When buying a new car, reliability is essential. To help you choose wisely, we’ve gathered data from reputable sources like Consumer Reports, RepairPal, CarEdge, and J.D. Power to list the least reliable cars in 2023.

Our goal is to offer an unbiased overview of these vehicles, so you can make an informed decision and avoid constant breakdowns on the road.

What Are the Most Unreliable Car Models?

2023 Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is famous for its off-road capabilities but lacks reliability for daily use. According to Consumer Reports, its on-road behavior is not on par with modern SUVs, as it exhibits constant short motions, making it jittery even on smooth roads. On highways, it feels out of place.

Owners of the Jeep Wrangler have reported problems with the steering/suspension and in-car electronics. Excessive noise while driving is also a common complaint.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $634 (RepairPal)
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $10,397 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 5
 

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

As far as luxury vehicles go, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe has a distinct and futuristic exterior style, which can be a polarizing feature. However, its reliability is not up to par.

According to Consumer Reports, the GLE provides a pleasant ride and a quiet cabin, but the controls can be challenging to use, and the keyless entry system often causes problems. Owners and lessees typically have issues with the car’s electronics, engine, climate system, and hardware.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $908
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $14,738
• Recalls: 1 (rear door window molding)
 

2023 Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep Gladiator, essentially a truck version of the Jeep Wrangler, shares many of the same reliability problems with its sibling. While it fills the gap left by the retired 1985 Jeep Scrambler, it is not recommended for daily use as a reliable truck. Consumer Reports suggests that the Gladiator is better suited for off-roading.

Gladiator owners claim the car has problems with its engine, transmission, brakes, power equipment, and electrical system.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $634
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $11,803
• Recalls: 1 (clutch pressure plate)
 

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500

The popular Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 are surprisingly listed among the most unreliable cars of 2023. Around 48,000 Silverado 1500 units were sold in 2022, making their inclusion unexpected.

Consumer Reports identified various issues with the Silverado, such as fuel economy, transmission safety, engine, and brakes. Owners recount problems with the infotainment system, engine failures, electrical issues, drivetrain, and brakes.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $649
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $10,003
• Recalls: 1 (exterior lighting)
 

2023 Chevrolet Bolt

Electric vehicles have gained a lot of traction recently, offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional gas-powered cars. That said, the Chevrolet Bolt has faced reliability problems almost every year since 2016. In 2020, production had to be stopped due to a serious recall related to battery fires. Now, in 2023, it’s the final year of its production.

According to Consumer Reports, the Bolt is one of the least reliable electric vehicles on the market. Reported issues include problems with the battery pack, charging, electric drive system, climate control, and in-car electronics.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $649
• Recalls: 1 (fire risks related to seat belt pretensioner deployment)
 

2023 Ford Explorer

Despite its strong sales, the 2023 Ford Explorer doesn’t match the reliability of its competitors. According to Consumer Reports, the Ford Explorer is ranked among the worst midsize SUVs, with owners reporting various problems, including transmission and power equipment failures.

It has faced issues with its transmission, power equipment, body hardware, steering, suspension, climate system, paint, and leaks.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $775 (RepairPal)
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $9,017 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 3 (concerns over backup camera and powertrain)
 

2023 Nissan Sentra

The 2023 Nissan Sentra might seem appealing to budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable, compact sedan. However, reported problems with the brakes, climate control, paint, noise, and leaks affect the overall ownership experience. The Sentra’s halogen headlights also provide weak illumination, compromising safety in low-light conditions.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $500 (RepairPal)
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $5,441 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 0
 

2023 Lincoln Aviator

Despite offering a comfortable ride and quiet cabin, 2023 Lincoln Aviator owners and lessees have reported issues with the climate control, steering, suspension, electronics, and infotainment systems.

There have also been several recalls related to seat belts, backup cameras, powertrain problems, and seat belts that may detach while driving. These issues and high maintenance costs make the 2023 Lincoln Aviator a vehicle to approach with caution. 

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $879 (RepairPal)
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $11,691 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 4
 

2023 Hyundai Kona Electric

The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric is an affordable EV under $50,000, offering a pleasant driving experience, practicality, and good fuel efficiency. However, it’s been listed as one of the most unreliable cars in 2023 due to various issues with its battery pack, charging, electric drive system, climate control, and in-car electronics. These problems have caused headaches for current owners, affecting the vehicle’s overall reliability.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $468 (RepairPal)
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $7,871 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 0
 

2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid

The 2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid is a powerful truck with excellent towing capabilities and a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. However, owners have reported issues with the electrical system, power equipment, drive system, noises, and leaks. They also say the ride quality is stiff, and the handling is clumsy, making it less comfortable than its competitors.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $775 (RepairPal)
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $10,245 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 0
 

2023 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai’s 2023 Elantra offers a fun driving experience with quick acceleration and agile handling, making it attractive for budget-conscious buyers due to its affordability. However, it has encountered a few reliability issues, including problems with the brakes, climate control, paint and trim, and various leaks.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $468 (RepairPal)
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $5,880 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 1 (airbag cover)
 

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

While the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is popular among families seeking outdoor adventures, certain safety concerns outweigh its 6,000-pound towing capacity. Owners and lessees report problems with the transmission, off-road capabilities, power loss, cracked windshields, and even exploding sunroofs.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $500 (RepairPal)
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $7,558 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 1 (broken welds on seats)
 

2023 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Kia Sorento is an appealing option for those seeking a mid-sized crossover without breaking the bank. Its affordable price tag and range of options make it a great value proposition.

However, while the Sorento offers a comfortable ride, nimble handling, and a roomy cabin, owners have reported various issues that raise concerns. The most common problems include malfunctioning brakes, climate control issues, excessive noise, and leaks. Additionally, the halogen headlights on the Sorento provide feeble illumination, compromising visibility and safety.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $474 (RepairPal)
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $7,953 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 1 (trailer hitch harness defect that could cause fires)
 

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Chrysler’s Pacifica Hybrid offers the convenience of a minivan with the added benefit of being a plug-in hybrid. While it boasts impressive fuel efficiency and more power than its conventional counterpart, one common complaint among owners is the squish brake pedal.

Although it doesn’t affect the stopping power of the van, it can be disconcerting for drivers. There have also been reports of a defective wiring harness inside the transmission, which could cause electrical shorts and engine shutdowns. While this issue isn’t widespread, it’s worth considering before making a purchase.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $608 (RepairPal)
• Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $10,629 (CarEdge)
• Recalls: 1 (electrical short causing engine shutdown)
 

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is an electric utility vehicle that aims to provide a comfortable and eco-friendly driving experience. While it offers improvements over its predecessor, the original Bolt, it still faces reliability challenges that potential buyers should know.

For example, Consumer Reports has found that the Bolt EUV offers a more comfortable ride than the Bolt. However, some say the vehicle exhibits some corner roll, which can be problematic for drivers. While this issue doesn’t compromise the car’s overall reliability, it’s an important factor to consider. 

There have also been reports of issues with the electric motor, a critical vehicle component.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: $649 (RepairPal)
• Recalls: 1 (faulty seatbelts could cause fires)

Do You Think You Have a Lemon?

Lemon laws are designed to protect consumers and offer compensation or a replacement vehicle if your car needs multiple repairs for the same issue.

Norman Taylor & Associates is a top lemon law firm that can help you navigate this complex area. Our experienced attorneys specialize in consumer protection and can guide you through the lemon law process.

If you think you might have bought or leased a lemon, even if it was brand new, call 818-244-3905 or contact Norman Taylor & Associates for a free consultation.