When you’re excited about buying a new car, it’s easy to get caught up in the style, speed, and cool gadgets. But what really matters most to most drivers is simple: Will this car be reliable and not break down or cost a fortune in repairs? A car that looks amazing on the lot can quickly become a headache if it’s always in the shop, leading to frustration and unexpected bills.
This crucial emphasis on dependability is precisely why Consumer Reports’ (CR) annual reliability survey stands as one of the most respected and indispensable reports in the automotive world. For the 2025 model year, Consumer Reports delved into an extensive dataset derived from approximately 300,000 vehicles, scrutinizing more than 20 potential trouble spots. Each vehicle is assigned a reliability score from 0 to 100, where a higher score signifies fewer predicted problems. This year’s findings reveal that even some of the market’s most popular and technologically advanced vehicles are not immune to serious reliability challenges, with electric vehicles, hybrids, and several traditional gas-powered SUVs and trucks ranking near the bottom. This comprehensive guide will dissect the first five vehicles on Consumer Reports’ list of the most problematic models for 2025.
1. **2025 Volkswagen ID.4 (Reliability: 29)**The Volkswagen ID.4 marked a significant milestone as VW’s first mass-market electric SUV, launched in 2020. It aimed to compete with models like the Tesla Model Y, offering decent range, a roomy interior, and eligibility for federal tax credits, which made it appealing to budget-minded EV buyers. Despite these positives, Consumer Reports assigned the 2025 ID.4 a low reliability score of just 29 out of 100.
This vehicle’s low score stems from numerous issues affecting key areas. According to CR, owners have reported frequent problems with the battery, drive system, braking, charging, electronics, body hardware, and climate control, all of which are crucial for a satisfying ownership experience.
The Volkswagen brand is also facing reliability challenges, ranked as the 5th least dependable overall by CR. J.D. Power’s 2025 study found VW with 285 issues per 100 vehicles, far above average, with owners frequently citing “buggy software,” charging woes, and reduced range in cold weather, despite their warranty offerings.
Car Model Information: 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Standard
Name: Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5
Caption: 2020 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro
Manufacturer: Volkswagen
ModelCode: E21 (ID.4),E39 (ID.5)
Production: 2020–present
Assembly: ubl
Designer: Klaus Zyciora
Class: Compact crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Platform: Volkswagen Group MEB platform
Related: Volkswagen ID.3,Volkswagen ID.Buzz,Volkswagen ID.6,Škoda Enyaq,Audi Q4 e-tron,Cupra Tavascan,Ford Explorer EV,Ford Capri EV
Layout: Rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive
Motor: APP 550,Brushless DC electric motor
Battery: Lithium-ion battery
ElectricRange: 77-82 kWh, since 2024:,{{convert,263-291,mi,km,0,abbr=on
Charging: ubl
Wheelbase: 2765 mm
Abbr: on (ID.5)
Length: 4584 mm
Width: 1852 mm
Height: 1636 mm
Weight: convert
Powerout: Convert
ModelYears: 2021–present
Categories: All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, Articles with short description, CS1 German-language sources (de)
Summary: The Volkswagen ID.4 and Volkswagen ID.5 are battery electric compact crossover SUVs produced by Volkswagen. Based on the MEB platform, the ID.4 is the second model of the Volkswagen ID. series. The production version of the ID.4 debuted in September 2020 as the first fully-electric crossover SUV under the Volkswagen brand, while the coupe-shaped variant of the ID.4 (akin to the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron) is marketed as the Volkswagen ID.5 and was presented in November 2021.
The ID.4 is positioned by Volkswagen as a high-volume, mass-market electric vehicle — a car for “the millions, not the millionaires,” as the company claimed in its advertising. It was delivered to European customers from late 2020, and the first quarter of 2021 for the North American market.
The ID.4 was elected World Car of the Year 2021 over runner-ups Honda e and Toyota Yaris.
The vehicle was updated for model year 2024 to include a more powerful and efficient APP 550 electric motor with increased range, as well as heavily revised software and infotainment hardware.
Get more information about: Volkswagen ID.4
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Brand: Volkswagen Model: ID.4
Price: $18,451 Mileage: 22,398 mi.
2. **Genesis G70 (Reliability: 29)**The Genesis G70 debuted in 2018 as the brand’s entry-level luxury sedan, quickly earning praise for its “sharp looks” and “strong performance.” It even secured MotorTrend’s Car of the Year in 2019, establishing its presence in the competitive luxury sports sedan market. However, despite its initial critical acclaim, reliability has consistently been a weak spot for the G70.
While Consumer Reports acknowledged the Genesis G70 as enjoyable to drive, well-equipped, and nicely finished during their test drives, its reliability score of just 29 out of 100 tells a different story, with reported problems in steering, suspension, engine, fuel system, transmission, and electronics that can really diminish the luxury experience.
The Genesis brand generally sits in the middle of broader reliability assessments, with CR placing it 14th out of 22 brands and J.D. Power’s 2025 study ranking it 17th out of 30, with 213 problems per 100 vehicles—slightly worse than average. Owners often “love the G70’s styling, quick acceleration, and luxury feel at a lower price,” valuing its “5 years/60,000 miles basic” warranty. However, common complaints revolve around the “cramped back seat,” “tiny trunk,” and “poor fuel economy,” alongside reports of “tech glitches and reliability concerns,” making it a mixed bag for long-term dependability.
Car Model Information: 2023 Genesis G70 2.0T
Name: Genesis G70
ModelCode: IK
Manufacturer: Genesis Motor
Production: September 2017 – present
ModelYears: 2018–present (Middle East),2019–present (North America)
Assembly: Ulsan
Class: Compact executive car
BodyStyle: Sedan (automobile),shooting brake
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Platform: Hyundai-Kia M platforms
Designer: Peter Schreyer
Related: Kia Stinger
Engine: ubl
Transmission: ubl
Wheelbase: 2835 mm
Abbr: on
Length: 4685 mm
Width: 1850 mm
Height: 1400 mm
Weight: {{convert,1595,-,1778,kg,lb,0,abbr=on
Categories: 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles with a promotional tone, Articles containing Korean-language text
Summary: The Genesis G70 (Korean: 제네시스 G70) is a four-door compact executive car manufactured by the Korean luxury automaker Genesis, a luxury division of Hyundai Motor Group.
The G70 debuted on September 15, 2017, at the global launch event in Seoul’s Olympic Park. It is Genesis Motor’s third model and was designed to compete with compact executive and entry-level luxury saloons and sedans. In 2019, the Genesis G70 was named the North American Car of the Year.
Get more information about: Genesis G70
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Brand: Genesis Model: G70
Price: $25,999 Mileage: 41,704 mi.
3. **Ford F-150 Lightning (Reliability: 28)**The Ford F-150 Lightning, the electric version of America’s best-selling truck, made a significant splash upon its 2022 launch. It impressed critics with its towing power, rapid acceleration, and the innovative ability to power a home during outages, showcasing the versatility of electric pickups. This innovation, however, has been overshadowed by concerns regarding its reliability.
Consumer Reports gave the F-150 Lightning a reliability score of just 28 out of 100. The publication specifically cited problems with the crucial EV battery, the charging system, the 12-volt battery, and various in-car electronics. These issues are foundational for an electric vehicle and can lead to considerable frustration and downtime for owners, directly impacting their ability to rely on the truck.
Ford, as a brand, holds a mid-tier position in reliability rankings, placing 13th out of 22 in CR’s list and 13th out of 30 in J.D. Power’s study, with 208 problems per 100 vehicles. The Lightning has also already faced two significant recalls: one for a “brake fluid leak that increases stopping distance,” and another for a “detached control arm that could cause loss of steering.” Owners praise its “smooth, quiet ride” and “powerful performance,” but frequently report “limited range,” “charging challenges,” and “glitchy tech,” indicating that while innovative, the Lightning still has “work to do” on its long-term dependability.
Car Model Information: 2022 Honda Civic Sport
Name: Ford F-150 Lightning
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Related: Ford F-Series (fourteenth generation)
Assembly: Dearborn, Michigan
ModelYears: 2022–present
Production: April 2022 – present
Layout: Dual-motor, four-wheel-drive
Platform: Ford T platform#T3
Class: Pickup truck
Sp: us
Battery: lithium-ion
Motor: permanent magnet motor
ElectricRange: Unbulleted list
Abbr: on (extended battery)
Powerout: Unbulleted list
Charging: Unbulleted list
Designer: Unbulleted list
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: cvt
Width: cvt
Height: cvt
Weight: cvt
Categories: All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles containing potentially dated statements from June 2022
Summary: The Ford F-150 Lightning is a battery electric full-size light duty truck unveiled by the Ford Motor Company in May 2021 as part of the fourteenth generation Ford F-Series. Four models have been announced, and all models initially will be dual-motor, four-wheel-drive, with EPA range estimates of 240–320 mi (390–510 km). A commercial-grade version of the all-wheel drive (AWD) truck is sold in the United States, with higher-power/trim/range models also sold. The F-150 Lightning began production on April 26, 2022.
Get more information about: Ford F-150 Lightning
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Brand: Ford Model: F-150 Lightning
Price: $26,626 Mileage: 14,020 mi.
4. **Jeep Wrangler (Reliability: 27)**The Jeep Wrangler stands as an automotive icon, an off-road legend with roots tracing back to the WWII Jeep. Renowned for its rugged design, removable doors, and open-air driving, it excels in trail adventures. However, despite its unparalleled off-road prowess, the Wrangler has a long-standing history of struggling with overall reliability for everyday driving.
Consumer Reports assigned the Jeep Wrangler a low reliability score of just 27 out of 100. This poor rating stems from a recurring array of problems across vital vehicle systems, including issues with the suspension, steering, body hardware, electronics, and even the engines themselves. The Jeep brand overall also consistently ranks near the bottom, placing 19th out of 22 in CR’s list and 28th out of 30 in J.D. Power’s study, reporting 275 problems per 100 vehicles.
Industry warnings include CarGurus’ alerts about the Wrangler’s “notorious ‘death wobble’ steering issue” and frequent electrical faults. The 2025 model has already faced a recall related to its “pressure monitoring and regulating systems.” While many owners love its “fun, spacious design” and “off-road capability,” others lament “rattles,” “poor steering,” and “tech glitches.” The Wrangler offers unmatched trail adventures but is “less comfortable and less reliable than most rivals for everyday driving.”
Car Model Information: 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Name: Jeep Wrangler
Caption: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Sahara edition
Manufacturer: Jeep
Class: Compact SUV
Production: 1986–present
Predecessor: Jeep CJ
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,rear-wheel drive
Chassis: Body-on-frame
Related: AIL Storm
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles
Summary: The Jeep Wrangler is a series of compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road SUVs manufactured by Jeep since 1986, and currently in its fourth generation. The Wrangler JL, the most recent generation, was unveiled in late 2017 and is produced at Jeep’s Toledo Complex.
The Wrangler is a direct progression from the World War II Jeep, through the CJ (Civilian Jeeps) produced by Willys, Kaiser-Jeep, and American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the mid-1940s through the 1980s. Although neither AMC nor Chrysler (after it purchased AMC in 1987) have claimed that the Wrangler was a direct descendant of the original military model — both the CJ Jeeps and the conceptually consistent Wrangler, with their solid axles and open top, have been called the Jeep model as central to Jeep’s brand identity as the rear-engine 911 is to Porsche.
Similar to the Willys MB and the CJ Jeeps before it, all Wrangler models continue to use a separate body and frame, rigid live axles both front and rear, a tapering nose design with flared fenders, a fold-flat windshield, and can be driven without doors. Also, with few exceptions, they have part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing, and standard open bodies with removable hard or soft tops. However, the Wrangler series was specifically redesigned to be safer and more comfortable on-road, to attract more daily drivers, by upgrading its suspension, drivetrain, and interior, compared to the CJ line. The suspension on all Wranglers included trackbars and anti-roll bars, and, from the 1997 TJ onwards, front and rear coil springs instead of the previous leaf springs.
From 2004 onward, the Wrangler has been complemented with long-wheelbase versions, called Wrangler Unlimited. 2004-2006 models were longer versions with 2 doors. In 2004, only automatic transmission-equipped “Unlimited” versions were sold. In 2005, both an automatic and manual 6-speed (NSG-370) were offered. Since 2007, the long-wheelbase Wranglers were four-door models, offering over 20 in (508 mm) more room. By mid-2017, the four-door models represented three-quarters of all new Wranglers on the market.
Get more information about: Jeep Wrangler
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Brand: Jeep Model: Wrangler
Price: $10,550 Mileage: 157,089 mi.
5. **Nissan Frontier (Reliability: 27)**The Nissan Frontier, a midsize pickup first launched in 1997, received a full redesign in 2022. This update aimed to modernize its appeal and competitiveness. However, despite these efforts, its overall reliability has not kept pace, continuing to raise concerns for potential buyers seeking a dependable truck for work or daily use.
Consumer Reports’ evaluation awarded the 2025 Nissan Frontier a concerning reliability score of just 27 out of 100, positioning it among the most problematic vehicles in its segment. This low score is a direct result of persistent mechanical and electronic issues. Specific problems cited include alarming “transmission failures” (some “requiring rebuilds”), “drive system faults,” brake problems, various “leaks,” and a host of “electronics issues” that impact essential vehicle functions.
The Nissan brand itself performs in the mid-pack within broader reliability studies, ranking 12th out of 22 in CR’s list. While owners “appreciate the Frontier’s strong V6 engine,” “comfortable ride,” and “rugged looks,” a significant number report difficulties such as “stiff steering,” “outdated interior features,” and, most critically, “serious transmission problems.” Nissan’s warranty coverage is also noted as “weaker than most rivals.” Therefore, while the Frontier appeals to buyers desiring an “old-school truck feel,” it may “disappoint those looking for modern features and long-term dependability.”
Continuing our deep dive into Consumer Reports’ findings, this section will scrutinize the remaining five trucks with the lowest reliability scores for 2025. We will explore their most severe reported problems, warranty considerations, and overall long-term ownership risks, providing crucial insights for prospective buyers. It’s a journey into the vehicles that, despite their market appeal, present significant reliability challenges according to rigorous expert analysis.
Car Model Information: 2016 Nissan Frontier SV
Categories: All set index articles, Articles with short description, Nissan vehicles, Set index articles on cars, Short description is different from Wikidata
Summary: The Nissan Frontier is a nameplate used on three different pickup truck models by Nissan:
Nissan Frontier (international), an alternative nameplate for the NP300/Navara on some markets.
Nissan Frontier (North America), a rebadged NP300/Navara from 1997 to 2021, then became a separate model since 2021.
Nissan Frontier Pro, a rebadged Dongfeng Z9 that will be available from 2025. Available as both a diesel and plug-in hybrid, with the latter being the initial variant.
Get more information about: Nissan Frontier
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Brand: Nissan Model: Frontier
Price: $12,973 Mileage: 115,564 mi.
6. **2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee / Grand Cherokee L (Reliability: 22)**The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been a pillar in the midsize SUV segment since its introduction in 1992, offering a blend of capability and comfort that has appealed to a broad audience. The addition of the three-row Grand Cherokee L in 2021 further broadened its appeal, aiming to capture families needing more space. However, despite their popularity and market presence, both models find themselves on this list with a concerning Consumer Reports reliability score of just 22 out of 100.
This low score is directly linked to a range of reported issues that can significantly impact the ownership experience. Consumer Reports has cited problems with critical systems such as the drive system, which can manifest as unexpected power delivery or control issues, as well as climate controls, which may fail to maintain comfortable cabin temperatures. Furthermore, braking inconsistencies, suspension faults leading to a less stable ride, and various engine electronics issues contribute to its poor reliability standing. It is noteworthy that the Grand Cherokee’s inclusion marks the second Jeep brand vehicle on this list, signaling broader reliability struggles within the brand.
Industry rankings for the Grand Cherokee models present a mixed picture, reflecting a disconnect between perceived market position and actual reliability. U.S. News & World Report, for instance, places the Grand Cherokee favorably, ranking it 5th among 24 midsize SUVs and even naming it a finalist for its Best 2-Row Midsize SUV for Families award. MotorTrend also positions it highly at 2nd of 10 midsize SUVs, though the Grand Cherokee L fares less impressively at 10th of 14 three-row SUVs. J.D. Power predicts an average reliability score of 80/100, while Edmunds ranks it mid-pack, 5th of 12 midsize SUVs. This disparity often indicates that while a vehicle might excel in certain performance or feature-based metrics, its long-term dependability may fall short.
Owner feedback further highlights this dichotomy. Many appreciate the Grand Cherokee’s stylish design, comfortable seating, and smooth handling characteristics. However, a significant number of owners voice complaints about persistent reliability problems, often coupled with dissatisfaction regarding customer service experiences. Issues with confusing controls are also frequently mentioned, alongside concerns about interior materials that may not live up to the vehicle’s price point, with reports of flimsy controls and uneven build quality. While the Grand Cherokee offers an abundance of trims and options to customize, its persistent reliability issues make it a considerably riskier choice when compared to its more dependable rivals, underscoring the importance of considering long-term ownership risks.
Car Model Information: 2022 Honda Civic Sport
Name: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Manufacturer: Jeep
Production: 1992–present
ModelYears: 1993–present
Class: unbulleted list
BodyStyle: sport utility vehicle
Layout: unbulleted list
Chassis: Vehicle_frame#Uniframe
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a range of mid-sized sport utility vehicles produced by American manufacturer Jeep. At its introduction, while most SUVs were still manufactured with body-on-frame construction, the Grand Cherokee has used a unibody chassis from the start.
Get more information about: Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Brand: Jeep Model: Grand Cherokee
Price: $26,626 Mileage: 14,020 mi.
