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November 15, 2023 – If you’re shopping for a new car this year, reliability is likely at the top of your checklist. Consumer Reports, the nonprofit consumer advocacy group, released its 2023 Annual Auto Reliability Survey, ranking the most reliable car makers based on data from over 300,000 vehicles owned by its members. The results not only highlight which brands consistently deliver trouble-free ownership but also reveal how electric vehicles (EVs) are reshaping the reliability landscape. Here’s the breakdown of the top performers and the key takeaways every buyer should know.
For the second consecutive year, Lexus sits at the top of the reliability chart. The luxury arm of Toyota earned a predicted reliability score of 79 out of 100, with models like the RX and NX showing minimal reported issues. Owners praise the brand for its build quality, squeak-free interiors, and dependable powertrains. Lexus’s conservative approach to technology—sticking with proven hybrid systems rather than rushing into full-electrification—has paid off in spades.
Toyota, the parent company of Lexus, ranks second overall with a score of 76. Once again, the brand’s bread-and-butter models—Corolla, Camry, RAV4—scored above average. The new Toyota Crown gets mixed reviews from early adopters, but the rest of the lineup remains bulletproof. Notably, Toyota’s hybrid models (Prius, RAV4 Hybrid) continue to be among the most reliable vehicles on the market, proving that Toyota’s decades of hybrid experience give it a competitive edge.
The biggest surprise in the 2023 rankings is Mini, climbing from 2022’s ninth spot to third place. The British brand, owned by BMW, scored a 72. The redesigned Mini Cooper (gasoline version) has been remarkably trouble-free, with owners reporting fewer electrical and drivetrain glitches than in previous generations. Mini’s rise suggests that BMW’s investment in quality control for its smaller models is finally yielding results.
Honda and its luxury division Acura rank fourth and fifth, respectively, with scores of 71 and 70. The Honda CR-V and Civic remain strong performers, but the brand has slipped slightly from its historical dominance. Some owners report issues with the new infotainment system and turbocharged engines in the Accord. Acura’s MDX and RDX deliver good reliability, but the brand hasn’t managed to crack the top three.
Consumer Reports notes that EV reliability is a hot topic. While Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y are now more reliable than earlier versions, the brand still ranks below average (23rd overall) due to ongoing quality control issues with panel gaps, paint, and hardware. Meanwhile, legacy automakers like Ford and Chevrolet struggle with their first-generation EVs (Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevy Bolt), though updates have improved scores. The most reliable EVs are from Toyota (bZ4X has shown decent early results) and Hyundai (Ioniq 5 scored above average).
Mercedes-Benz fell from 15th to 27th place, its worst showing in years. Owners report pervasive electrical and software glitches in the C-Class, EQS, and S-Class. Similarly, Rivian, the electric truck startup, ranks 28th overall, with first-generation R1T and R1S owners dealing with unexpected battery drain, suspension issues, and infotainment freezes. Consumer Reports advises buyers to consider extended warranties when purchasing from these brands.
The survey is based on the number of problems owners reported in the past 12 months for 20 trouble areas, including engine, transmission, brakes, electronics, and body hardware. Each brand’s predicted reliability score reflects how well it is likely to hold up over the next few years. For buyers looking for maximum peace of mind, sticking with Lexus, Toyota, or Mini is a safe bet. But if you’re interested in an EV, consider the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, or the Tesla Model Y (2023 models) after checking for recent production updates.
Reliability isn’t everything, but it’s one of the most important factors in long-term ownership satisfaction. The 2023 rankings show that mainstream brands with a long history of quality control still dominate, while luxury and startup EV makers have room to improve. Whether you’re buying new or used, use this data as a starting point—and always check independent reviews and owner forums before making a final decision.
