Have You Driven One Of These?
The road's got room for both winners and letdowns. American cars run the gamut from delivering sleek and powerful reliability to, well, a pure mess on wheels. We're covering both sides of the story here: the cars that barely made it off the lot and the top-rated stars we all clamour for. Let's open with the lowest-rated American cars ever.
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1. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
In 2023, over 67,000 Pacifica Hybrids were recalled due to an electrical short that could cause the gas engine to shut off while driving unexpectedly. The long-term performance of its battery and warranty coverage also remain major concerns for owners. The car scored 14 points in the 2023 Consumer Reports for being one of the least reliable.
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2. Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid
Things didn't go smoothly when Ford combined muscle with hybrid tech in the F-150 PowerBoost. A 2022 recall focused on trailer brake control issues, while some owners reported regenerative braking failures and frequent display resets. J.D. Power's reliability ratings show that this hybrid still struggles to deliver.
Simply the Best? 2024 Ford F-150 Powerboost Hybrid In-Depth Review by Truck King3. Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Listed among the least reliable 2025 models by Consumer Reports, the Grand Cherokee L is known for parking brake activation malfunctions and infotainment glitches. Even after several software updates, many owners still report multiple unresolved problems, along with high repair costs.
4. Rivian R1T
Rivian's R1T over-the-air updates haven't been as reliable as expected. This car is among the last in the 2025 ranking of reliable EVs by Consumer Reports. Common complaints include rear display failures and unexplained range drops. A recall in 2023 for sticking accelerator pedals only added to the mounting concerns.
5. Chevrolet Bolt EV 2020–2021 Models
Fire risks were a problem for the 2020–2021 Bolt EV. Every unit was recalled due to faulty LG battery modules. It was flagged as a used vehicle to avoid by Consumer Reports in 2025. The model saw a sharp depreciation, losing close to 50% of the car's value in just five years.
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier - POV Driving Impressions by TheTopher6. Non-Hybrid Jeep Wrangler (2020)
In 2023, the car received poor reliability marks from Consumer Reports, scoring only 25 points out of 100. Engine stalling and dashboard electrical failures with malfunctioning soft tops are frequent complaints. Despite around seven recalls addressing everything from fuel pump failures to clutch overheating, Wrangler enthusiasts remain loyal.
7. Tesla Model X
Even with its iconic Falcon-wing doors, Model X has faced its fair share of challenges. The 2018 system failures caused nine recalls, and the doors became a liability. Winter range also fell short of expectations, dipping below the promised 300 miles, and was noted for below-average reliability by Consumer Reports in 2023.
8. Chrysler 300
While the Chrysler 300 tries to project an image of power, its outdated tech is dragging it down. The car struggles with sluggish transmission responses and frequent Uconnect system failures. Suspension issues and rapid depreciation make the resale value relatively low.
9. Dodge Durango
It scored 49/100 points in the 2023 Consumer Reports reliability survey. The Dodge Durango's muscle SUV appeal is marred by ongoing mechanical issues that include engine ticking that could lead to rebuilds. A recall over faulty battery cable routing even raised fire concerns, further damaging its record.
10. Chevrolet Blazer EV
Critical software failures plagued the Blazer EV's early days, with digital dashboards often blacking out mid-drive. Issues like sensor misreads and charging stalls caused it to be among the lowest-scoring models in Consumer Reports’ 2025 reliability survey. After less than a year on the market, its reputation is lamentable.
Those ten cars remind us that not every model hits the mark. Some miss by miles. Let’s now switch lanes and celebrate the standouts that deliver where it counts.
1. Hybrid Ford Maverick
The Maverick hybrid hits 42 MPG in the city, slashing your fuel budget and making it one of the most efficient pickups. Maintenance? Around $430 a year. Consumer Reports ranks it high for reliability—rare praise for a budget-friendly workhorse.
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Ride quality hits luxury car levels, especially on air suspension. The 1500's HEMI V8 delivers muscle, but it's the smooth drive that wins fans. J.D. Power ranks it highest for dependability among full-size trucks. With only two recalls since 2022, this beast can tow 12,750 pounds.
3. Tesla Model Y
The Model Y outsold sedans in 2023, breaking into the U.S. top ten. Charging infrastructure is Tesla's edge, and this SUV still gets over 300 miles per charge. Despite polarizing interior design, owners pay between $300 and $650 yearly in maintenance. That’s less than many gas-powered hatchbacks.
4. Ford Mustang Mach-E
Bold styling hides the Mach-E GT's engineering that delivers 480 hp and goes 0–60 in 3.8 seconds. Responsive handling earned its praise as it behaves like a sports sedan, not a crossover. In cold-weather testing, this car retained around 60% of its range, an outlier for EVs under $60,000.
5. Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
Gas and electric torque come together in the E-Ray's insane 2.5-second 0–60 sprint. It's the first all-season Vette, thanks to standard AWD. Unlike many performance hybrids, E-Ray's dependability scores benefit from Chevy’s reliability. It’s one of the few sports cars with average repair bills estimated at around $500 annually.
6. Ford Mustang
It's turbo-four and V8 options both return solid reliability numbers, and Consumer Reports gives it a 4/5 for long-term dependability. Surprisingly, the Mustang has one of the lowest average insurance premiums in its class (around $1,200 a year), ideal for budget thrill-seekers.
7. Chevrolet Tahoe
The Tahoe blends family comfort with serious towing chops of up to 8,400 pounds. J.D. Power crowned it the most dependable large SUV in 2025. Moreover, its cabin tech has recently been refreshed, and its third row finally offers adult-legit space.
8. Buick Envision
In Consumer Reports scores for reliable U.S. brands, Buick outperformed the average. The understated Envision has minimal recalls. The car’s 228-hp turbo engine offers power without guzzling gas, and the cabin's insulation makes it one of the quietest in its class.
9. Chevrolet Trailblazer
It was iSeeCars' top-ranked American subcompact SUV for reliability, cost of ownership, and longevity. A 30 MPG combined rating keeps it budget-friendly, and it has seen no recalls in 2024 and 2025. The rear seat space is tight, but it nails city maneuverability well.
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10. Lincoln Navigator
There's grace in this ride. The 440-hp twin-turbo V6 with adaptive suspension keeps passengers floating. Annual maintenance costs between $600 and $850 in the first 3 years, which is great for a flagship SUV.