With the average new car costing more than $50,000, you want to make sure you don’t buy a lemon.
That’s where Consumer Reports comes in. The publication ranked the 10 least reliable cars of 2026 based on its annual survey, using data on more than 350,000 vehicles. 
“We study 20 potential trouble areas, from nuisances — such as squeaky brakes and broken interior trim — to major concerns, including potentially expensive out-of-warranty issues with the engine, transmission, EV battery, and EV charging system,” CR said.
Continue reading to see which 10 made the list and why.
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Credit: Stellantis
This minivan has reported problems with the major transmission and major engine components. Issues were also noted with the PHEV system, including EV battery cooling, and the in-car electronics, where the screen would freeze or go blank.
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Credit: Honda
Trouble spots for this electric SUV include the EV battery, which sometimes required full replacement, and EV charging issues. Owners have also reported problems with the climate system, drive system, and electrical accessories. In-car electronics are a concern, with reports of the screen freezing.
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Credit: Kia
EV6 drivers reported several electric vehicle-related issues, including problems with the EV battery, electric motor, and EV charging via the integrated charging control unit. The climate system, brakes, and body hardware have also presented problems.
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Credit: Kia
Reported issues for this three-row electric SUV focus on the EV battery, including instances where specific cells in the battery pack needed to be replaced. Other trouble areas include EV charging problems, body hardware, electrical accessories, and in-car electronics.
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Credit: Mazda
This Midsized SUV has significant reported trouble spots in its core components, including the major engine and transmission. Owners have also dealt with steering problems, brake issues, and failure of electrical accessories like the keyless entry system.
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Josh Lefkowitz / Contributor / Getty Images
Hyundai’s luxury SUV comes with its own set of problems, including issues with the EV battery. Trim pieces coming off around the windshield were reported, and one owner recounted their experience with the high-voltage battery: “Received a warning on the dashboard, so I immediately took it to the dealership. After several weeks, Genesis USA told the dealership the drive battery needed to be replaced.”
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Credit: Mazda
The CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid has a wide range of reported issues, like malfunctions with the EV battery, electric motor, and problems with both the major and minor transmission. Other trouble spots include the drive system, brakes, steering, and suspension. A member described a critical early failure: “Within a week of purchase, car stalled/died. Indicator light: battery leakage. Car towed and kept by Mazda for 31 days while new software [was] developed to correct the issue.”
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Credit: Chevrolet
CR pointed out that the Blazer EV can have EV battery malfunctions and cooling problems, including significant problems with the climate system. There are numerous reports of the 12-volt battery failing, and in-car electronics are a common complaint, with display screens freezing or going blank.
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Credit: Rivian
Owners of this electric pickup have reported major problems with the EV battery and the electric motor. Other issues involve the climate system, steering and suspension, and body hardware, such as faulty electric door handle motors. A serious drivetrain issue was discovered during a service visit: “I took the car in for a recall [to be] repaired, and they informed me that the drivetrain was failing and would need to be replaced.”
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Bill Pugliano / Stringer / Getty Images
The Acadia has the most reported issues on this list, including problems with the major and minor transmission, like leaking fluid. Other trouble spots include the brakes, electrical accessories, and in-car electronics. One member reported a catastrophic engine failure: “At about 3,500 miles, engine lost oil pressure while on highway. No apparent signs of leaking oil. Had car towed to out-of-state dealer. GM decided to replace the engine under warranty."

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