Consumer Reports rates and ranks cars based on member reliability data collected through its large-scale surveys. There is detailed information supporting those high-level scores, with issues broken down into 17 key points. This allows car buyers and owners to see how a car compares overall to others of the same model year and to find out what types of problems owners are reporting.
Below, we highlight models from 1 to 3 years more likely to have problems in each of those 17 areas, based on problems experienced in the 12 previous months. Each is listed with the percentage of vehicles affected and detailed problems reported by owners.
Since these are all fairly new vehicles, they don’t need a large percentage to stand out. After all, cars are expected to be problem-free in the first few years of use.
The problems noted in these reports can predict an even higher percentage of vehicles that will experience the problem in the future , as cars age and rack up miles.
Consider this a sample of the information available on car model pages for most models, where Consumer Reports members can find ratings on the 14 trouble spots for each car.
The trouble spots listed below are organized by typical severity of the problems. Each includes a list of what the trouble spot category encompasses.
Engine: Major
Potential Problems : engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
Problem Rate: 4%
Owners of the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 (they are tied because they are the same trucks sold under different brands) filed multiple reports of engine replacement along with cylinder head related issues.
Engine: Minor
Potential Problems: belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts , knocking or noise from the engine, difficulty filling the gas tank, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Problem rate: 3.2%
GLE owners reported problems with the computer along with software problems.
Motor cooling
Possible problems: radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
The problem rates for this category are very low and therefore there is no vehicle that is problematic.
Transmission: Major
Possible problems: Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
Problem Rate: 6.5%
Kia’s first CVT appeared on the Kia Forte 2019. It was problematic in last year’s report and it remains so this year. Owners reported transmission requires replacement or rebuild due to slippage.
Transmission: Minor
Potential Problems: gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, transmission slippage, leaks.
Problem rate: 5.7%
Mustang owners submitted surveys complaining of harsh gear changes and cyclical repetition of shifts with the automatic transmission.
Drive system
Possible problems: driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Problem rate: 7.4%
Some own Audi aging reported electrical failures with the transmission system.
Fuel/Emissions System
Possible Problems: Sensors (Oxygen or O2 Sensor), Emission Control Devices (includes EGR), Fuel Injection System, Fuel Gauge/Sender, Fuel Pump.
Problem rate: 7.1%
Some RAV4 owners have reported problems with the fuel pump and fuel gauge. fuel, as well as difficulties with filling the fuel tank.
Electrical system
Possible problems: alternator, starter, hybrid/electric battery replacement, hybrid/electric battery related systems, normal battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and cable faults.
Problem rate: 6.7%
Some members of Consumer Reports who own a Kona Electric reported that they had to replace the battery.
HVAC
Possible Problems: A/C Compressor, Blower Motor (Fan), Condenser, Evaporator, Heating System, Automatic HVAC System, Electrical Failure, Refrigerant Leaks.
Problem rate: 6.9%
Mercedes-Benz and Tesla tied for the same problem rate. GLE owners reported problems with the blower motor, air conditioning compressor, and automatic climate control. Model S owners reported to us that the automatic climate control was not working and the temperature sensors were not working properly.
Suspension/Steering
Potential Problems: shock absorbers or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bearings, air or electronic suspension.
Problem rate: 10.6 %
Owners reported vibrations in the steering wheel and problems with the tie rods, the steering linkage and ball joints. They told us they felt tremors and there were also reports of premature wear of the steering components.
Brakes
Possible problems: anti-lock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squealing, brake failure, premature wear.
Problem Rate: 7.8%
Several Encore GX owners reported excessive squealing when applying the brakes.
Exhaust system
Possible problems: muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
Problem rates for this category are very low and therefore there is no specific vehicle that is problematic.
Paint/Trim
Potential Problems: paint (fading, chipping, peeling, or cracking), trim loose interiors or exteriors, rust.
Problem Rate: 7.2%
Owners continue to report paint that does not matches and blemishes on the body panels, along with scratches and dents in the paint that were noted when the vehicle was delivered.
Body Integrity
Potential problems: squeaks, rattles, wind noises, gaskets or weatherstripping (seals), air and water leaks.
Problem rate: 10.4 %
Common complaints include squeaks and rattles, air and water leaks, and wind noise. Members told us they often heard noises because the doors were not sealed properly.
Body Kit
Possible Problems: windows, locks and latches, regular or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, defective glass.
Problem rate: 7.1%
Numerous owners reported issues with body panels not lining up properly, sometimes making it difficult to properly open or close the side doors or tailgate.
Electrical Equipment & Accessories
Potential Problems: Cruise Control, Clock, Warning Lights, Body Control Module, Keyless Entry, Engine windshield wiper or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior lights Interior or Exterior, Horn, Instruments, V 12 Plug, USB Port, Alarm or Security System, Remote Engine Start, Heated or Cooled Seats, heated steering wheel.
Problem rate: 10.1%
Owners reported issues with keyless entry system, multiple warning lights coming on, and power door lock switch not working.
Electronic components of the car
Possible problems: CD player, audio system, Rear Entertainment (Rear Display or DVD Player), Radio, Speakers, Dash GPS, Freeze/Blank Screen, Phone Sync (e.g. Bluetooth), Voice Control Commands, Steering Wheel Controls, Device Interface portable music (e.g. iPod/MP3 player), backup camera or other camera or sensors, Android Auto/Apple Car Play, infotainment equipment replacement and software fixes.
Problem rate: 12.3 %
Several owners reported issues with the infotainment screens freezing and going blank, sometimes requiring system replacement.
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Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with the advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works with consumers to create a fair, safe, and healthy world. CR does not endorse products or services and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.