The automotive market is more dynamic than ever, with new cars hitting near-record average prices and interest rates remaining stubbornly high. For many consumers, especially those investing in a new SUV, reliability isn’t just a preference—it’s a fundamental concern. After all, nobody wants to pay a premium for a vehicle only to face persistent issues, costly repairs, or even dangerous recalls.
In this environment, consumer advocacy groups like Consumer Reports play an invaluable role, diligently gathering data from hundreds of thousands of subscribers to identify vehicles with known problems. Their annual surveys compile user-reported faults over a 12-month period, assigning each vehicle a reliability score on a 100-point scale. Unfortunately, for some models, these scores reveal a troubling pattern of issues that can lead to significant headaches and unexpected bills for owners. Let’s delve into some specific SUV models that, despite their market appeal, have earned particularly low reliability marks from Consumer Reports.
1. **Mercedes-Benz GLE**The Mercedes-Benz GLE presents itself as the epitome of luxury and family comfort, boasting a prestigious badge, a lavish cabin, and a range of powerful engine options from mild-hybrid turbos to potent six- and eight-cylinder choices. Inside, it’s a spectacle of ambient lighting, premium materials, and the advanced MBUX dual-screen infotainment system, promising a serene driving experience.
However, this opulent facade often crumbles when it comes to reliability. Consumer Reports has consistently ranked the GLE among the least reliable midsize SUVs for 2025, assigning it a predicted reliability rating well below average. Owners frequently report problems spanning the transmission, fuel and climate systems, brakes – a particularly dangerous concern – and various electrical accessories. Even Mercedes’ own manuals acknowledge that the MBUX system can freeze, crash, or malfunction, often requiring resets or software updates.
Adding to these woes, a significant March 2024 NHTSA recall covered over 116,020 U.S.-made GLE and GLS models equipped with 48-volt mild-hybrid systems. The concern was that ground connections could loosen, potentially leading to a fire risk. On the financial front, the GLE’s resale value is only average, with CarEdge estimating a 48% depreciation after five years, a figure that could escalate once high maintenance and repair costs are factored in. This makes the GLE a luxury purchase that often comes with an unpredictable ownership experience.
2. **Ford Escape Hybrid**Marketed as a sensible and efficient choice, the Louisville-produced Ford Escape Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, offering a compact footprint and impressive fuel economy, averaging 39 mpg. It’s designed to be a happy medium for those seeking practicality and familiar Ford driving dynamics. Yet, when it comes to dependability, its performance is startlingly poor.
Consumer Reports assigned the Ford Escape Hybrid a dismal reliability score of just 21 out of 100, positioning it among the worst new SUVs currently available. CR members have highlighted major issues with the brakes, in-car electronics, and in some serious cases, even the necessity of a full replacement of the hybrid battery. While warranty coverage might alleviate initial costs, the prospect of such a major repair post-warranty is daunting.
In recent years, the Escape Hybrid has been plagued by multiple recalls. One recall addressed engine failure and fire risks in certain 2.5-liter hybrids and PHEVs, citing hazards like engine block breaches and oil leaks. Another, issued by the NHTSA in May 2025, involved battery software updates and powertrain control issues that could result in a loss of motive power. Furthermore, recalls have focused on digital instrument clusters and rearview camera images freezing or disappearing, none of which are acceptable in a family SUV. Its resale value is equally grim, with CarEdge analysis in November 2025 suggesting a hefty 55% value loss over five years, turning a $35,685 ST-Line Select Hybrid into a $16,058 asset, further compounding the financial burden of potential repairs.
3. **Volkswagen Taos**The Volkswagen Taos serves as VW’s compact crossover, designed for buyers desiring something more agile than a Tiguan but still offering a tall ride height. Powering it is an efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, achieving 28-31 mpg. Its interior is modern, clean, and minimalistic, comfortably seating five with generous rear legroom and offering upscale features like heated front seats and an 8-inch floating touchscreen display.
Despite its appealing attributes, Consumer Reports’ 2025 rankings place the Taos near the bottom of the small SUV segment, labeling its reliability score as “worse than average.” Owners have reported significant problems with brakes, head gasket leakage, and in-car electronics. Complaints also include jerky gearshifts, drivetrain hesitation, random warning lights, and various unpleasant noises. A 2023 NHTSA bulletin also highlighted recurring engine management and stalling issues, adding to owner frustrations.
Resale prospects for the Taos are far from bright, with depreciation data from CarEdge showing a 54% value loss in five years. The vehicle’s heavy reliance on software for its digital instruments and central touchscreen, while offering cutting-edge features when working, leads to glitches, lag, and system resets when it doesn’t. This dependency, combined with Consumer Reports’ verdict and a steep depreciation curve, suggests that despite its pleasant driving dynamics, the Taos might not be the wisest financial or practical choice for many buyers.
4. **Volkswagen ID.4**Launched in 2021, the Volkswagen ID.4 represented the brand’s electric clean-slate moment, promising a family-friendly EV SUV with a usable range of 200-300 miles, a spacious cabin, and accessible pricing. Its airy and pleasant interior features a minimalistic dash dominated by a central touchscreen that controls nearly every function, from drive modes and climate to navigation.
This extensive reliance on software, however, became the root of many problems. The ID.4 achieved a poor 29 out of 100 on Consumer Reports’ reliability scale, with members citing significant headaches related to its batteries, charging systems, general electronics, body hardware, and climate control – essentially affecting most of the vehicle. A notable recall in April 2023 involved 16,207 units due to faulty door handles that could open while driving, necessitating new handles and software updates.
In terms of resale, the ID.4 mirrors the trend of many non-Tesla EVs by shedding value rapidly. CarEdge data indicates a steep 63% depreciation after five years, meaning an AWD Pro model with an MSRP of $48,995 could be worth a mere $18,128. This rapid depreciation in EVs is often attributed to market competition, high initial prices, component degradation, and the fast pace of technological advancements. While the ID.4 might sound promising on paper, its temperamental nature and underdeveloped software make it a challenging proposition for new car buyers, often suggesting it’s better considered as a used purchase.
5. **Jeep Grand Cherokee**For decades, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has stood as an aspirational vehicle, known for its imposing presence and high-tech features. It offers a more refined experience than a Wrangler and a more upscale feel than a standard Cherokee. Modern iterations, including the plug-in hybrid 4xe, boast substantial output and electric range, featuring powerful engines like a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering around 375 hp. Inside, it presents a deluxe package with large screens, digital instruments, and a suite of driver-assistance features, justifying its chunky price tag.
However, a closer look at reliability data paints a concerning picture. Owners’ experiences have led Consumer Reports to award the Grand Cherokee and its three-row Grand Cherokee L variant a grim 22 out of 100 score, placing them among the least reliable new vehicles. Problems frequently reported include failures in the drive system, engine electronics, steering and suspension, climate controls, and persistent noises and leaks.
The plug-in 4xe variants introduce their own set of dramas. In November 2025, Jeep issued recalls for 320,000 4xe models (including the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler) due to engine shutdowns, loss of power, and fire risks linked to the plug-in powertrain. NHTSA consumer alerts even advised owners to park these vehicles outside and away from buildings until repairs were completed, owing to the risk of high-voltage battery ignition even when the vehicle is off. On resale, the Grand Cherokee typically depreciates around 52-54% in five years, aligning with a broader trend of value loss across the Jeep SUV family, contrasting sharply with more reliable rivals.
6. **Jeep Wrangler**The Jeep Wrangler, an undisputed off-road icon, carries a legacy of ruggedness that seemingly contradicts its actual reliability scores. While envisioned as a successor to the bulletproof CJ series, the Wrangler has unfortunately veered into the territory of poor dependability, particularly since the shift towards more complex electronics around 2011. Consumer Reports’ latest data assigns this formidable off-roader an unsettling 27 out of 100 score, noting that the JL generation (since 2018) alone has amassed no fewer than 14 recall campaigns—hardly inspiring for a vehicle marketed as indestructible. Yet, its appeal remains undeniable, with engine options ranging from a 2.0-liter turbo-four to the wild 6.4-liter V8 in the Rubicon, or the 4xe plug-in hybrid.
Beneath its appealing boxy body and removable doors, however, lie persistent issues that can plague owners beyond the initial thrill. Common complaints span steering, suspension, in-car electronics, and those ever-frustrating noises and leaks that transform daily commutes into exercises in exasperation. The plug-in hybrid version, the 4xe, has faced even more severe challenges, with Jeep literally firefighting over 375,000 recalled vehicles due to high-voltage battery problems that could lead to fires.
Here lies the true paradox: despite its litany of reliability woes, the Wrangler is a resale value titan. iSeeCars estimates a mere 35.6% five-year depreciation, while CarEdge suggests an even lower 29%. This astonishing contradiction sees an SUV consistently ranked near the bottom by Consumer Reports continue to draw flocks of buyers and command strong prices in the used car market, demonstrating a unique willingness among enthusiasts to overlook its mechanical shortcomings for its unparalleled off-road prowess.
7. **Jeep Compass**If the Wrangler is the charismatic, albeit flawed, rogue of the Jeep family, the Compass often feels like its awkward, less-loved cousin. Consumer Reports has had the Compass firmly in its sights for years, citing a dismal 21 out of 100 reliability score back in 2021, essentially a strong recommendation to avoid it for peace of mind. While Jeep has since made efforts to burnish its image, and CR’s view for 2024-2025 has softened slightly to “average reliability” for recent model years, owner feedback remains decidedly mixed.
Mechanically, current Compass models, post-2023, present a more serious front, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. While reasonably sprightly in urban environments, it’s far from a highway rocket. The cabin offers a respectable aesthetic with a 10.1-inch Uconnect touchscreen, digital instrument cluster on higher trims, and a suite of active-safety technologies, including lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.
However, scratch beneath the surface, and familiar Jeep reliability narratives resurface. NHTSA reports frequently warn of potential powertrain and software gremlins, alongside drivability issues, stalling incidents, and recurring warning lights on some 2023-2024 models. Owners are often greeted by the all-too-familiar phrase, “software update required.” In terms of resale, the Compass fares better than some stablemates but still depreciates faster than the Wrangler, with CarEdge and iSeeCars estimating a 44% and 46.1% loss, respectively, over five years. The Compass, simply put, offers a lower-cost entry into the Jeep brand, but one that Consumer Reports has repeatedly cautioned buyers about.
8. **Chevrolet Blazer**The modern Chevrolet Blazer, in its internal combustion engine (ICE) guise, presents an undeniably appealing package. With its Camaro-inspired styling, sharp steering, and a ride that balances firmness with comfort, it’s genuinely engaging from behind the wheel. Powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter turbo-four or a 3.6-liter V6, both mated to a slick nine-speed automatic, further enhance its driving dynamics. Inside, a generous central touchscreen, digital instruments, GM’s adaptive cruise control, and an array of active-safety aids round out a comfortable cabin.
Yet, the reliability narrative takes a sharp turn, especially with the introduction of the Blazer EV. In 2023, General Motors took the drastic step of pausing sales of the Blazer EV due to severe software malfunctions, as reported by CNN, with owners encountering blacked-out screens, charging failures, and significant drivability glitches. Consumer Reports subsequently withdrew its recommendation for the Blazer EV, assigning it a dismal 33 out of 100 reliability score, citing additional problems with its transmission, brakes, overall build quality, body hardware, and paint. An analysis from June 2025 painted an even grimmer picture, rating the EV with a 1 out of 5 for reliability, the lowest possible band on the scale. Furthermore, two recall campaigns in its very first model year, along with later NHTSA reports on software faults affecting instrument clusters and braking functions, underscore a deeply troubled launch.
On the financial front, the Blazer EV faces considerable depreciation. iSeeCars data indicates a 49.7% value loss over 60 months, while CarEdge predicts a hefty 60% depreciation after half a decade, assuming typical mileage. This contrasts sharply with the strong retention seen in other GM trucks, such as the 2023 Colorado and Silverado HD. The Blazer, particularly its EV variant, serves as a stark reminder that appealing design and modern features do not automatically equate to a dependable ownership experience.
9. **GMC Yukon**The GMC Yukon embodies the quintessential large American family SUV: massive, luxurious, and undeniably thirsty. For a vehicle starting at nearly $70,000, or well over $100,000 for the top-tier Denali Ultimate, one might reasonably expect reliability to be a given. However, Consumer Reports paints a different picture, scoring both the Yukon and its extended Yukon XL variant a mere 28 out of 100, positioning them firmly below average for the full-size SUV segment. Mechanically, the Yukon embraces an old-school approach with robust V8 engine options or a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The latest generation offers a spacious three-row cabin, a large central touchscreen, digital driver display, air suspension, and even Super Cruise on higher trims.
Despite its comfortable and expansive interior, reliability concerns frequently center on the engine bay. In April 2025, Reuters reported a recall by General Motors covering approximately 721,000 vehicles, including various model years of the Yukon, due to a potential engine failure risk linked to valve train components. An NHTSA bulletin filed in May 2025 further highlighted the serious peril of engines losing power or failing entirely, a terrifying prospect when merging onto a busy highway. While Edmunds and Car and Driver commend the Yukon’s space and comfort, they also note that its technology can be laggy and some interior plastics fall short of its premium price tag.
Resale values for the Yukon generally align with the concerns, with CarEdge indicating a 55% depreciation over five years. This significant value loss contrasts sharply with rivals like the Toyota Sequoia, which sheds only about 37% over the same period. For instance, a 2023 Yukon initially priced at $59,104 could be worth as little as $28,802 by 2027, according to Kelley Blue Book. This makes the Yukon a luxurious proposition that demands careful consideration of its potential long-term costs and reliability risks.
10. **Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid**The Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid arrived on the scene with considerable anticipation, seemingly ticking all the boxes for automotive enthusiasts: a handsome, rear-biased three-row SUV boasting a posh cabin and an advanced plug-in hybrid drivetrain. On paper, it was exactly what many had hoped for. In reality, however, Consumer Reports’ readers quickly turned it into a case study for “How Not To Launch A Complex New Model.” CR has categorized the CX-90 as one of the least reliable midsize SUVs, with owners reporting a comprehensive list of troubles, including steering/suspension, climate control, transmission, in-car electronics, electrical accessories, and crucially, the EV battery—effectively, every major system except for the tires and seats. Autoevolution’s analysis of CR data further affirmed its predicted reliability score of 1 out of 5, placing it at the absolute bottom of the scale, and noted its accumulating recalls even in its initial 2024 model year.
The vehicle has been particularly plagued by software-related issues, leading to numerous recall campaigns. A 2024 NHTSA filing detailed a software flaw that could result in an unexpected loss of motive power, forcing Mazda to issue updates to control modules to prevent the SUV from stalling mid-journey. In November 2024, another significant recall was issued for software glitches impacting critical driver-assistance systems, specifically noting problems with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control that could cause the CX-90 to brake unexpectedly when matching vehicles in adjacent lanes. By late 2025, the CX-90 had already been subjected to no fewer than 11 recall actions, a concerning figure for a newly launched model.
Predicting the resale value for the CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid remains a significant question mark, but early forecasts from CarEdge suggest that first-generation buyers are likely to incur substantial losses, with an estimated 53% depreciation after five years. This means a 2024 CX-90 new model, initially valued around $55,700, could plummet to just $23,904 in value. Given its temperamental launch and numerous reliability issues, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV is undeniably a car that, for financial prudence, should likely be considered as a used purchase, allowing others to absorb the initial depreciation and address the early teething problems.
Our journey through these ten SUV models underscores a critical truth for anyone eyeing a new vehicle: market appeal and luxurious features do not guarantee a trouble-free ownership experience. Even popular brands and aspirational models can harbor significant reliability flaws that translate into costly repairs, frustrating breakdowns, and rapid depreciation. In an automotive landscape where prices continue to soar, armed with expert insights from consumer groups like Consumer Reports, shoppers can navigate the paradox of unreliable purchases and make choices that truly protect their investment and peace of mind.
