Shoppers often assume that a high price tag or a familiar badge guarantees trouble‑free ownership, but Consumer Reports’ latest reliability data tells a different story. Drawing on a large survey of owners and detailed testing, the organization has identified several new and upcoming models that score poorly for predicted dependability. I will walk through seven vehicles that stand out for the wrong reasons, explaining why Consumer Reports sees them as among the least reliable cars you can buy right now or in the near future.
1. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is one of the most popular full‑size pickups in the United States, yet Consumer Reports has flagged this best‑selling truck as one of the least reliable vehicles on sale. In coverage of how Consumer Reports says this best‑selling vehicle is one of the least reliable cars, the organization points to persistent problems in the powertrain and electronics that drag its reliability score down. That means issues with the engine, transmission and related hardware, along with glitches in the truck’s complex infotainment and driver‑assistance systems, are showing up often enough in owner feedback to raise red flags. When a vehicle sells in large numbers, even a modest rate of defects can translate into a significant number of unhappy owners, and the Ram 1500’s popularity magnifies the impact of these shortcomings.
From a broader market perspective, the Ram 1500’s low reliability standing underscores how full‑size pickups can be particularly vulnerable to quality problems. These trucks are packed with advanced features, from turbocharged engines and cylinder‑deactivation systems to large touchscreens and sophisticated towing aids, each of which introduces potential failure points. Consumer Reports bases its reliability ratings on a survey of owners that now covers nearly every major car, truck and SUV, and the Ram 1500’s poor showing signals that buyers who prioritize long‑term durability may want to look closely at alternatives. For fleet operators and contractors who depend on their trucks for income, repeated trips to the service bay can quickly erode any savings negotiated at purchase, turning a headline‑grabbing deal into an expensive liability over the life of the vehicle.
2. 2025 Jeep Wrangler
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler appears in Consumer Reports’ preview of new models with a notably low predicted reliability score, reflecting ongoing mechanical problems that have dogged recent versions of this off‑roader. In its overview of new cars on the horizon and their predicted reliability, the organization highlights the Wrangler as a model where chronic issues with drivetrain components, steering hardware and electronics are likely to continue. The Wrangler’s solid‑axle suspension and removable body panels help deliver its signature trail capability, but they also introduce complexity and potential for squeaks, leaks and premature wear that show up in owner surveys. When those concerns are layered on top of reports of engine and transmission troubles, the result is a vehicle that scores poorly in Consumer Reports’ forward‑looking reliability calculations.
The stakes are significant because the Wrangler is not just a niche toy; it is a daily driver for many households that expect it to handle commuting, family duty and long‑distance travel. Consumer Reports’ survey‑based approach, which aggregates feedback from a large pool of owners, suggests that buyers who value rugged styling and off‑road prowess may be trading away peace of mind on repair costs and downtime. Broader reliability rankings have already placed brands like Chrysler, Jeep, Volkswagen and others near the bottom, as noted in reporting on the least reliable cars you can buy and how Toyota and Lexus compare, and the Wrangler’s predicted performance fits that pattern. For shoppers, the key question is whether the Wrangler’s unique capabilities justify the risk of more frequent service visits, especially when other SUVs offer better reliability with only modest compromises in off‑road ability.
3. 2025 Volkswagen ID.4
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 is a battery‑electric SUV that should, in theory, benefit from the relative mechanical simplicity of an EV, yet Consumer Reports has raised serious doubts about its reliability. In its coverage of the least dependable new models, one analysis notes that Consumer Reports gave a low reliability score of 29 out of 100 to an electric vehicle because of problems with the battery, drive system, brakes and charging hardware, and explains that But Consumer Reports assigned that 29/100 rating after cataloging those issues. The ID.4 has already been associated with software glitches, infotainment freezes and charging‑system hiccups, and those kinds of problems are exactly what Consumer Reports’ owner surveys are designed to capture. When a vehicle’s core propulsion and energy‑storage systems are implicated, the consequences can range from inconvenient warning lights to outright loss of drivability, which is why a score in the 20s is so alarming.
Consumer Reports’ preview of new models on the horizon also highlights the 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 as a vehicle facing reliability doubts tied to its battery and software. That aligns with broader findings that plug‑in vehicles, including plug‑in hybrids and some full EVs, have struggled with dependability as automakers rush new technology to market. Reporting on the least reliable cars has already pointed out that plug‑in hybrids performed poorly in comparison with conventional models, and that pattern raises questions about how quickly brands like Volkswagen can improve their electric platforms. For buyers considering the ID.4, the message is clear: while the SUV offers zero‑emission driving and modern features, Consumer Reports’ data suggests a higher‑than‑average risk of defects in critical systems, which can be especially disruptive given the still‑developing charging infrastructure and the specialized service required for high‑voltage components.
4. 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid stands out as a family‑focused minivan that combines plug‑in capability with three‑row practicality, yet it has a troubling reliability record that Consumer Reports expects to continue. In a rundown of models to skip, one report notes that when it ranked the least reliable cars for 2024, Consumer Reports placed only one vehicle below the Volkswagen Taos, and that model was Chrysler’s Pacifica Hybrid minivan, underscoring how far it has fallen in dependability. That context is reinforced by a separate discussion in which coverage of 7 SUVs to avoid buying in 2025 highlights how Consumer Reports views the Pacifica Hybrid as particularly problematic. The minivan’s complex plug‑in hybrid system, which combines a gasoline engine, electric motors and a large battery pack, has been associated with failures that can leave owners stranded or facing expensive repairs outside the typical wear‑and‑tear categories.
Consumer Reports’ preview of new cars on the horizon explicitly notes that hybrid system failures contribute to the Pacifica Hybrid’s poor reliability outlook for the 2025 model year. That assessment fits with other reporting in which Consumer Reports cited the Audi Q5 and Chrysler Pacifica as being particularly unreliable, while pointing to the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Kia models as exceptions that buck the trend of problematic plug‑in designs. For families, the implications are significant: a minivan is often the primary vehicle for school runs, road trips and daily errands, so repeated service visits can disrupt routines and add unplanned costs. The Pacifica Hybrid’s low standing also illustrates a broader theme in Consumer Reports’ survey data, which is that early or complex electrified powertrains can introduce reliability risks that outweigh their fuel‑saving benefits unless the engineering and quality control are exceptionally robust.
5. 2025 Land Rover Defender
The 2025 Land Rover Defender is marketed as a luxury SUV with serious off‑road credentials, but Consumer Reports has advised shoppers to be cautious about its reliability. In a guide that singles out models to skip, the organization labels the 2025 Land Rover Defender as a “Luxury two‑row midsized SUV to Avoid,” a warning that reflects low marks for electronics and suspension durability. That assessment is echoed in coverage where the recommendation to Avoid this Luxury SUV focuses on the Land Rover Defender and notes that its issues, while not always deal breakers, are worth bearing in mind. Owners have reported problems with air‑suspension components, complex terrain‑response systems and in‑car technology, all of which are central to the Defender’s appeal but also represent potential failure points.
Consumer Reports’ broader reliability rankings have historically placed Land Rover near the bottom, and the Defender’s predicted performance suggests that the brand’s latest engineering has not fully resolved those concerns. For buyers, the stakes are heightened by the Defender’s premium pricing, which means that repair costs and depreciation can be substantial if reliability falls short of expectations. The model’s inclusion among the least reliable new vehicles also illustrates a recurring pattern in Consumer Reports’ survey data: luxury SUVs with advanced off‑road hardware and elaborate electronics often struggle to match the durability of simpler, less expensive models. Shoppers drawn to the Defender’s styling and capability may want to weigh those attributes against the risk of frequent service visits, especially if they plan to keep the vehicle beyond the warranty period or use it heavily in demanding conditions.
6. 2025 Mini Countryman
The 2025 Mini Countryman is a compact crossover that aims to blend playful handling with everyday practicality, yet Consumer Reports’ early assessments raise concerns about its reliability. In the organization’s look at new cars on the horizon, the Countryman is flagged for engine and transmission unreliability, suggesting that core mechanical components may be weak points. That aligns with past owner feedback about turbocharged Mini powertrains, where issues such as oil leaks, timing‑chain wear and transmission behavior have surfaced more often than in some rival small SUVs. When a vehicle’s basic drivetrain is under scrutiny, it affects not just convenience but also long‑term ownership costs, since engine and gearbox repairs are among the most expensive fixes a driver can face.
Consumer Reports’ methodology, which relies on a large survey of owners to calculate predicted reliability ratings for almost every new car, truck and SUV on the market, gives added weight to these concerns. In a related explainer, the organization notes that it uses this survey data to identify the Least Reliable New Vehicles of each model year, and the Mini Countryman’s appearance in that context signals that its problems are not isolated anecdotes. For buyers, the implications are clear: while the Countryman’s design and driving dynamics may be appealing, the risk of mechanical trouble could offset those advantages, particularly for owners who plan to keep the vehicle beyond a short lease. In a segment where competitors from brands with stronger reliability reputations are readily available, Consumer Reports’ warning suggests that shoppers should scrutinize warranty coverage and long‑term repair histories before committing to the 2025 Countryman.
7. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander rounds out Consumer Reports’ list of new models with below‑average predicted reliability, largely because of concerns about its infotainment system and drivetrain. In the preview of upcoming vehicles, the Outlander is cited for issues with its in‑car technology, including screen freezes and connectivity problems, as well as potential trouble spots in its engine and transmission. Those findings echo a broader pattern in which brands with limited recent investment in new platforms can struggle to match the refinement and durability of more established competitors. When infotainment glitches combine with mechanical worries, owners may face both daily annoyances and costly repairs, a combination that weighs heavily in Consumer Reports’ scoring.
Context from wider reliability reporting reinforces why the Outlander’s predicted performance matters. Analyses of brand‑level results have shown that Toyota and Lexus top the reliability list, while Chrysler, Jeep, Volkswagen and others fall near the bottom, and that plug‑in models in particular have had difficulty achieving strong scores. Against that backdrop, the Outlander’s below‑average outlook suggests that Mitsubishi still has work to do to reach the standards set by the most dependable brands. For shoppers, the key takeaway is that a competitive price and generous feature list do not automatically translate into low lifetime costs if reliability is weak. Owners who rely on their SUV for family duty or long commutes may find that Consumer Reports’ warning about the 2025 Outlander is a signal to consider alternatives with stronger track records, even if that means sacrificing a few features or stretching the budget slightly for a model with better predicted durability.
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