Consumer Reports has recently released a new used-car reliability leaderboard, ranking 26 popular car brands based on survey results. The results may surprise many, as Tesla has found itself at the bottom of the list, even being beaten by Jeep in the reliability survey.
At the top of the list, Lexus scored the highest with a rating of “77” out of 100, followed closely by Toyota at “73.” Mazda secured the third position with a score of “58,” while most mainstream European and Japanese brands fell in the middle with scores around “50.” On the other hand, American OEMs and Kia dominated the bottom of the list, scoring below “40.”
With a score of only “31,” Tesla found itself at the very bottom of the list. This raises questions about how a car with relatively few moving parts could have so many reported issues by owners. Despite the consistent reports of Tesla’s inconsistent build quality, the extent of owner complaints was surprising.
Consumer Reports is widely respected for its objective and in-depth car reviews. The organization conducts thorough evaluations by purchasing the cars it reviews and testing them in a well-equipped private facility. The used-car reliability survey draws on a vast amount of data, with over 140,000 vehicles surveyed from the 2016 to 2021 model years.
To determine reliability and create the ranking, Consumer Reports compares the number of reported problems in cars of a specific model year to the average number of problems. The analysts then weigh the reported problems based on severity to calculate a score. This method provides a comprehensive view of what used-car buyers can expect over five to ten years.
While owner-reported issues may introduce inconsistencies, studies like this offer valuable insights into the performance of older cars. This information is particularly useful for individuals looking to make informed decisions when purchasing a used car.
Regarding new cars, Consumer Reports noted that Tesla has made significant improvements, with its latest models demonstrating better-than-average reliability. In fact, Tesla now ranks in the top 10 of Consumer Reports’ new car predicted reliability rankings.
Overall, the survey provides valuable information for consumers looking to make informed decisions about their vehicle purchases. It highlights the importance of considering reliability when choosing a car, whether new or used.
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