The Worst Cars of 2025

Reviews

Buying a new car is a big decision that can cost a lot of money. Many people get excited by the look or features of a new model, but what about how well it runs over time? Reliability can be a difficult thing to determine. If you choose the wrong car, you might end up spending a lot on repairs and maintenance, which can quickly take the joy out of owning a new vehicle.

Based on consumer reports, we’ve compiled a list of the worst cars in 2025 based on their horrible reliability scores. Hopefully, if you purchased a new car in 2025, you won’t find yours on the list, but if you do, you have our condolences. With that said, let’s take a look!

The Worst Cars of 2025

These cars have been reported by trusted sources to have more problems than others. Each has a “reliability score” out of 100, with the lowest numbers telling you how more likely you are to have issues.

  1. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
    • Reliability Score: 14/100
    • Common Problems: hybrid battery failure, charging system issues, electric motor and electrical component problems

Seemingly to buyers, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is an appealing family minivan known for its spacious interior, flexible seating, and advanced features. As a plug-in hybrid, it promises even better fuel efficiency and practicality, which appeals to families looking to save money on gas. Unfortunately, you are paying a hefty price for all of that, upfront with its $50K price tag, and even more when you consider its demanding maintenance.

While the Pacifica Hybrid is one of only a few minivans on the market, it’s hardly worth the trouble. Its hybrid system comes with significant risks affecting its electrical components and battery, potentially costing you thousands of dollars in repairs.

  1. Volkswagen Taos
    • Reliability Score: 18/100
    • Common Problems: brakes, transmission, engine, electronics, and dashboard controls

The Volkswagen Taos is a compact SUV that delivers the style and versatility of a larger SUV at a more reasonable price. On the downside, the Taos’s reliability issues hinder its appeal. For people who want a low-stress vehicle, the need for frequent repairs and unpredictable breakdowns will leave drivers with buyer’s remorse.

It’s also worth noting that the Taos lacks the engine power of a larger SUV. The vehicle’s turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates just 174 horsepower, meaning the Taos is running on the engine of a small compact car.

  1. Ford F-150 Hybrid
    • Reliability Score: 19/100
    • Common Problems: transmission, battery, drive system, and electronics.

The Ford F-150 has long been one of America’s most popular work trucks, and on paper, the idea of a hybrid version designed to improve fuel efficiency might appeal to those who want to save money at the pump. The reality, however, is that the hybrid system’s battery and transmission will have you spending all that “extra money” on repairs – and maybe even more than you bargained for.

To make matters worse, the F-150 Lightning is not cheap. You can expect to pay at least $55K for the base-level trim.

  1. Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid
    • Reliability Score: 21/100
    • Common Problems: electric battery, charging, cooling system, and electronics

The XC60 Plug-In Hybrid might offer a luxurious interior and advanced safety features with a smaller environmental impact, but a number of reported problems like battery failures, charging glitches, and issues with its electronic controls prove it’s more trouble than it’s worth.

These reliability issues take away from the car’s premium image and will leave owners with some serious regrets. On top of its technical failure, many drivers find the XC60’s ride to be on the stiff side, making it less-than-enjoyable to drive.

  1. Rivian R1T
    • Reliability Score: 22/100
    • Common Problems: drive system, air conditioning, and body parts like doors and panels

Rivian models aren’t selling well as it is, and it’s easy to see why when you look at the R1T. The electric truck is their answer to Tesla’s Cybertruck, but it’s plagued with its own problems. Owners have reported frequent and sometimes severe issues with the drive system, which affects the truck’s ability to deliver a smooth and reliable ride. There are also complaints about problems with the air conditioning and with body parts, such as doors and panels not fitting perfectly.

While the Rivian’s performance satisfies not, there’s really no saying how well the vehicle will handle after a few years of ownership, or whether the company will be around long enough to honor the remainder of your warranty.

  1. Jeep Grand Cherokee L
    • Reliability Score: 23/100
    • Common Problems: suspension, drive system, electronics, and body parts

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a spacious, three-row SUV that generally appeals to families who want room for more passengers and cargo. However, it suffers from all the common problems with Jeeps, including issues with the suspension, drive system, and electronics.

Add, on top of those problems, a rough ride, uncomfortable vehicle noises, and a glitchy dashboard, and you will find yourself stuck with a vehicle that will have you clenching your teeth every time you go out for a drive.

  1. Nissan Frontier
    • Reliability Score: 23/100
    • Common Problems: transmission and body parts

This midsize pickup truck, the Nissan Frontier, might seem tough and rugged on the outside, but look closer, and its cheap body materials will make you feel like you just got catfished. And no, it doesn’t perform well either. Its underwhelming transmission will leave you just as disappointed as your last Tinder encounter.

Owners report rough or delayed shifting, and in some cases, complete transmission failure. These problems can seriously affect how smooth the truck feels on the road and make towing or carrying heavy loads stressful.

  1. Volkswagen Jetta
    • Reliability Score: 25/100
    • Common Problems: brakes, climate control system, and electronics

The Volkswagen Jetta was once an affordable, practical sedan for students, young professionals, and families, but Volkswagen has seemingly decided to put an end to all that.

Its reputation has taken a hit thanks to frequent problems with the brakes, which can spell disaster, especially for inexperienced drivers. Then you have the finicky dashboard controls, including the touchscreen, audio, and digital displays. Issues with the air conditioning and heating are especially common, making driving uncomfortable during hot summers or cold winters.

  1. Jeep Grand Cherokee
    • Reliability Score: 26/100
    • Common Problems: suspension, drive system, electronics

Like the larger Grand Cherokee L, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular choice among for drivers who want a versatile SUV for work and play. But, its reliability issues affecting the suspension, drive system, and electronics hurt its performance both on and off the road.

In particular, problems with the suspension reduce ride stability stable ride, especially when driving on trails or rough roads. Ongoing electronic glitches, like problems with navigation or safety systems, are exceedingly frustrating, but just another Tuesday for Jeep.

  1. Jeep Wrangler
    • Reliability Score: 27/100
    • Common Problems: steering, suspension, and drive system

The Jeep Wrangler is like the iPhone of off-road vehicles. Its rugged, boxy design is iconic, and those looking for that off-road adventure look will be all over it because it makes exactly the statement its drivers want. But does the Wrangler actually deliver the performance and reliability you’d expect for its price. No. No, it does not.

In reality, it’s like buying your dream home only to discover its infested with termites.

Frequent complaints about the steering—sometimes referred to as “death wobble”—make it hard to control, especially at highway speeds. Suspension problems can make rides rough and uncomfortable, even on city streets, and may limit the Wrangler’s performance on rocky trails. These issues affect safety and detract from the Wrangler’s legendary off-road image.

Dis-Honorable Mentions

Mercedes-Benz GLE

    • Reliability Score: 29/100
    • Common Problems: electronics inside the car, engine computer, and body parts

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a luxury SUV that offers high-end features like advanced driver assistance systems and premium materials and features, but that’s where its strengths end.

The GLE’s complicated technology is simultaneously a strength and its biggest drawback. Owners have reported issues with its electronic controls, touchscreens, and main computer, which can be difficult and expensive to repair.

Ford Explorer

    • Reliability Score: 30/100
    • Common Problems: transmission, drive system, and electronics

The Ford Explorer’s reliability has proven a concern for several years now. The vehicle often suffers from transmission problems—such as rough shifting, hesitation, or full breakdowns—that can be costly and inconvenient to fix.

On top of that, its driving system and electronic controls frequently malfunction. If you don’t mind having your vehicle in the shop frequently, unable to take the kids to school, then by all means, purchase this vehicle.

Featured Image via Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images News/Getty Images

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