the most common breakdowns in new cars
Along with nine other European countries, Lexus, Suzuki and Subaru are the most reliable car brands, according to a survey analyzing the reliability of new cars conducted by the OCU Consumer Organization.
The study included 29,873 drivers who provided data on 276 models, the breakdowns they had experienced since purchase, and their level of satisfaction with the vehicle. To assess reliability, not only the number of breakdowns is taken into account, but also their severity, the age of the car and the mileage traveled.
The most common breakdowns of new cars
The drivers surveyed answered questions such as: how many breakdowns has your car had since you bought it? How many of them were serious? The answers received allowed us to calculate a reliability index, which takes into account whether it was a major breakdown that prevented the car from moving or affected its safety, or a less serious problem. Damages resulting from an accident or an act of vandalism are also not taken into account, since they do not depend on the reliability of the vehicle.
Car reliability is very important information needed by those who are planning to buy a car, either new or used. In fact, 39% of those surveyed believe that this aspect most determines their purchase, more than price or even whether it meets their needs.
By engine type, respondents indicate that gasoline hybrid cars, of which there are 17 models in the rating, are equal to or exceed 95 out of 100 in reliability. Thus, of the ten cars that break down the least, six are gasoline hybrids, and two are 100. % electric, and the first gasoline cars occupy ninth and tenth places. The most reliable diesel car ranks 25th in the ranking.
The survey allows us to find out, thanks to the experience of the drivers themselves, which car breakdowns occur most often and which brands suffer from them in the most detail, as evidenced by this information:
1) Electrical faults
13% of breakdowns are caused by electrical components such as batteries, fuses, light bulbs, warning lights, locks, power windows, and wiring. Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Opel, Dacia, Renault and Skoda are the brands that are suffering the most.
2) Brakes
They account for 9% of failures. They mainly originate from pumps, ducts, discs, drums or brake cables. Citroen, Ford, Lancia, Mazda, Opel, Skoda, Volkswagen, Volvo are the ones who fail the most in this.
3) Electronics and ignition
They are the cause of 8% of breakdowns reported by respondents. Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Lancia, Opel, Peugeot, Renault are the brands with the largest number of such problems.
4) Feeding systems
7% of breakdowns occur in carburetors, fuel pumps and injection systems. The brands that suffered the most were Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Lancia, Opel, and Peugeot.
5) Address
This section includes damping, steering, axles and tires. They account for 7% of breakdowns. The biggest losers in this regard are Fiat, Subaru and Tesla.
6) Engine
Engine-related components account for 9% of breakdowns. Citroën, Land Rover, Opel and Peugeot are the brands that are suffering the most.
7) Air conditioning
They account for 7% of breakdowns, especially for brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Ford, Nissan, Opel, Renault.
8) Electric motor (hybrids, plug-in hybrids and 100% electric)
Only 3% of breakdowns occur in the electric traction motor, and it is in Audi, Peugeot and Volkswagen models that they occur most often.
9) Batteries (hybrids, plug-in hybrids and 100% electric)
5% of breakdowns occurred in batteries of hybrid and electric vehicles. Peugeot and Volkswagen are the brands that are suffering the most.
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The journalist specialized in mobility in all its forms: car, motorcycle, bicycle, electric scooter… and not always in that order, given that the way we get around is changing. Over 20 years of experience in the automotive world and constant adaptation in a sector that never ceases to generate news.