Consumer Reports’ latest car reliability survey, Tesla advances four spots

The most recent reliability survey from Consumer Reports includes significant information on electric and hybrid vehicles to help customers determine the most efficient sedans, SUVs, and trucks.

Survey mechanics

Consumer Reports established recommendations based on member responses regarding their experiences with car reliability and owner satisfaction. 

Per the report, the survey focused on issues members encountered on their vehicles in the previous 12 months. It covered everything, including electrical systems, noises, leaks, paint, trim, engine, transmission, and brakes.

Meanwhile, the manufacturer’s overall score is determined by averaging the ratings for the vehicle’s 17 categories.

The projected reliability ratings for practically every new vehicle on the market were calculated using the member responses for over 300,000 vehicles assembled between 2000 and 2022.

Tesla saw a slight advancement in the CR’s annual reliability surveys

Tesla is ranked 19th out of 24 automakers by the Consumer Reports’ reliability survey. Nonetheless, it represents an increase over the previous year, when it landed in 28th place out of all the automakers.

Notably, the overall score of 40 for Tesla is still higher than the average EV score of 34. The battery pack, charging system, and drive motors of electric vehicles are typically the areas where issues arise most frequently.

The bottom of the list also includes vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Jeep, GMC, and Chevrolet. On the other hand, Toyota was able to overthrow Lexus at the top spot. 

The report states, “As more EVs hit the marketplace and automakers build each model in greater numbers, we are seeing that some of them have problems with the battery packs, charging systems, and the motors in their drive systems. Owners of the Chevrolet Bolt, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Volkswagen ID.4 all reported some of these issues.”

Remarkably, BMW advanced from 13th in 2021 to 3rd position. 

Findings

According to the survey, Asian brands continue to produce the most reliable vehicles overall. European and American brands followed it. 

Furthermore, the results show a sizable reliability gap between different vehicle body styles. Hatchbacks and sedans are found to be the most reliable, trailed by the SUVs and pickup trucks, correspondingly.

The durability of a vehicle is demonstrated by its reliability rating, which also indicates the likelihood that maintenance and other issues would cause an owner inconvenience. Therefore, customers may benefit from this information in determining which cars will suit them the best.