Reliability remains one of the most important factors for car buyers, especially as vehicle prices continue to climb, and modern cars become increasingly complex. While flashy technology and performance numbers often dominate marketing campaigns, long-term dependability ultimately determines how satisfying, and affordable, a vehicle is to own. According to the latest reliability data, some automakers continue to outperform the rest when it comes to building vehicles that last.
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 the brands that consistently deliver fewer problems over time. For 2026, the top ten includes familiar industry leaders such as Toyota, Honda, and Subaru, alongside a few surprising entries from luxury and American manufacturers.
These rankings offer a valuable snapshot of which brands owners trust the most after years on the road. From mainstream manufacturers to premium marques, these ten automakers stand out for delivering vehicles that combine strong performance, proven engineering, and the kind of durability drivers depend on every day.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, such as Consumer Reports. Brands in this list are ranked based on their predicted reliability score, as awarded by Consumer Reports.
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10
Kia
Predicted reliability score: 49/100
Credit: Kia
Korean automakers have become the new scapegoat of the auto industry. Just like people tried to resist Japanese automakers when they entered the market, Korean brands have become the new target of ridicule. Despite this public perception, Kia manages to rank well ahead of a number of American and European brands. Though, 49 out of 100 isn’t exactly stellar either. This showcases how reliability is generally on a downward trend in the auto industry.
Most reliable model
- Kia Carnival Hybrid – 72/100
Least reliable model
9
Tesla
Predicted reliability score: 50/100
Credit: Tesla
Tesla has come a long way in terms of reliability. Not all that long ago, they were plagued by consistent quality issues across a number of vehicles in their lineup. They have done a lot to stem the bleeding, putting a lot of resources into improving things. They’ve climbed up the list, and it looks like they are on an upwards trend that could continue over the next couple of years. Now all they need to do is win some customers back over, which is much easier said than done.
Most reliable model
Least reliable model
- Tesla Cybertruck – 34/100
8
Buick
Predicted reliability score: 51/100
Credit: Buick
Buick is a brand that somewhat flies under the radar on today’s market. Where once they were one of the most prominent American automakers, they have been reduced to a brand that offers only four new models. However, where they are winning is that they are considered to be the most reliable American automaker on the market, and not by a small margin. Consumer Reports isn’t the only authority that thinks so either, with Buick ranking high in J.D. Powers’ Vehicle Dependability Study.
Most reliable model
Least reliable model
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7
Acura
Predicted reliability score: 54/100
Credit: Acura
Our first Japanese automaker on the list is Acura. If you’re looking for an affordable way to get behind the wheel of something a little luxurious, then Acura is one of the best options on the market right now. It helps that, alongside low purchasing prices, their vehicles are also known for being dependable and having low maintenance costs. While they don’t have models that stand out with exceptional scores, they are pretty consistent across their entire lineup.
Most reliable model
Least reliable model
6
Nissan
Predicted reliability score: 57/100
Credit: Nissan
Nissan has been in some hot water financially in the last couple of years, but with the brand being so large, this hasn’t stopped them from putting out some fantastic models in the last year or two. This includes things like the new generation of both the Kicks and the Leaf, as well as continued success across the rest of their lineup. While they aren’t often mentioned alongside Toyota and Honda when it comes to reliability, they come closer than you might expect.
Most reliable model
Least reliable model
5
BMW
Predicted reliability score: 58/100
Credit: BMW
BMW is the only European automaker to break the top five. In fact, the next brand from Europe sits almost ten places below BMW. While their history has been somewhat up and down when it comes to reliability, the German brand has really found its stride with its latest generation of models, with their engine lineup offering a pretty fantastic blend of performance, durability, and efficiency. It is no wonder they are so popular.
Most reliable model
Least reliable model
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4
Honda
Predicted reliability score: 59/100
Credit: Honda
Honda consistently competes at the top, but never seems to claim the number one spot. While many of their models rank exceptionally high, delivering proven reliability over a number of model years, their score is somewhat tainted by a few bad apples. While some are internal models, others poorly performing vehicles are the result of collaborations with other brands, with the perfect example being their lowest scoring model, the Prologue EV.
Most reliable model
Least reliable model
3
Lexus
Predicted reliability score: 60/100
Credit: Lexus
It wouldn’t be a reliability list if Lexus didn’t rank near the top. The Japanese luxury brand has consistently found itself among the top three most reliable brands on the market, taking the top spot every so often. This consistency is what has earned it the trust of buyers, with the fact that they continue to value quality offering some peace of mind. They could rank higher if it weren’t for some of their electrified models exhibiting a few kinks.
Most reliable model
Least reliable model
2
Subaru
Predicted reliability score: 63/100
Credit: Subaru
Competition for top spot remains extremely tight. While people may not realize, Subaru has actually been one of the most reliable automakers for some time now. In fact, they topped Consumer Reports’ list of the most reliable car brands last year. They have been knocked down a spot for 2026, but remain a stalwart option. If you’re looking for something a little more rugged and adventurous, you can’t go wrong with a Subaru.
Most reliable model
Least reliable model
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1
Toyota
Predicted reliability score: 66/100
Credit: Toyota
Reclaiming their title, Toyota sits on top as the brand with the most reliable new cars in 2026. While there was some concern over whether some of their refreshed models would be able to keep up, they have proven to be just as durable as outgoing models. Toyota has built its reputation on reliability and continues to dominate its competition. If you’re looking for something simple that will last, there is no better brand.
Most reliable model
Least reliable model
Reliability is down across the board
Unfortunately, we are seeing a pretty consistent drop in overall quality across the automotive industry. More vehicles are exhibiting more problems, and it is more important than ever to pick your new car carefully. There are certain types of vehicles that exhibit more problems than others, with Consumer Reports claiming that EVs and PHEVs are much more problematic than traditional hybrids and gas-only vehicles. It is also important to never be the first person to try something, with brand-new models coming packed with issues that still need to be ironed out.
While some middle and bottom players shift around, it is clear that the top players are far more consistent. Brands like Lexus, Subaru, and Toyota have ranked at the top of Consumer Reports’ list for a number of years in a row. If reliability is your biggest concern, then these are probably the brands that you should stick to.
