If your priority is reliability and low repair costs, be cautious with vehicles that have poor reliability records, expensive powertrains, recurring electrical problems, or costly known repairs. Based on the latest Consumer Reports reliability data, models deserving extra caution include the GMC Acadia, Rivian R1T, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid, and Genesis GV60.
However, reliability can vary by model year, engine, transmission, trim, and maintenance history. A poorly rated vehicle may still be a reasonable purchase with the right warranty and price, while a normally reliable car can become a bad investment if it has been neglected or damaged.
Types of Cars You Should Be Careful Buying
Watch for these warning signs:
- Poor reliability history
- Brand-new or redesigned models
- Complicated powertrains
- Recurring electrical problems
- Expensive engine or transmission repairs
- Unresolved recalls
- Poor maintenance history
- Severe rust or accident damage
- Salvage or flood history
- Luxury vehicles with high maintenance costs
Consumer Reports also cautions buyers about being first to purchase newly introduced or redesigned vehicles because early models can experience reliability “teething” problems.
5 Cars That Deserve Extra Caution
According to the latest Consumer Reports predicted-reliability rankings, these vehicles are among the lowest-rated models:
| Vehicle | Predicted Reliability Score |
| GMC Acadia | 14 |
| Rivian R1T | 18 |
| Chevrolet Blazer EV | 19 |
| Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid | 20 |
| Genesis GV60 | 21 |
These scores represent a reliability snapshot, not a guarantee that every vehicle will experience problems.
1. GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia received a predicted reliability score of 14, placing it at the bottom of the latest ranking.
Potential trouble areas on modern vehicles can include electrical accessories, infotainment, climate controls, sensors, suspension, software, and powertrain components.
Multiple smaller problems can become expensive because repairs may require diagnostic labor, parts, software updates, and specialized technicians.
If you’re considering a used Acadia, research the exact model year and have it professionally inspected before buying.
2. Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T received a predicted reliability score of 18.
As a sophisticated electric pickup, the R1T relies on high-voltage batteries, electric motors, power electronics, charging systems, sensors, control modules, and software.
EVs eliminate many traditional gasoline-engine components, but they still contain complex systems that can require expensive diagnosis and repairs.
Before buying a used electric truck, check charging performance, battery warnings, electrical faults, climate control, suspension, braking systems, and service records.
3. Chevrolet Blazer EV
The Chevrolet Blazer EV received a predicted reliability score of 19.
As a relatively new EV platform, it includes extensive software, electronics, battery technology, and other systems that can experience early-production issues.
This doesn’t automatically make the Blazer EV a bad vehicle. However, buyers who prioritize proven reliability may prefer a model with a longer-established track record.
Check charging operation, warning lights, software updates, battery alerts, climate control, infotainment, and service history when considering a used example.
4. Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid
The Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid received a predicted reliability score of 20.
Plug-in hybrids combine a gasoline engine with electric propulsion, high-voltage batteries, charging equipment, power electronics, regenerative braking, and computer-controlled energy management.
That additional technology can mean more components to maintain and diagnose.
If simplicity is your main priority, understand that a plug-in hybrid generally has more systems than a conventional gasoline vehicle.
5. Genesis GV60
The Genesis GV60 received a predicted reliability score of 21.
The GV60 is a premium EV with sophisticated electronics, battery systems, charging technology, sensors, climate controls, and software.
Luxury vehicles can also have higher repair costs because specialized components and diagnostic procedures may be expensive.
A used luxury vehicle may have a low purchase price after depreciation while still carrying high ownership costs.
Why Be Careful With Brand-New Models?
A brand-new vehicle isn’t automatically more reliable than an older model. A major redesign can introduce a new engine, transmission, electrical architecture, software, sensors, suspension, and manufacturing process.
By the second or third production year, manufacturers may have addressed recurring issues through software updates, revised components, improved service procedures, and manufacturing changes.
If reliability is your top priority, waiting for additional real-world reliability data can reduce uncertainty.
Don’t Judge Reliability by Brand Alone
Don’t assume an entire brand is reliable or unreliable. Even manufacturers with strong overall reliability can produce individual models with problems.
Consumer Reports’ latest rankings place Toyota, Subaru, Lexus, Honda, and BMW among the top five brands for predicted reliability. However, you should still research the exact:
Year + Model + Engine + Transmission + Powertrain
Individual vehicles can perform very differently within the same brand.
Be Careful With Cheap Luxury Cars
A luxury vehicle that originally cost $60,000 may eventually sell for $20,000, but its maintenance costs don’t necessarily fall with its resale value.
You may still face expensive:
- Parts
- Electronics
- Suspension components
- Diagnostic procedures
- Cooling systems
- Turbocharged engines
- Premium tires
Before buying an inexpensive used luxury vehicle, research common repairs and maintenance costs.
Avoid Cars With Poor Maintenance History
Even a reliable model can become a poor purchase if it has been neglected.
Look for records showing:
- Oil changes
- Brake service
- Fluid maintenance
- Tire replacement
- Scheduled maintenance
- Major repairs
A missing maintenance history doesn’t automatically mean the car is bad, but it creates uncertainty and should affect what you’re willing to pay.
Be Careful With Flood-Damaged and Salvage Cars
Flood damage can affect wiring, sensors, control modules, airbags, connectors, motors, bearings, and interior electronics. Corrosion may appear months or years later, creating difficult electrical problems.
Salvage or rebuilt vehicles can also be risky depending on the original damage and quality of repairs. Poor repairs may cause problems with alignment, airbags, wiring, sensors, suspension, and structural integrity.
Always have these vehicles professionally inspected before purchasing.
Don’t Ignore Engine and Transmission Problems
During a test drive, watch for:
- Hard or delayed shifting
- Transmission slipping
- Engine knocking
- Excessive smoke
- Overheating
- Poor acceleration
- Unusual vibration
- Warning lights
A professional pre-purchase inspection can identify problems that aren’t obvious during a short test drive.
What Should You Check Before Buying a Used Car?
1. Research the Exact Model Year
Look for reliability information specific to the year, engine, and powertrain.
2. Check the Vehicle History
Look for accidents, flood damage, salvage titles, multiple owners, service records, and odometer issues.
3. Inspect the Vehicle
Have the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, suspension, steering, cooling system, and electrical equipment checked.
4. Scan for Fault Codes
A diagnostic scan can reveal stored or pending problems that aren’t visible on the dashboard.
5. Take a Test Drive
Pay attention to shifting, braking, steering, acceleration, noises, vibrations, and warning lights.
6. Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
A relatively small inspection fee can potentially save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.
What Cars Are Better Bets for Reliability?
No vehicle is guaranteed to be trouble-free, but reliability-focused shoppers can start by researching brands with strong reliability histories.
Conventional hybrids have also performed well in recent reliability research. It’s important to remember that hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV are different technologies and can have very different reliability results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What car should I avoid buying?
Avoid vehicles with poor reliability records, unresolved major problems, neglected maintenance, severe accident or flood damage, or repair costs that don’t make financial sense. Current reliability data also identifies the GMC Acadia, Rivian R1T, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid, and Genesis GV60 as models deserving extra caution.
What is the most unreliable car right now?
According to Consumer Reports’ latest predicted-reliability ranking, the GMC Acadia has the lowest score among the vehicles listed, with a predicted reliability score of 14.
Should I avoid buying a first-year model?
If reliability is your priority, waiting can be a smart strategy. First-year vehicles and major redesigns can experience issues that manufacturers later correct.
Are expensive cars more reliable?
Not necessarily. Luxury vehicles can have sophisticated systems and expensive replacement parts, making repairs more costly.
Should I avoid electric cars?
Not necessarily. EV reliability varies by model. However, recent reliability research has shown more mixed results for EVs and plug-in hybrids than conventional hybrids.
Is a high-mileage used car always bad?
No. A high-mileage vehicle with excellent maintenance can be a better purchase than a low-mileage vehicle that has been neglected.
Conclusion
So, what car should you avoid buying? Rather than avoiding one specific brand, look for vehicles with poor reliability records, unresolved problems, neglected maintenance, severe accident or flood damage, or expensive known failure points.
Based on the latest Consumer Reports data, the GMC Acadia, Rivian R1T, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid, and Genesis GV60 deserve additional caution from reliability-focused buyers.
The smartest purchase isn’t necessarily the cheapest car. It’s the vehicle offering the best balance of price, reliability, maintenance costs, repair costs, safety, and expected ownership life.
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