What are the most reliable car brands?
By CarWhere Research · Updated November 2026 · Method
Measured by owner complaints filed with NHTSA per 1,000 vehicles sold (model years 2015–2022), the brands with the fewest complaints are Lexus (0.58), Toyota (0.94) and Buick (1.38). The most complaints per vehicle sold: Ford (3.89), Jeep (3.58) and Acura (3.43). 19 brands have enough U.S. sales data to rank.
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA per 1,000 vehicles sold (model years 2015–2022; published U.S. sales). Not a survey, not Consumer Reports' method, and not repair frequency.
Car brands ranked by complaints per 1,000 sold
| # | Brand | Complaints / 1,000 sold | Serious-safety complaints / 1,000 | Models | Vehicles sold (rated) | Complaints | Sales covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexus | 0.58 | 0.09 | 8 | 1,799,736 | 1,048 | 76.6% |
| 2 | Toyota | 0.94 | 0.10 | 12 | 15,629,831 | 14,637 | 96.2% |
| 3 | Buick | 1.38 | 0.10 | 6 | 1,280,762 | 1,768 | 83.9% |
| 4 | Nissan | 1.47 | 0.12 | 14 | 9,035,214 | 13,245 | 97.9% |
| 5 | Mazda | 1.48 | 0.10 | 6 | 2,262,356 | 3,337 | 94.8% |
| 6 | Volvo | 1.64 | 0.16 | 4 | 724,311 | 1,189 | 94.5% |
| 7 | Chevrolet | 1.77 | 0.10 | 15 | 14,288,009 | 25,345 | 95.5% |
| 8 | BMW | 1.79 | 0.16 | 10 | 1,960,279 | 3,514 | 77.3% |
| 9 | Audi | 2.19 | 0.11 | 7 | 1,471,435 | 3,228 | 90% |
| 10 | Dodge | 2.30 | 0.18 | 5 | 2,878,895 | 6,608 | 95.2% |
| 11 | Volkswagen | 2.39 | 0.13 | 7 | 2,250,351 | 5,379 | 83.4% |
| 12 | Subaru | 2.71 | 0.15 | 5 | 4,460,431 | 12,108 | 89.3% |
| 13 | GMC | 2.90 | 0.12 | 6 | 4,313,327 | 12,516 | 100% |
| 14 | Honda | 2.95 | 0.13 | 8 | 9,790,001 | 28,838 | 91.9% |
| 15 | Hyundai | 3.24 | 0.20 | 9 | 5,390,017 | 17,455 | 95.4% |
| 16 | Kia | 3.32 | 0.29 | 10 | 4,737,776 | 15,719 | 91.4% |
| 17 | Acura | 3.43 | 0.14 | 3 | 946,556 | 3,242 | 78.5% |
| 18 | Jeep | 3.58 | 0.21 | 6 | 6,129,034 | 21,964 | 90.6% |
| 19 | Ford | 3.89 | 0.16 | 15 | 15,875,164 | 61,721 | 89.2% |
Lower is better. Complaints are NHTSA owner complaints for model years 2015–2022; vehicles sold are U.S. sales in the same calendar years, counting only model years with at least 5,000 sold. “Sales covered” is the share of the brand's U.S. sales made by the models we could match. Rates within 10% of each other are a tie in our verdicts. Serious-safety complaints are those where the owner reported a crash, a fire or at least one injury. The ranking uses all complaints; the serious-safety column is shown for context, not used to rank.
Not enough sales data to rank
These brands are left out of the ranking rather than given a number that one missing best-seller could swing.
- Cadillac: covered models are 64% of the brand's U.S. sales (minimum 70%). Model matchups: Cadillac vs Lincoln, Cadillac vs Jeep
- Chrysler: only 2 models with sales data (minimum 3).
- Genesis: covered models are 63% of the brand's U.S. sales (minimum 70%). Model matchups: BMW vs Genesis, Genesis vs Lexus, Genesis vs Toyota
- Lincoln: covered models are 61% of the brand's U.S. sales (minimum 70%). Model matchups: Cadillac vs Lincoln
- Mercedes-Benz: no whole-brand U.S. sales total to measure coverage against. Model matchups: BMW vs Mercedes-Benz
- Porsche: covered models are 61% of the brand's U.S. sales (minimum 70%). Model matchups: BMW vs Porsche
- Ram: only 1 model with sales data (minimum 3).
Most reliable used models by brand
Each brand's lowest-complaint models (at least three rated model years), with the model years our years-to-avoid analysis flags as better or worse.
#1 Lexus · 0.58 per 1,000 sold
Lexus's lowest-complaint models are the GX (0.31), IS (0.52) and ES (0.55). Its highest-rate model is the LS (1.45).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX | 0.31 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Brakes (19.1%) |
| IS | 0.52 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Fuel / propulsion (22.4%) |
| ES | 0.55 NHTSA | 2014–2017 | 2008–2011 | Air bags (23.4%) |
Compare Lexus: vs Toyota · vs Acura · vs BMW · vs Genesis · vs Volvo · vs Audi
#2 Toyota · 0.94 per 1,000 sold
Toyota's lowest-complaint models are the 4Runner (0.44), Corolla (0.68) and Tacoma (0.75). Its highest-rate model is the Venza (2.00).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner | 0.44 NHTSA | 2020 | 2011, 2018, 2019, 2025 | Steering (13%) |
| Corolla | 0.68 NHTSA | None flagged | 2009–2011, 2019, 2020 | Air bags (20.9%) |
| Tacoma | 0.75 NHTSA | 2021 | 2008, 2009, 2012, 2016–2019, 2024 | Powertrain / transmission (24.1%) |
Compare Toyota: vs Honda · vs Mazda · vs Subaru · vs Lexus · vs Hyundai · vs Kia · vs Nissan · vs Jeep · vs Ford · vs Chevrolet · vs Audi · vs Genesis
#3 Buick · 1.38 per 1,000 sold
Buick's lowest-complaint models are the Encore (0.97), Encore GX (1.07) and LaCrosse (1.31). Its highest-rate model is the Regal (1.95).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore | 0.97 NHTSA | 2020 | 2019 | Engine (40.2%) |
| Encore GX | 1.07 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Engine (27%) |
| LaCrosse | 1.31 NHTSA | 2015–2017 | 2008, 2010–2013 | Electrical system (19.7%) |
Compare Buick: vs Kia
#4 Nissan · 1.47 per 1,000 sold
Nissan's lowest-complaint models are the NV (0.18), Frontier (0.57) and Versa (0.98). Its highest-rate model is the Leaf (7.67).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NV | 0.18 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Engine (57.1%) |
| Frontier | 0.57 NHTSA | 2015 | 2008, 2012, 2022, 2023 | Powertrain / transmission (19.8%) |
| Versa | 0.98 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Powertrain / transmission (26%) |
Compare Nissan: vs Toyota
#5 Mazda · 1.48 per 1,000 sold
Mazda's lowest-complaint models are the MX-5 Miata (0.92), CX-30 (1.15) and Mazda3 (1.24). Its highest-rate model is the CX-9 (2.19).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 Miata | 0.92 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Powertrain / transmission (27.3%) |
| CX-30 | 1.15 NHTSA | None flagged | 2021 | Engine (38.1%) |
| Mazda3 | 1.24 NHTSA | 2017, 2020, 2022 | 2008, 2010, 2012 | Electrical system (19.9%) |
#6 Volvo · 1.64 per 1,000 sold
Volvo's lowest-complaint models are the XC40 (1.32), XC60 (1.35) and S60 / V60 (1.87). Its highest-rate model is the XC90 (1.93).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC40 | 1.32 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Electrical system (18.3%) |
| XC60 | 1.35 NHTSA | 2014 | 2022, 2023 | Electrical system (31.5%) |
| S60 / V60 | 1.87 NHTSA | None flagged | 2012, 2013 | Engine (28.7%) |
#7 Chevrolet · 1.77 per 1,000 sold
Chevrolet's lowest-complaint models are the Express (0.20), Spark (0.96) and Cruze (1.06). Its highest-rate model is the Suburban (2.97).
#8 BMW · 1.79 per 1,000 sold
BMW's lowest-complaint models are the X2 (0.51), 8 Series (0.70) and X6 (0.78). Its highest-rate model is the X1 (3.25).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X2 | 0.51 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Electrical system (28.6%) |
| 8 Series | 0.70 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Electrical system (50%) |
| X6 | 0.78 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Electrical system (19.6%) |
Compare BMW: vs Mercedes-Benz · vs Audi · vs Lexus · vs Genesis · vs Porsche · vs Jeep
#9 Audi · 2.19 per 1,000 sold
Audi's lowest-complaint models are the Q3 (1.25), A5 (1.46) and Q5 (1.64). Its highest-rate model is the A3 (4.00).
#10 Dodge · 2.30 per 1,000 sold
Dodge's lowest-complaint models are the Challenger (0.90), Charger (1.15) and Journey (2.96). Its highest-rate model is the Grand Caravan (3.38).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger | 0.90 NHTSA | 2020, 2021 | 2010–2015 | Electrical system (26.1%) |
| Charger | 1.15 NHTSA | 2021 | 2008, 2010–2014, 2016 | Electrical system (21.9%) |
| Journey | 2.96 NHTSA | 2019, 2020 | 2009, 2010, 2014–2016 | Electrical system (24.4%) |
#11 Volkswagen · 2.39 per 1,000 sold
Volkswagen's lowest-complaint models are the Jetta (1.73), Passat (1.76) and Tiguan (2.05). Its highest-rate model is the Golf (4.37).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta | 1.73 NHTSA | 2018, 2022 | 2009–2014, 2019 | Electrical system (24.8%) |
| Passat | 1.76 NHTSA | 2011, 2018, 2020 | 2012–2015 | Air bags (27.5%) |
| Tiguan | 2.05 NHTSA | 2016 | 2009, 2018–2022 | Engine (28.6%) |
#12 Subaru · 2.71 per 1,000 sold
Subaru's lowest-complaint models are the Crosstrek (1.07), Impreza (1.49) and Legacy (2.64). Its highest-rate model is the Outback (4.18).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek | 1.07 NHTSA | 2013, 2022 | 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024 | Visibility / wipers (29.1%) |
| Impreza | 1.49 NHTSA | None flagged | 2008, 2012, 2013, 2017–2019 | Visibility / wipers (26.6%) |
| Legacy | 2.64 NHTSA | 2021, 2022 | 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018–2020 | Visibility / wipers (31.1%) |
#13 GMC · 2.90 per 1,000 sold
GMC's lowest-complaint models are the Savana (0.17), Terrain (1.84) and Sierra (2.67). Its highest-rate model is the Yukon (incl. XL) (5.01).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savana | 0.17 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Steering (21.9%) |
| Terrain | 1.84 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Engine (32%) |
| Sierra | 2.67 NHTSA | 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016 | 2015, 2019–2024 | Engine (32.6%) |
Compare GMC: vs Chevrolet
#14 Honda · 2.95 per 1,000 sold
Honda's lowest-complaint models are the Civic (1.96), Accord (2.65) and CR-V (2.66). Its highest-rate model is the Pilot (5.06).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic | 1.96 NHTSA | 2013 | 2008, 2016–2019, 2022, 2023 | Steering (42.3%) |
| Accord | 2.65 NHTSA | 2011 | 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2018–2020 | Electrical system (23.3%) |
| CR-V | 2.66 NHTSA | None flagged | 2015, 2017–2019, 2021, 2023, 2024 | Engine (23.5%) |
#15 Hyundai · 3.24 per 1,000 sold
Hyundai's lowest-complaint models are the Accent (1.09), Venue (1.31) and Elantra (1.85). Its highest-rate model is the Veloster (5.01).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accent | 1.09 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Engine (35.1%) |
| Venue | 1.31 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Seat belts (23.5%) |
| Elantra | 1.85 NHTSA | None flagged | 2010–2013, 2017, 2020 | Engine (39.9%) |
#16 Kia · 3.32 per 1,000 sold
Kia's lowest-complaint models are the Rio (1.34), Forte (1.47) and K5 (1.72). Its highest-rate model is the Sorento (5.35).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio | 1.34 NHTSA | 2010, 2011 | 2013–2016 | Engine (41.2%) |
| Forte | 1.47 NHTSA | 2020, 2022 | 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017 | Engine (46.7%) |
| K5 | 1.72 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Fuel / propulsion (34.2%) |
Compare Kia: vs Hyundai · vs Toyota · vs Ford · vs Buick
#17 Acura · 3.43 per 1,000 sold
Acura's lowest-complaint models are the ILX (1.67), MDX (3.53) and RDX (3.76). Its highest-rate model is the RDX (3.76).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILX | 1.67 NHTSA | None flagged | 2016 | Fuel / propulsion (26.4%) |
| MDX | 3.53 NHTSA | 2008–2011, 2013 | 2014, 2016–2020, 2022, 2025 | Engine (34.8%) |
| RDX | 3.76 NHTSA | 2008–2012, 2016 | 2014, 2015, 2018–2021 | Lighting (22.9%) |
Compare Acura: vs Lexus
#18 Jeep · 3.58 per 1,000 sold
Jeep's lowest-complaint models are the Grand Cherokee (2.51), Compass (2.87) and Patriot (2.93). Its highest-rate model is the Cherokee (5.82).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee | 2.51 NHTSA | 2009, 2010 | 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021–2024 | Electrical system (25.1%) |
| Compass | 2.87 NHTSA | 2009, 2010, 2013 | 2014, 2016–2020, 2022 | Engine (44.6%) |
| Patriot | 2.93 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Engine (43.1%) |
Compare Jeep: vs Toyota · vs BMW · vs Volvo · vs Cadillac
#19 Ford · 3.89 per 1,000 sold
Ford's lowest-complaint models are the Transit Connect (1.11), Ranger (1.67) and Fiesta (2.41). Its highest-rate model is the EcoSport (7.62).
| Model | Per 1,000 sold | Better years | Years to avoid | Most-cited area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect | 1.11 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Powertrain / transmission (21.1%) |
| Ranger | 1.67 NHTSA | None flagged | 2019–2021, 2024, 2025 | Powertrain / transmission (39.2%) |
| Fiesta | 2.41 NHTSA | None flagged | None flagged | Powertrain / transmission (39.5%) |
Compare Ford: vs Chevrolet · vs Toyota · vs Kia
Method
complaints per 1,000 sold = NHTSA owner complaints filed for model years 2015–2022 ÷ U.S. vehicles sold in calendar years 2015–2022 × 1,000
- Complaints: every owner complaint in NHTSA's public complaint database for the model, model years 2015–2022, matched across NHTSA's body-style and trim names and counted once per complaint ID. NHTSA data.
- Vehicles sold: published U.S. calendar-year sales for each nameplate, with each calendar year standing in for that model year's cohort. Where a sales figure covers a whole line (for example a pickup line including its heavy-duty versions), complaints cover the same versions.
- Minimum-sales floor: a model year with fewer than 5,000 U.S. sales is “too few sold to rate” and is left out of both sides of the ratio.
- Brand figure: total complaints ÷ total vehicles sold across the brand's covered models, so each model counts by what it sold. No weights, no 0–100 score.
- Who gets ranked: at least 3 covered models that make up at least 70% of the brand's U.S. sales over 2015–2022. 19 brands qualify; 7 don't.
- Ties: two rates less than 10% apart are reported as statistically close.
- Scope: 277,088 complaints, 113.5 million vehicles, 185 models. Data extracted November 2026.
This counts how often owners file safety and defect complaints with the federal regulator, relative to how many were sold. It is not an owner survey (Consumer Reports publishes a survey-based ranking), and it doesn't measure repair frequency or cost. Older model years have had more time to collect complaints, and every brand is measured over the same years. Brands that sell a large share of vehicles to rental and fleet buyers may score better, because fleet owners rarely file NHTSA complaints.
Questions
What is the most reliable car brand?
On NHTSA owner complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold, Lexus has the lowest rate of the 19 brands we can rank: 0.58 complaints per 1,000 sold across 8 models and 1.8 million vehicles (model years 2015–2022). Its lowest-complaint models are the GX (0.31) and IS (0.52).
What is the least reliable car brand?
By the same measure, Ford has the highest complaint rate of the ranked brands: 3.89 per 1,000 sold, 6.7× the rate of Lexus. The models driving it are the EcoSport (7.62) and Focus (6.06). A complaint is an owner report to NHTSA, not a confirmed defect, so read it as where owners report problems most often.
What are the most reliable used car brands?
For used cars from model years 2015–2022, the five brands with the fewest NHTSA complaints per 1,000 sold are Lexus (0.58), Toyota (0.94), Buick (1.38), Nissan (1.47) and Mazda (1.48). These are model years now on the used market, so the counts include years of owner experience, not just the first months.
Is Toyota the most reliable brand?
Not on this measure. Toyota ranks #2 of 19 at 0.94 complaints per 1,000 sold, behind Lexus (0.58). Toyota's lowest-rate models are the 4Runner (0.44), Corolla (0.68) and Tacoma (0.75).
How is this ranking calculated?
For every model with published U.S. sales, we add up the owner complaints filed with NHTSA for its 2015–2022 model years and divide by the vehicles sold in 2015–2022, per 1,000. A brand's figure pools all of its covered models, so a best-seller counts for what it sold. Model years under 5,000 sales are left out as too few sold to rate. A brand is ranked only if its covered models are at least 3 and sell at least 70% of the brand's U.S. volume. In all, 277,088 complaints and 113.5 million vehicles across 185 models.
Why are some brands missing from the ranking?
Cadillac, Chrysler, Genesis, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Ram don't have enough published U.S. sales data at the model level to give a fair brand number. Their individual models still appear on our compare pages where they have data.