This Shortlist of Consumer Reports Least Reliable New Cars Might Surprise You

by Jordan Almond on November 6, 2020

Of course, it’s nice to choose from lists that represent the most reliable cars. However, it can also be extremely helpful to take a glance at a list of cars that are at the bottom of the barrel for reliability. At least in the eyes of Consumer Reports, the following cars are on the shortlist of the 10 most unreliable cars of 2020. If you are car shopping, these may be some models to avoid. These are the top 10 least reliable new cars.

Consumer Reports rates cars in several different areas. From big problems like transmission issues to pettier problems like in-car electronics, these cars all scored poorly in terms of predicted reliability. Some of the ones on this shortlist brought to us by AutoGuide might surprise you.

10– 2020 Chevrolet Traverse

This is Chevy’s largest crossover. In fact, according to the video report, this model sells twice as many model as the popular Chevrolet Tahoe and the Suburban. This model scored just 18/100 from Consumer Reports––even though it’s the third most sold Chevrolet only behind the Silverado and the Equinox. It’s one of the most unreliable cars of 2020.

A burgundy 2020 Traverse in gravel look s good but earned poor consumer reports reliability ratings. — 2020 Chevrolet Traverse | Chevy

9– 2020 Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica is the latest evolution of the Chrysler minivan. Unfortunately, because it’s full of the latest tech innovations for in-car electronics, this model scored a dismal 16/100 for predicted reliability. Making a good minivan is difficult. Even though the 2020 Pacifica is cool it’s still working out some kinks, making it one of the least reliable new cars.

8– 2020 Tesla Model X

This “bulky” Tesla boasts some falcon doors which may in fact be a part of the problem. With a score of 15/100, the Tesla Model X is 8th on the list. Consumer Reports shows that owners have reported noises and leaks. It seems this model will need some improvements moving forward.

Tesla Model X with doors open — Tesla Model X | Tesla

7– 2020 Acura MDX

One interesting thing about the 2020 MDX making it on this list of least reliable new cars is that it’s one of the older models in the lineup. Usually, it’s new models and fresh redesigns that land the list––due to some ironing out of issues that arrive with all the tech. However, the 2020 Acura MDX scored just 15/100.

6– 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Interestingly, this is the brand’s bestselling model. So either people don’t know about the Consumer Reports reliability issues or they don’t care. Either way, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan “Golf on stilts” scored a 13/100 and it’s one of the least reliable new cars.

A photo of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan outdoors. — Volkswagen Tiguan | Volkswagen

5– 2020 Volkswagen Atlas

This is a three-row option that debuted in 2018. It’s designed to cater to the popular choices of the three-row crossover segment. However, it’s one of the least reliable new cars with a score of just 13/100.

4– 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Unfortunately for this performance-oriented luxury auto-brand, it’s been a bit of a laughing stock in terms of reliability. Unlike some of the others on this list like the Chevy Traverse and the Chrysler Pacifica, the 2020 Giulia isn’t exactly surprising. This Alfa Romeo scored a 13/100 making it another of the least reliable new cars according to Consumer Reports.

2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

3– 2020 Jeep Wrangler

In the third podium spot on this list of the most unreliable cars of 2020, is the beloved Jeep Wrangler. In spite of poor reliability scores from Consumer Reports, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler is an icon so well-loved that it still maintains great resale value. With a score of 12/100, however, it’s third among the least reliable new cars.

2020 Jeep Wrangler Sport is on display at the 112th Annual Chicago Auto Show. This Off-roader regularly floats around the bottom of every consumer reports reliability list. — The 2020 Jeep Wrangler | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

2– 2020 Chevrolet Camaro

With a big jump from the scoring of the off-road-ready Jeep Wrangler, the Chevy Camaro is an affordable muscle car with a bad reliability score. In fact, it earns just 5/100. While this car may be tempting for its fun, it might not be worth the long list of problems it might bring.

Several 2020 SVE Chevrolet Yenko/SC Camaro Stage I racing around a track. This is the second most unreliable car of the year according to consumer reports — 2020 SVE Chevrolet Yenko/SC Camaro Stage I | Specialty Vehicle Engineering

1– 2020 Chevrolet Colorado

With 2 podium finishes and a number 10 spot, Chevy is a brand with popular models and some disappointing Consumer Reports reliability scores. According to AutoGuide, Consumer Reports scored this one lowest of all with a score of just 4/100. If you are looking for a reliable compact pickup truck, the Chevy Colorado is probably not your best bet.