Reliability remains one of the most important factors for car buyers, especially as car prices continue to climb and modern vehicles become more sophisticated. While flashy technology and performance numbers often dominate marketing campaigns, long-term reliability ultimately determines the satisfaction and price of owning a car. Some automakers continue to outperform others at building durable vehicles, according to the latest reliability data.
Each year, Consumer Reports analyzes hundreds of thousands of vehicles using owner surveys, road test scores, safety ratings and predicted reliability data. The results highlight brands that continue to see fewer problems over time. For 2026, the top ten includes familiar industry leaders like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru, along with some surprising offerings from luxury and American manufacturers.
These rankings provide a valuable snapshot into which brand owners trust which brands the most over years of use. From mainstream manufacturers to premium brands, these ten automakers stand out for offering vehicles that combine powerful performance, proven engineering and the durability that drivers rely on every day.
In order to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to prepare this article was obtained from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources such as Consumer Reports. Brands on this list are ranked based on predicted reliability scores awarded by Consumer Reports.
kia
Predictive reliability score: 49/100
kia
South Korean automakers have become the auto industry’s new scapegoats. Just as people tried to boycott Japanese automakers when they entered the market, Korean brands have become the new target of ridicule. Despite this public perception, Kia still manages to stay well ahead of many American and European brands. Still, 49 out of 100 isn’t great. This points to a general downward trend in reliability in the automotive industry.
The most reliable model
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Kia Carnival Hybrid – 72/100
Least reliable model
Tesla
Predictive reliability score: 50/100
Tesla
Tesla has come a long way in terms of reliability. Not too long ago, multiple vehicles in their lineup were plagued by ongoing quality issues. They did a lot to stop the bleeding and put a lot of resources into improving the situation. They’ve risen in the rankings, and it looks like their upward trend may continue in the coming years. Now all they need to do is win back some customers, which is easier said than done.
The most reliable model
Least reliable model
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Tesla Cybertruck – 34/100
Buick
Predicted reliability score: 51/100
Buick
Buick is a somewhat under-the-radar brand on the market today. They were once one of America’s most famous automakers, but have now been reduced to a brand offering only four new models. However, their advantage is that they are considered the most reliable American automaker on the market, by a considerable margin. Consumer Reports isn’t the only authority to think so; Buick topped J.D. Powers’ vehicle reliability study.
The most reliable model
Least reliable model
Acura
Predictive reliability score: 54/100
Acura
The first Japanese automaker on our list is Acura. If you’re looking for an affordable way to drive something with a touch of luxury, Acura is one of the best options on the market right now. In addition to being affordable to purchase, their vehicles are known for being reliable and low maintenance. While they don’t have one model that stands out with stellar scores, they are fairly consistent across the entire product line.
The most reliable model
Least reliable model
Nissan
Predictive reliability score: 57/100
Nissan
Nissan has struggled financially over the past few years, but since the brand is so large, that hasn’t stopped them from launching some great models over the past year or two. This includes the continued success of the new generation of Kicks and Leafs, as well as the rest of the lineup. While they’re not often mentioned alongside Toyota and Honda in terms of reliability, they’re closer than you might think.
The most reliable model
Least reliable model
BMW
Predicted reliability score: 58/100
BMW
BMW is the only European carmaker in the top five. In fact, the next brand from Europe is almost ten spots below BMW. While they’ve had a bit of an up-and-down history when it comes to reliability, the German brand has really made strides with their latest generation of models, with their engine range offering the perfect blend of performance, durability and efficiency. No wonder they are so popular.
The most reliable model
Least reliable model
Honda
Predictive reliability score: 59/100
Honda
Honda has always been at the top of the competition, but never seemed to get the number one spot. While many of their models rank very highly, offering proven reliability over multiple model years, their scores are somewhat affected by a few bad apples. While some are in-house models, other underperforming vehicles are the result of partnerships with other brands, a perfect example being their lowest-scoring model, the Prologue EV.
The most reliable model
Least reliable model
Lexus
Predicted reliability score: 60/100
Lexus
Lexus wouldn’t make the reliability list if it wasn’t at the top. The Japanese luxury brand consistently ranks among the top three most reliable brands on the market, often topping the list. This consistency earns the trust of buyers as they continue to value quality, giving them peace of mind. They might rank higher if it weren’t for some of the issues some of their electric models exhibit.
The most reliable model
Least reliable model
Subaru
Predictive reliability score: 63/100
Subaru
Competition for the top spot remains fierce. Although people may not realize it, Subaru has actually been one of the most reliable automakers for some time. In fact, they topped Consumer Reports’ list of the most reliable car brands last year. They have been eliminated from the seats in 2026 but remain a firm choice. If you’re looking for something a little more rugged and adventurous, you can’t go wrong with a Subaru.
The most reliable model
Least reliable model
toyota
Predictive reliability score: 66/100
toyota
Toyota regained its title as the most reliable new car brand in 2026. While there were concerns about whether some of their newer models would be able to keep up, they’ve proven to be just as durable as their outgoing models. Toyota has earned a reputation for reliability and continues to dominate the competition. If you’re looking for something simple and durable, there’s no better brand than this.
The most reliable model
Least reliable model
Reliability drops across the board
Unfortunately, we see a continued decline in overall quality throughout the automotive industry. With more and more vehicles showing up and more problems, it’s more important than ever to carefully select your new car. Certain types of vehicles have more problems than others, with Consumer Reports claiming that electric cars and plug-in hybrids have more problems than conventional hybrids and gasoline-only cars. It’s also important to never be the first to try something, as brand new models are full of problems that still need to be solved.
Although the situation of some mid-to-lower players has changed, it is obvious that the performance of the top players is much more stable. Lexus, Subaru, Toyota and other brands have topped the Consumer Reports rankings for many years in a row. If reliability is your biggest concern, these are probably the brands you should stick with.
