Japan’s overwhelming dominance

The car buying process is quite an experience. On the one hand, we are filled with the excitement of a completely new device (they are increasingly a mobile phone on wheels, so we can call it that). On the other hand, choosing a model is a process that can be difficult. There are a lot of models, you have to look at lists of the best cars, see if the latest technology is the best (it’s not always the case), choose between a combustion engine car, a hybrid or an electric car… In short, a lot of options. , but it usually helps to see what the majority choose and, above all, which brands visit the workshop least often.

And a mega study in the US reveals which cars are the most reliable in a list that may contain some surprises. Before we continue, we leave you with a chart prepared by Visual Capitalist:

Sources. First of all, let’s look at where this data comes from. The source is Consumer Reports, an American magazine published since 1939 and promoted by Consumers Union. They are a non-profit organization and their tests claim to be unbiased and focused on making sure the user knows what they are buying. Its data comes from its own analysis and security data, as well as user surveys and reports. It has more than six million members and is a major media outlet in the United States.

This report took into account surveys and analyzes of more than 330,000 vehicles from 2000 to 2023, of which approximately 2,024 models were introduced last year. And yes, this data is from the USA, but most brands are present in other territories.

Asian domination on top. At the same time, of the 10 most reliable cars, seven are Asian, two are German and one is British, but it is noteworthy that six are Japanese. And they take the first positions:

The list only includes Mini, Porsche and BMW, but there is no trace of other brands such as Mercedes, Volvo, Volkswagen or North American cars. And the case of the Nissan, lost in the middle of the table, is curious.

American below. American cars dominate their own market at the bottom of the table. Interestingly, Chrysler is the least reliable among consumers in a region that also includes General Motors, Ford and Rivian. Also well-known brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen or Volvo:

Others, like Tesla, Audi, Ford, Cadillac or the aforementioned Nissan, are in no man’s land.

Points for analysis. Okay, but… what does Consumer Reports consider in its analyzes and reports? To produce this report, they collect between 200 and 300 samples of each model per year and take into account the problems users encountered with their cars over a 12-month period in 20 specific areas. They are as follows:

1. Motor skills: engine, transmission, powertrain, fuel system, battery and charging in electric vehicles and a combination of both in hybrids.
2. Build quality– Combination of accessories, bodywork, paint, trim, leaks and noise.
3. Engine: data on replacing the engine, gaskets, cylinder head, supercharger, timing chain or belt, cylinder heads.
4. Minor problems with the engine: Accessory belts and pulleys, engine control computer, brackets, engine noise or oil leaks.
5. heat dissipation: radiator, fan, water pump, antifreeze leak or overheating.
6. in an electric motor: reconstruction or replacement in case of problems or malfunctions.
7. electric car battery: Hybrid/electric battery replacement, battery failure or power dissipation problems.
8. charging electric vehicles: If it’s charging slowly, if you’re having connection problems, if it’s not charging at home or on public chargers, if it’s not charging fully, if it’s not charging quickly through the proper port, or if you’re having problems with the port. These are problems with the vehicle, not the port (if the public charger is not working, this information is not taken into account).
9. Transmission of infection— Major repairs or replacement of the gearbox or premature replacement of the clutch.
10. Minor transmission problems: If the gear selector is not working, if the transmission control, sensors or solenoid is working, if there are harsh shifts, if there are leaks or if the transmission is slipping.
11. Transmission system: Problems with the driveshaft, differential, transmission, all-wheel drive components, transmission vibration, electronic stability control or traction control.
12. fuel system: sensors, emission control devices, fuel injection system, fuel level indicator/sensor, fuel pump, problems with filling the tank.
13. electrical system: Alternator, starter, regular battery, battery cables, engine wiring harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, faulty spark plugs and cables, or automatic stop/start system.
14. Air conditioner: A/C compressor, fan motor, condenser, heating system, automatic climate control system, electrical fault or refrigerant leak.
15. Suspense: shock absorbers, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, wheel alignment, tie rods (including rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balancing, springs or torsion bars, electronic or air suspension.
16. Brakes: Anti-lock braking system, parking brake, master cylinder, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squealing, brake failure, premature wear and regenerative braking system.
17. Exhaust: muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields and leaks.
18. Painting and finishing: Paint (faded or cracked), peeling interior or exterior trim, and rust.
19. Noises and leaks: squeaks, rattles, wind noise, gaskets and/or seals, air and water leaks.
20. Body: Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, liftgate, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top or glass defects.

What they don’t take into account are comments about active driving safety systems such as airbags. Although they may occur, the sample is small because the level of problems in this sense is low.

Motorized concreting. These are the most general areas of analysis and reporting, but then differentiate between hybrid, plug-in, electric or internal combustion engine vehicles to weigh the results and give an overall score. Many brands are absent, have no presence in the United States, or have a minor presence (Renault, Seat, Fiat, Peugeot, etc.), but in the end, this is a list that can be useful when looking for information on which cars to go through market workshop.

And, after all, Consumer Reports’ analyzes have been with us for many years (and the sensations are repeated, for example, the Japanese are in the first positions, and brands like Volvo or Mercedes are in last).

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