Karmactive TeamConsumer Reports recently released its annual report on the most dependable and least dependable car brands and models of 2022. As expected, popular brands like Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, Honda, and a surprising addition of BMW, dominated the top spots for reliability. On the flip side, some car brands fell short. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a rundown of the 5 least dependable car brands of 2022, from fifth to the lowest.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet takes fifth place on the list of least reliable car brands, with some of its models, such as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Chevrolet Blazer, and Chevy Corvette, demonstrating decent reliability, while others, including the Chevrolet Traverse and Chevy Equinox, fall short of the average.
However, three models are significantly affecting Chevrolet’s Consumer Reports reliability ratings – the Chevy Silverado 1500, Chevy Bolt, and Chevy Bolt EUV. The Chevy Silverado 1500 has a long-standing history of unreliability, which is why its 2023 model recall for faulty daylight-running headlights wasn’t surprising.
The Chevy Bolt has been struggling with engine and electric system problems for a few years, and it seems the recently introduced Chevy Bolt EUV has also inherited these issues.
GMC
GMC’s models struggle with reliability, with the GMC Terrain being the closest to average. The GMC Sierra 1500 truck has a long history of unreliability across its last two generations and while the fifth generation showed some improvement, it still calls for concerns with trips to the auto shop and recalls. The latest model shares the same faulty daylight-running headlights issue as the Chevy Silverado 1500 and is built on the same GMTT1 platform, resulting in a recall.
Volkswagen
Just like GMC, Volkswagen’s vehicles don’t have a reputation for above-average reliability, including the recently launched electric Volkswagen ID.4. However, the Volkswagen Taos stands out as the biggest offender, with one of the lowest reliability scores recorded by Consumer Reports in 2022.
During that year, the Taos had problems with its drive, fuel, and electric systems, engine, transmission, body integrity, and even in-car electronics. It’s not surprising why the next model year is expected to have a similar track record of unreliability.
Jeep
For fans of the Jeep brand, the Cherokee model is a ray of hope with its above-average reliability. Unfortunately, the next model in line, the Grand Cherokee, experiences a sharp decline in reliability, and the Grand Cherokee L and the Wrangler are even less dependable. The Jeep Gladiator ranks at the bottom of the list, with persistent problems in its suspension, body integrity, and drive system in recent years.
Mercedes-Benz
The luxury brand Mercedes-Benz is the least reliable, with its most popular offerings in the U.S. having well below average reliability. These include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Some of the recurring trouble spots for the GLE have been the body hardware, in-car electronics, power equipment, climate system, and electric system. Though most owners are satisfied with the vehicle, according to Consumer Reports survey data, the E-class isn’t much better.
