Reliability is a huge factor when it comes to car buying for many drivers.
An unreliable vehicle can mean costly trips to the repair shop and accidents on the road. There are plenty of popular automakers that produce reliable cars, trucks and SUVs, but some companies come up short when it comes to dependability.
J.D. Power says the most unreliable car brand is German. Here’s what drivers need to know.
What Is the Least Reliable Car Brand for 2026?
J.D. Power conducted a 2026 U.S. vehicle dependability study to determine which car brands have the most problems per 100 vehicles. “As owners hold onto their vehicles longer, the long-term ownership experience matters more than ever,” said Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power.
The vehicle dependability study is designed to provide automakers and suppliers with “an understanding of the specific factors impacting owner satisfaction with long-term vehicle quality by identifying the problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles.”
The study found Volkswagen has the most problems per 100 vehicles. The brand was more problematic for owners than several other car brands, including Volvo, Land Rover, Jeep, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and more. Lexus, Buick and Mini had the least problems per 100 vehicles based on the study’s results.
Is Volkswagen a Reliable Car Brand?
Consumer Reports ranks Volkswagen 16th out of 26 automakers for new car reliability. Rivian produces the least reliable new cars, according to Consumer Reports.
Volkswagen “typically lags behind car brands such as Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford in overall reliability and durability” says automotive research site CarGurus. The German automaker may not be the least reliable car brand consistently, but it isn’t in the top five (or top 10) most reliable car brands based on research, ranking and review sites.
Should You Get a Volkswagen in 2026?
Volkswagen produces several attractive offerings across its portfolio in several competitive segments. The Volkswagen Golf GTI performance hatchback ($34,590) is MotorTrend’s 2026 Car of the Year. It comes with a turbocharged engine, handles well and has plenty of cargo space.
The German automaker also produces affordable SUV models like the subcompact Taos, starting at $26,500. The Taos is often praised by reviewers for its interior design and styling.
Volkswagen’s Tiguan is one of its best-selling SUVs. It starts at $30,805 and has plenty of cabin space. The SUV also feels premium despite its affordable starting price and comes in upper trims that offer better tech and more creature comforts.
How to Search for Reliable New and Used Cars
Searching for a reliable new or used vehicle depends on the car buyer, but using a reliable car brand’s portfolio as a starting point, then refining your search based on how you live, is a good method to use.
For example, if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, Chevrolet is one of the most reliable mainstream car brands based on J.D. Power’s vehicle dependability study. Chevy produces trucks and SUVs of different sizes depending on your needs.
Once you pick a car model you like from a reliable car brand, you can research the nameplate on a database like CarComplaints.com to see what problems owners may encounter.
There’s no surefire way to completely avoid car problems, but choosing a reliable car brand and a vehicle known for its dependability may save you from repair headaches down the line.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: This brand makes the least reliable cars for 2026, according to J.D. Power
Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY / Nashville Tennessean
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
