among the top-rated vehicles in nearly every category. The Hyundai i10, Kia Ceed, and Toyota GR Yaris, each achieving near-perfect or perfect reliability scores, exemplify a philosophy of incremental engineering and conservative innovation. These brands tend to prioritize proven technologies and robust quality control over rapid adoption of untested features. The evidence suggests that this approach pays dividends in owner satisfaction and reduced maintenance costs.<\/p>\n

However, the practical significance of a 100% reliability rating must be contextualized. In categories with relatively few respondents or newer models (such as the Kia EV3), perfect scores may reflect insufficient time for latent defects to surface. Moreover, the absence of reported faults does not guarantee immunity from future issues\u2014especially as vehicles age or accumulate mileage beyond the survey\u2019s two-year horizon.<\/p>\n

Why Do Some Models Consistently Underperform, and Who Bears the Consequences?<\/p>\n

Conversely, the survey exposes a persistent vulnerability among certain European brands, particularly in the realm of electrical and infotainment systems. The Renault Zoe, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Audi Q7 all post notably low reliability scores, with fault rates often exceeding 40%. The data points to a recurring pattern: as vehicles become more technologically complex, the likelihood of electrical or software-related failures increases. This is especially pronounced in electric vehicles (EVs), where battery and auxiliary electrical issues account for a disproportionate share of breakdowns.<\/p>\n

The consequences are not evenly distributed. Owners of these less reliable models face not only the inconvenience of frequent repairs but also extended downtimes\u2014sometimes weeks\u2014due to parts shortages or the specialized nature of EV repairs. Notably, warranty coverage varies: while some brands absorb the cost of repairs, others pass significant expenses onto owners, compounding the frustration. For fleet operators and families dependent on a single vehicle, these reliability gaps translate directly into lost productivity and higher total cost of ownership.<\/p>\n

Are Electric Vehicles Inherently Less Reliable, or Is the Picture More Nuanced?<\/p>\n

A surface reading of the data might suggest that electric vehicles, particularly those from legacy automakers, lag behind their combustion-engine counterparts in reliability. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Volkswagen ID 4, for example, both suffer from high rates of battery and electrical faults, with a significant proportion of affected vehicles rendered undriveable for extended periods. Yet, this interpretation requires qualification. The BMW i3 and Tesla Model Y, for instance, achieve reliability scores on par with or exceeding many petrol or diesel models, indicating that EV reliability is not uniformly poor.<\/p>\n

The divergence appears to hinge on the maturity of the manufacturer\u2019s EV platform and the degree of vertical integration in battery and software development. Brands with longer experience in EVs or tighter control over their supply chains tend to fare better. The evidence, therefore, does not support a blanket indictment of EV reliability; rather, it underscores the transitional pains as manufacturers adapt to new technologies.<\/p>\n

What Structural Limitations and Blind Spots Persist in Reliability Assessment?<\/p>\n

Despite the breadth of the survey, several blind spots remain. First, the focus on recent model years and owner-reported faults may obscure systemic issues that only manifest with age or high mileage\u2014such as drivetrain durability or corrosion. Second, the survey\u2019s granularity is limited: it aggregates diverse fault types (from minor infotainment glitches to catastrophic battery failures) under a single reliability percentage, potentially masking the severity or cost of specific problems.<\/p>\n

Vested interests also shape the ecosystem. Manufacturers with robust dealer networks and generous warranty policies may mitigate owner dissatisfaction, even if underlying reliability is mediocre. Meanwhile, the rapid pace of technological change\u2014particularly in infotainment and driver-assistance systems\u2014creates a moving target for both manufacturers and consumers.<\/p>\n

What Should an Informed Reader Infer or Do Differently?<\/p>\n

For the discerning car buyer, the evidence suggests a pragmatic approach: prioritize models with a proven track record for reliability, particularly from brands that favor evolutionary over revolutionary design. Exercise caution with newly launched models or those featuring cutting-edge technology, as early adopters often serve as unwitting beta testers. Scrutinize not just headline reliability scores but also the nature and severity of reported faults, as well as the manufacturer\u2019s track record for handling repairs promptly and at minimal cost to the owner.<\/p>\n

Finally, recognize the inherent limitations of any single survey. Cross-reference owner-reported data with independent long-term tests, recall histories, and the evolving landscape of manufacturer support. Reliability, while crucial, is only one dimension of the ownership experience\u2014but for those seeking low-hassle motoring, the patterns in this data are too consistent to ignore.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"Every<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Every year Autocar\u2019s sister title What Car? carries out a survey of car-owners to help identify the most reliable cars on the market \u2013 and the least.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

The survey is based on the experiences of over 32,000 owners over the past two years – and is a great way to help you choose your next car if you want low hassle and low maintenance costs. Let\u2019s take a look at the cars who came top \u2013 and bottom:<\/p>\n

\n

Small Cars – Most reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Small\n<\/p>\n

1: HYUNDAI i10 (2020+) – 100%<\/strong><\/p>\n

The i10 is just one of just four cars to achieve a 100% reliability rating. That means not one of the cars owners told us about suffered any faults at all in the previous 24 months.<\/p>\n

Also highly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toyota Aygo X (2022+) – 99.7%<\/p>\n

Mini Hatch (2014-2024) – 99.1%<\/p>\n

\n

Small Cars – Least reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Small\n<\/p>\n

1: Renault Zoe (2013-2024) – 85.1%<\/strong><\/p>\n

With a fault rate of 39% and a high proportion of problems reported with EV batteries, the Zoe is one to avoid if you\u2019re after a reliable small EV. Owners also told us their cars had suffered problems with their 12-volt batteries<\/strong>, air conditioning<\/strong> and other electrical systems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Also lowly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Opel Corsa Electric – 87.6%<\/p>\n

MG 3 – 87.9%<\/p>\n

\n

Family Cars – Most reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Family\n<\/p>\n

1: Kia Ceed (2018-2025) – 98.8%<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kia\u2019s family hatchback may not be the last word in driver involvement or sophistication, but it is the most dependable choice in this class. Owners told us that only 8% of Ceeds had any issues, with the sat-nav<\/strong>\/infotainment system<\/strong> being the only area of concern.<\/p>\n

Also highly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

BMW i3 (2013-2022) – 97.4%<\/p>\n

Honda Civic (2022+) – 97.3%<\/p>\n

\n

Family Cars – Least reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Family\n<\/p>\n

1: Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2016-2022) – 80.1%<\/strong><\/p>\n

EV and 12-volt battery issues have blighted the Ioniq Electric. The EV battery<\/strong> was the cause of 18% of issues and the 12-volt unit was responsible for 29% of faults. Together, they rendered 80% of affected vehicles undriveable. Repair work was slow in many instances, too; 70% of cars were in the workshop for more than a week, and we were told that some were out of action for several weeks due to parts supply issues.<\/p>\n

Also lowly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2021+) – 80.7%<\/p>\n

Volkswagen Golf (2020+) – 82.2%<\/p>\n

\n

Executive cars – Most reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Executive\n<\/p>\n

Alfa Romeo Giulia (2016+) – 98.2%<\/strong><\/p>\n

Only 9% of the Giulias that owners told us about suffered any glitches, and all those that did were put right for free. Problem areas included the bodywork<\/strong>, brakes<\/strong>, interior trim<\/strong> and non-engine electrics<\/strong>, but three-quarters of the affected cars could still be driven.<\/p>\n

Also highly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

BMW 3 Series (2019+) – 98.0%<\/p>\n

Skoda Superb Diesel (2015-2024) – 98.0%<\/p>\n

\n

Executive cars – Least reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Executive\n<\/p>\n

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2021+) – 76.3%<\/strong><\/p>\n

The latest C-Class isn\u2019t looking as sturdy as the previous model; 43% of cars built from 2021 onwards had a glitch, compared with 23% for the 2014-2021 generation. Failures occurred across a range of areas, including the air-conditioning<\/strong>, engine<\/strong>, fuel system<\/strong>, gearbox<\/strong> and non-engine electrics<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Also lowly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Volvo S90 (2016-2023) & Volvo V90 (2016+) – 76.7%<\/p>\n

Skoda Superb Petrol (2015-2024)<\/p>\n

\n

Small SUVs – Most reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Small\n<\/p>\n

Kia EV3 (2024+) – 100%<\/strong><\/p>\n

While some of the latest electric models have struggled with battery and motor flaws, the Kia EV3 has sailed through its first reliability survey with none of these. In fact, it\u2019s one of just four models to have achieved a full 100% reliability rating this year.<\/p>\n

Also highly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Volkswagen T-Roc (2018+) – 99.0%<\/p>\n

Hyundai Kona Hybrid (2019+) – 98.7%<\/p>\n

\n

Small SUVs – Least reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Small\n<\/p>\n

1: Nissan Juke Petrol (2019+) – 55.2%<\/strong><\/p>\n

A combination of slow repairs and some huge repair bills have dragged the petrol Juke to the bottom of the chart for small SUVs. In fact, its 55.2% reliability rating is the lowest of all the cars included \u2013 in any category \u2013 in this year\u2019s survey.<\/p>\n

Although only 24% of petrol Juke owners said their car had gone wrong, 64% of those said their cars were out of action for more than a week, and only 30% of problems were fixed for free.<\/p>\n

Also lowly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lexus LBX (2023+) – 81.9%<\/p>\n

Nissan Juke Hybrid (2022+) – 89.0%<\/p>\n

\n

Family SUVs – Most reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Family\n<\/p>\n

1: Opel Grandland Petrol (2024+) – 99.6%<\/strong><\/p>\n

The second-generation Grandland is looking far more robust than its predecessor, with a minimal fault rate of just 4%, compared with 19% for the 2018-2024 model. Unspecified non-engine electrical problems were the only issues reported by owners.<\/p>\n

Also highly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toyota RAV4 (2019+) – 99.2%<\/p>\n

Porsche Macan (2014+) – 99.0%<\/p>\n

\n

Family SUVs – Least reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Family\n<\/p>\n

1: Volkswagen Tiguan (2024+) – 64.2%<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Tiguan has the highest fault rate of any car in this year\u2019s survey; 81% of the cars we were told about had some sort of problem. The infotainment system<\/strong> accounted for 31% of issues, and the braking system<\/strong> and non-engine electrics<\/strong> each accounted for another 19%.<\/p>\n

Also lowly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kia Sportage (2016-2021) – 72.9%<\/p>\n

Mazda CX-60 (2022+) – 76.2%<\/p>\n

\n

Luxury cars – Most reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Luxury\n<\/p>\n

1: Lexus RX (2016-2022)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The RX is the highest-scoring luxury model for the second consecutive year, beating models from other premium brands when it comes to dependability. A mere 7% of the RXs owners told us about had any problems, with air-conditioning<\/strong>, bodywork<\/strong> and non-engine electrics<\/strong> the trouble spots.<\/p>\n

Also highly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

BMW X5 Petrol & PHEV (2018+) – 96.2%<\/p>\n

Range Rover Sport (2013-2022) \u2013 94.9%<\/p>\n

\n

Luxury cars – Least reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Luxury\n<\/p>\n

Audi Q7 (2015+) – 78.6%<\/strong><\/p>\n

Faults suffered by the Q7 can be far more costly to remedy than those of its main luxury SUV rival, the BMW X5. 47% of Q7s had a problem, most (20%) being caused by non-engine electrical issues. The engine, exhaust and infotainment system were also cited as problematic.<\/p>\n

Also lowly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

BMW iX (2021+) – 81.0%<\/p>\n

Mercedes-Benz GLE – 82.0%<\/p>\n

\n

Seven-Seaters – Most reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Seven-Seaters\n<\/p>\n

1: Hyundai Santa Fe (2018-2024) – 100%<\/strong><\/p>\n

Results in the seven-seater category were disappointing this year. Only cars in the electric SUV category posted a lower average score, so a seven-seater that manages an<\/p>\n

unblemished 100% rating deserves a lot of praise. The Santa Fe not only does just this, but it\u2019s also the second Hyundai model to gain a perfect score this year, alongside the much cheaper i10 city car.<\/p>\n

Also highly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Skoda Kodiaq Diesel (2016-2024) – 97.8%<\/p>\n

Mercedes-Benz GLB (2019+) – 96.0%<\/p>\n

\n

Seven-Seaters – Least reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Seven-Seaters\n<\/p>\n

The Q7 appears in this survey as both the lowest-scoring luxury car and the poorest-rated seven-seater. Owners told us that 47% of their cars had gone wrong; Q7 owners were asked to pay for far more repairs than those with seven-seaters from other brands; only 15% of Q7s were fixed for free.<\/p>\n

Also lowly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Land Rover Discovery Sport (2014+) – 81.8%<\/p>\n

Seat Tarraco (2018+) – 84.9%<\/p>\n

\n

Electric cars – Most reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Electric\n<\/p>\n

1: BMW i3 (2013-2022) – 97.4%<\/strong><\/p>\n

The i3 may no longer be on sale, but it\u2019s still a great option if you\u2019re after a dependable small EV. Its fault rate of just 11% beats not only the Nissan Leaf family hatchback but also tops that of the i3\u2019s pricier BMW i4 stablemate.<\/p>\n

Also highly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

BMW i4 (2021+) – 96.8%<\/p>\n

Nissan Leaf (2018-2024) – 96.5%<\/p>\n

\n

Electric cars – Least reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Electric\n<\/p>\n

1: Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2016-2022) – 80.1%<\/strong><\/p>\n

The now-discontinued Ioniq Electric family car is the lowest-scoring EV in our survey, not helped by how long owners had to do without their cars while repairs were made. Among the cars that went wrong, 90% were unable to be driven until repairs were carried out, and 70% of these spent more than a week receiving workshop attention.<\/p>\n

Also lowly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2021+) – 80.7%<\/p>\n

Porsche Taycan (2020+) – 81.2%<\/p>\n

\n

Electric SUVs – Most reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Electric\n<\/p>\n

1: Kia EV3 (2024+) – 100%<\/strong><\/p>\n

The EV3 is the first Kia model to attain a perfect 100% reliability rating in our survey. It\u2019s the brand\u2019s most affordable pure electric model, yet it outperforms many larger, more expensive electric SUVs \u2013 including the BMW iX \u2013 when it comes to durability and build quality.<\/p>\n

Also highly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Renault Scenic (2024+) – 97.5%<\/p>\n

Tesla Model Y (2022+) – 97.1%<\/p>\n

\n

Electric SUVs – Least reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Electric\n<\/p>\n

Volkswagen ID 4 (2021+) – 79.6%<\/strong><\/p>\n

36% of ID 4 owners had problems, compared with 30% of people with Enyaqs and 29% with Q4 e-trons, which are sister cars.\u00a0 What\u2019s more, 67% of faulty ID 4s were off the road for more than a week, while only 28% of Enyaqs (and 52% of Q4s) took that long. The EV battery and electric motor were the main issues for ID 4 owners, but VW did pay for all repairs.<\/p>\n

Also lowly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nissan Ariya (2022+) – 80.9%<\/p>\n

BMW iX (2021+) – 81.0%<\/p>\n

\n

Coupes\/Convertibles\/Sports cars – Most reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Coupes\/Convertibles\/Sports\n<\/p>\n

1: Toyota GR Yaris (2020+) – 100%<\/strong><\/p>\n

This red-blooded, rally-bred hot hatch outperforms its more subdued, sensible namesake \u2013 the Yaris Hybrid small car \u2013 when it comes to reliability. In fact, not a single GR owner reported any faults whatsoever. Not only did the GR Yaris post a 100% rating, but it\u2019s also the only car in a class full of sporty models to have achieved this feat in the past seven years of the What Car? Reliability Survey.<\/p>\n

Also highly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

BMW 4 Series Coupe\/Convertible (2020+) – 98.5%<\/p>\n

Toyota GR86 (2022+) \u2013 97.9%<\/p>\n

\n

Coupes\/Convertibles\/Sports cars – Least reliable<\/h2>\n

\"Coupes\/Convertibles\/Sports\n<\/p>\n

1: Porsche Taycan (2020+) – 81.2%<\/strong><\/p>\n

Taycan owners told us that 54% of their cars had gone wrong in some way, compared with 16% of BMW i4s and 8% of BMW 4 Series Coup\u00e9s. The Porsche\u2019s main problem area was the air-conditioning, which accounted for 22% of issues; EV batteries and 12-volt batteries also caused headaches for some owners. Repairs were slow, with 81% of cars taking more than a day to fix, but Porsche paid for virtually all of the work.<\/p>\n

Also lowly rated:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jaguar F-Type (2013-2024) – 81.9%<\/p>\n

Porsche 718 Boxster\/Cayman (2016+) – 89.8%<\/p>\n

If you enjoyed this story, please click the Follow button above to see more like it from Autocar<\/strong><\/p>\n

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