Top 10 Most Unreliable Cars: 2017 Consumer Reports

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

The 2017 Consumer Reports Annual Reliability Survey has been released.

Just because you purchased a brand new car doesn’t mean it will be free of troubles. The annual survey from Consumer Reports looks at 17 trouble areas, ranging from squeaky brakes to out-of-warranty transmission repairs or issues with all-wheel-drive systems. The publication weighs the severity of each type of problem in order to create a Predicted Reliability Score for a vehicle.

These are the 10 most unreliable vehicles based on this year’s study. We can’t help but notice how many of these are vehicles in their first model year, reminding us of the risk of buying a car before all the production kinks are worked out.

10. Chevrolet Camaro

Issues with the Chevrolet Camaro include minor problems with its transmission, in-car electronics, and drive system.

SEE ALSO: Toyota Tops, FCA and GM Flop in Consumer Reports 2017 Reliability Survey


9. Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz‘s popular crossover could cause headaches for new owners. Consumer Reports notes issues with the model’s brakes, steering and suspension, and power equipment.


8. Jaguar F-Pace

There’s plenty of consumers falling in love with the Jaguar F-Pace, the brand’s first SUV. But the British automaker’s reputation for reliability isn’t great and the F-Pace suffers from issues with its drive system, in-car electronics, noises, and leaks.


7. GMC Acadia

Another crossover to land on the list, the GMC Acadia has a few trouble spots with its in-car electronics, power equipment, and drive system. The main complaints from owners targeted the infotainment system, including issues with blank screens, a glitchy rearview camera, and a navigation system that stops working. Owners have also complained about rough shifting from their transmissions.


6. Fiat 500

You might want to avoid the compact Fiat 500 if you’re looking for a city car. Consumer Reports notes issues with the 500’s brakes, power equipment, and in-car electronics.


5. Ford Focus

The Ford Focus might be an attractive choice given its price, but the compact is plagued by poor reliability, a jerky transmission, and troublesome drive system.


4. Ford Fiesta

Like the Focus, the Ford Fiesta is one of the least reliable cars of 2017 according to Consumer Reports‘ Annual Reliability Survey. Issues for the Fiesta stem from its transmission and drive system.


3. Volvo XC90

Volvo may be well-known for its safety, but reliability is another question. The three-row XC90 SUV experiences issues with its in-car electronics, power equipment, and electrical system.


2. Cadillac Escalade

Yet another large SUV on the list, the Cadillac Escalade has never really had a reputation for great reliability. The latest model suffers from issues with its power equipment, climate system, and major problems with its transmission.


1. Tesla Model X

If you have been following the Tesla Model X since its launch, you may not be too surprised to hear about its reliability issues. Consumer Reports points out the Model X’s problems with its body hardware, paint and trim, and climate system.

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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  • K.C. K.C. on Oct 24, 2017

    Alex Reid is a good presenter but this video is just a copy of CR's own list and video. I'd like AG to add their own opinions to support of dispute CR's findings or a reaction video. I.E. "The Fiesta and Focus end up on the list because they share Ford's Power Shift dual clutch automated manual, and we agree the DCT can shudder at low speeds." Or add AG's reactions, "I was surprised that the Escalade made the list because it's so popular, but adding more luxury equipment didn't improve the already troubled reliability of the Tahoe & Yukon, it just made it worse."

  • Rslewis Rslewis on Nov 29, 2017

    All of those cars are on the correct list... made me shutter just looking at them all one after another.. gross list!

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