Navigating the used car market can be daunting, especially when reliability is a top concern. Armed with insights from our analysis, you can make informed decisions and steer clear of the least reliable cars. Remember, while these vehicles may offer allure and performance, they come with a price tag beyond monetary value – the hassle of frequent repairs and unreliable performance. Choose wisely, and may your next ride be one of reliability and peace of mind. Let’s explore the rankings and discover the cars that have the dubious distinction of being the least reliable.
Tesla Model S – 15th Place (Score: 33.5/100):
Despite its technological prowess, the Tesla Model S lands at the 15th spot due to recurring electrical faults. The most common issue, a central locking system fault, comes with an average repair cost of £1,003. While technology abounds, it appears to be a double-edged sword for the Model S.
2. Ford Ranger – 14th Place (Score: 33.4/100):
Known for its toughness, the Ford Ranger surprises with a 14th place due to exhaust gas recirculation valve issues. Repairing this affects engine performance and emissions, costing an average of £1,246. A serious engine fault sets a jaw-dropping repair bill at £13,994.
3. Audi A7 – 13th Place (Score: 33/100):
The Audi A7, in its previous generation, takes the 13th spot with fuel injector troubles, averaging £2,431 to fix. The most expensive repair, a gearbox fault, demands a hefty £11,222, making the A7 a questionable choice for reliability.
4. Mercedes S-Class – 12th Place (Score: 32.8/100):
While the latest model doesn’t feature in the list, the previous generation and its predecessor score a combined 32.8. Electrical system issues dominate, with an average repair cost of £1,423. The costliest repair, an engine problem, soars to £16,277.
5. Peugeot RCZ – 11th Place (Score: 32.2/100):
The peculiar-looking Peugeot RCZ secures the 11th position, facing turbocharger problems. With an average repair cost of £1,040, it outpaces the Mercedes S-Class in repair affordability. However, the likelihood of faults diminishes its overall reliability score.
6. BMW M5 – 10th Place (Score: 30.8/100):
The BMW M5, encompassing older examples of the F90 and F10 generations, earns the 10th spot. Fuel system issues predominate, with an average repair cost of £2,125. A more severe timing chain problem raises the stakes, demanding a hefty £10,129.
7. Mazda CX-5 – 9th Place (Score: 29.6/100):
Defying the Japanese reliability stereotype, the Mazda CX-5 lands in the 9th spot. Turbocharger problems, averaging £1,784 to repair, contribute to its lower reliability score. Despite a lower repair bill than the BMW M5, its likelihood of faults diminishes its overall standing.
8. Bentley Continental GT – 8th Place (Score: 29.1/100):
The previous generation Bentley Continental GT marks an improvement from its 2020 ranking as the most unreliable used car. Electrical system issues persist, costing an average of £2,237 to repair. The most expensive repair, related to a turbocharger, reaches £6,227.
9. Audi Q7 – 7th Place (Score: 25.7/100):
The first-generation Audi Q7 and its pre-facelifted counterpart secure the 7th spot. Electrical issues prevail, averaging £1,345 to fix. A more severe engine camshaft problem records a staggering £19,589 for parts and labour.
10. Porsche Cayenne – 6th Place (Score: 24.9/100):
In the 6th spot, the Porsche Cayenne shares underpinnings with the older Audi Q7, resulting in common electrical system faults. Repair costs average £1,496, with the most expensive repair reaching £6,360 for an engine fault.
11. BMW X6 – 5th Place (Score: 23.6/100):
The BMW X6, in its previous generation, claims the 5th spot. Suspension issues dominate, averaging £2,079 for repairs. A faulty fuel system, however, incurs the highest repair cost at £9,613.
12. Porsche Panamera – 4th Place (Score: 23.4/100):
The Porsche Panamera, spanning the first generation and current models, secures the 4th position. Electrical issues persist, costing an average of £1,617 to rectify. The costliest repair involves a faulty timing chain, reaching £10,785.
13. Range Rover Sport – 3rd Place (Score: 23.1/100):
The first British entrant on the list, the Range Rover Sport, takes the 3rd spot. Suspension problems, with an average repair cost of £1,767, contribute to its lower reliability score. A severe engine issue, however, records a staggering £22,358 for repairs.
14. BMW M3 – 2nd Place (Score: 21.4/100):
The BMW M3, encompassing the previous F80 and E90 models, secures the 2nd spot. Electrical system issues, specifically the throttle body, average £2,123 for repairs. The most expensive repair, a gearbox fault, skyrockets to £12,115.
15. Range Rover – 1st Place (Score: 20.2/100):
Claiming the undesirable title of the least reliable used cars is the previous generation, Range Rover. With a reliability score of just 20.2, it faces frequent electrical faults. While the average repair bill remains at £1,607, one particular car required an astounding £23,890 for parts and labour.
Source: Carwow
