Pickup buyers expect their trucks to take abuse, not spend weekends at the dealer. Yet recent reliability data shows several high‑profile models with shockingly bad scores, from gas midsize workhorses to cutting‑edge EVs and hybrids. I will walk through seven specific pickups that stand out for chronic trouble, using owner surveys and expert testing to explain why their reliability records should give shoppers pause.
Chevy Colorado (current generation)
The Chevy Colorado has become a poster child for disappointing durability. A detailed breakdown of owner feedback gives the truck a customer reliability rating of just 5 out of 100, a figure that signals widespread complaints from current and past owners. Reports describe engines and transmissions that need to be replaced and rebuilt more often than expected, along with electrical glitches that undermine daily usability.
Those owner experiences line up with broader testing that groups the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon among the least reliable pickups on the market. Analysts who track long‑term performance say the pattern of drivetrain and electronics failures is serious enough that buyers should budget for extended warranties or consider more proven rivals. For fleet managers and contractors, that kind of downtime can quickly erase any savings from aggressive discounts or attractive specs.
2026 Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon
The newest 2026 Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon have not escaped this reputation. In a ranking of midsize pickups, the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado and its twin, the GMC Canyon, are listed as the least reliable trucks in their segment, with the Dec analysis placing them at the very bottom. That assessment highlights persistent issues with new‑generation turbo engines, software‑heavy infotainment systems and driver‑assist tech that does not always behave as intended.
Another deep dive into problem‑prone pickups singles out the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon again, citing Consumer Reports predicted reliability scores that lag well behind the midsize average. For shoppers, the message is clear: even if the trucks drive well when new, the combination of complex powertrains and historically weak reliability data makes them risky long‑term bets.
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator trades heavily on its off‑road image, but its reliability scores tell a more troubling story. In a review of midsize pickups, the Gladiator appears on a list of least reliable trucks, with Next noting that the Jeep Gladiator suffers from “two big problems” among several others that drag down its scores. Those issues center on the truck’s drivetrain and suspension hardware, which are pushed hard by owners who actually use the Gladiator off road.
Because the Gladiator shares much of its architecture with the Wrangler, it inherits both that model’s trail capability and its mechanical quirks. Frequent complaints about steering feel, axle components and electronics can translate into expensive repairs once the factory warranty expires. For buyers who want a lifestyle truck that doubles as a daily driver, the combination of high purchase price and low reliability makes the Gladiator a particularly risky choice compared with more conventional midsize rivals.
Toyota Tundra (redesigned generation)
The Toyota Tundra used to be shorthand for bulletproof reliability, but the latest redesign has struggled. A detailed ranking of full‑size pickups lists the 2025 Toyota Tundra among the least reliable trucks in its class, with The Toyota Tundra singled out despite its strong brand reputation. The truck’s twin‑turbo V6 and complex electronics appear to be the main pain points, replacing the simpler V8 setups that built Toyota’s earlier reliability halo.
Separate coverage of problem‑prone pickups backs this up by listing the Toyota Tundra among the Most Unreliable Pickup Trucks, with one earlier model year carrying a Reliability Score of 52 out of 100. That shift matters for buyers who still assume any Toyota truck will be trouble‑free. I see a clear pattern in the data: when manufacturers move rapidly to downsized turbo engines and heavy software integration, even historically dependable nameplates can stumble badly in their first few years.
Ford F‑150 PowerBoost hybrid
The Ford F‑150 PowerBoost hybrid shows how ambitious technology can backfire on reliability. A detailed look at used trucks warns that the complex PowerBoost system has “one of the worst reliability records of any modern truck,” noting that in a major 2025 reliability study the hybrid F‑150 finished dead last among all pickups measured, with a score of just 1 out of 100 points. Owners report issues with the hybrid battery, electric motor integration and the truck’s onboard generator hardware.
Those failures are especially painful because many buyers choose the PowerBoost for its promise of fuel savings and work‑site power. When the very components that deliver those benefits become failure points, repair costs can soar beyond what a traditional gas F‑150 owner might face. For contractors who depend on their trucks every day, I see the PowerBoost’s record as a cautionary tale about being an early adopter of complex hybrid systems in heavy‑duty use.
Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T is one of the most advanced electric pickups on sale, yet its reliability record is already raising red flags. A ranking of the least dependable vehicles places the Rivian R1T as the fifth least reliable car model, with Rivian owners reporting problems with the powertrain, climate system and overall build quality. Multiple recalls for the 2024 model underscore how difficult it is to launch a clean‑sheet EV truck.
Brand‑level data reinforces that concern. One analysis of reliability and recalls notes that Although Rivian is the least reliable car brand according to Consumer Reports, all GM brand rank near the bottom as well. For early adopters, that means weighing cutting‑edge performance and design against a higher likelihood of service visits and software fixes. I see the R1T as a reminder that first‑generation EV pickups still carry significant durability unknowns, especially for buyers who tow or haul at the limits of the platform.
GM full‑size trucks (brand‑level warning)
Beyond individual models, shoppers should pay attention to how entire brands perform. A broad review of reliability ratings and recalls concludes that Although Rivian is the least reliable car brand according to Consumer Reports, all GM brand rank near the bottom as well. That includes Chevrolet and GMC, whose full‑size pickups share many components with the troubled Colorado and Canyon.
Another breakdown of truck scores explains that Each reliability score is on a scale of 0 to 100, with 50 being the industry median, and notes that among full‑size trucks one GM model scored the lowest at 32. When a manufacturer’s pickups cluster near the bottom of that range, it signals systemic quality and durability issues rather than isolated bad years. For buyers considering a Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra, I view those brand‑wide patterns as a strong reason to scrutinize long‑term data and warranty coverage before signing a contract.
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*This article was researched with the help of AI, with human editors creating the final content.
