Saving & Spending Home & Auto

15 Worst Car Brands if You Hate To Spend Money on Maintenance

Buckle up for a ride through the 15 maintenance nightmares on four wheels.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Jan. 22, 2025

Cars are expensive to purchase, but the costs don’t stop there. If you spend a lot to maintain and repair your car, the bills can continue to pile up.

Consumer Reports recently used member surveys to gauge the repair and maintenance performance of hundreds of thousands of cars on a score of zero to 100, with 100 representing the most reliable.

If you're trying to get ahead financially and avoid costly maintenance and repairs, you might want to avoid the following 15 car brands.

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BMW

Reliability score: 53

BMW sedans and SUVs are consistently praised by Consumer Reports for their top-tier comfort, tech, and performance, often outshining rivals like Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

While their fuel efficiency and agility are impressive, even more surprising is the brand’s solid performance in our EV tests and the availability of plug-in hybrids. While maintenance costs may be higher, certain BMW models still offer good value as used cars, especially for those willing to budget for repairs or secure a warranty.

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Kia

Reliability score: 51

Kia offers strong choices in various categories, from the comfortable Sorento to the value-packed Telluride, which consistently ranks highly in Consumer Reports. With good fuel economy and hybrid and EV options, Kia's reliability has improved, though some competitors still rank higher. Specific models also make Consumer Reports' list of recommended used cars.

Hyundai

Reliability score: 50

Hyundai offers a wide range of vehicles, from budget-friendly sedans like the Elantra to three-row SUVs like the Palisade, with many hybrid and EV options. While reliability and satisfaction ratings are average, standout models like the Ioniq EVs deliver advanced features, fast charging, and great value for electric car buyers.

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Buick

Reliability score: 48

Buick’s SUVs offer a comfortable middle ground, combining upscale interiors with reasonable pricing compared to luxury brands like Cadillac or Lexus. Known for reliability and intuitive infotainment, models like the three-row Enclave and versatile Envista make Buick a strong contender for both new and used car buyers.

Nissan

Reliability score: 48

Nissan offers a wide variety of sedans, SUVs, and trucks. However, Consumer Reports notes that reliability varies widely from vehicle to vehicle in its lineup.

That lack of consistency should be a factor when deciding which Nissan to buy.

Ford

Reliability score: 44

Aside from the beloved Mustang, Ford is moving away from cars and focusing on SUVs and pickup trucks.

Consumer Reports member surveys indicate that the reliability of Fords is below average.

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Genesis

Reliability score: 40

According to Consumer Reports, Genesis — Hyundai’s luxury brand — is somewhat of a “mixed bag” when it comes to reliability.

The publication also says controls in newer Genesis cars have become overly complicated.

Volvo

Reliability score: 38

Volvo is well-known for its safety features. However, its gas-powered models are getting a bit long in the tooth.

In addition, Volvo’s reliability ratings are nothing great.

Chevrolet

Reliability score: 37

Chevrolet offers everything from SUVs and trucks to its famous Corvette. The brand also sells a mix of traditional gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles.

Sadly, the automaker doesn't earn great scores in terms of reliability.

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Tesla

Reliability score: 36

Tesla’s EVs offer impressive range, performance, and access to the seamless Supercharger network, making them a top choice for many drivers.

Unfortunately, touchscreens for basic controls, inconsistent build quality, and average reliability can be drawbacks, particularly for cost-conscious buyers considering a used Tesla.

Volkswagen

Reliability score: 34

Consumer Reports cites Volkswagen’s controls on its vehicles as a potential issue. The publication notes that such controls have gone from being some of the best in the industry to some of the worst in recent models.

In addition, Consumer Reports describes reliability as “mostly below par.”

Jeep

Reliability score: 33

Thanks to its rugged design, the Jeep brand has deep consumer loyalty. It includes the iconic Jeep Wrangler and SUVs like Cherokee and Wagoneer.

Unfortunately, according to Consumer Reports, fuel economy and reliability issues have dragged the brand’s score lower.

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GMC

Reliability score: 33

Consumer Reports refers to GMC vehicles as "rebadged, slightly more upscale twins to Chevrolet’s SUVs and trucks."

Unfortunately, the brand’s models have many of the same reliability issues as Chevrolets.

Cadillac

Reliability score: 27

Cadillac is a luxury brand that is now entering the world of electric vehicles with models such as the Lyriq and Celestiq. However, it doesn't get top marks for reliability.

One way to offset the high maintenance and repair costs for a Cadillac or any other brand on this list is to shop around and try to save money on car insurance.

Rivian

Reliability score: 14

Rivian, known for its electric trucks and SUVs, offers practical range, impressive speed, and unique features like a spacious front trunk and “Gear Tunnel” in some models.

However, its heavy reliance on screen controls and inconsistent reliability ratings may leave cost-conscious owners frustrated, despite high satisfaction among current drivers.

Bottom line

It's difficult to save money if you're driving a vehicle that requires constant payment for costly maintenance and repairs.

A smart car owner move is to think twice before purchasing the cars on this list. Even if you get a good deal on the purchase price, those savings can quickly evaporate if you're always running to the nearest mechanic for fixes.

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