Reliability is a big factor when it comes to buying a car for many drivers.
An unreliable vehicle can mean expensive trips to the repair shop and accidents on the road. There are plenty of popular automakers that make reliable cars, trucks, and SUVs, but some companies fall short when it comes to dependability.
JD 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 the 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study to determine which car brands have the most problems per 100 vehicles. “As owners keep 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 vehicle manufacturers and suppliers “an understanding of the specific factors that influence owner satisfaction with long-term vehicle quality by identifying problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles.”
The study found Volkswagen had the most problems per 100 vehicles. This brand was more problematic for owners than Volvo, Land Rover, Jeep, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and many other car brands. Based on the results of the study, Lexus, Buick and Mini had the fewest problems per 100 vehicles.
Is Volkswagen a reliable car brand?
Consumer Reports ranked Volkswagen 16th out of 26 automakers for new car reliability. According to Consumer Reports, Rivian produces the least reliable new cars.
Automotive research site CarGurus says that Volkswagen “generally lags behind car brands such as Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and Ford in overall reliability and durability.” The German automaker may not consistently be the least reliable car brand, but it is not in the top five (or top 10) most reliable car brands based on research, rankings, and review sites.
Should you buy a Volkswagen in 2026?
Volkswagen offers many attractive offerings across many competitive segments in its portfolio. 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 ample space for cargo.
The German automaker also makes affordable SUV models like the subcompact Taos, which starts 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. Its price starts at $30,805 and it has ample cabin space. The SUV feels premium despite its affordable starting price and comes in upper trims that offer better technology and more comfort.
How to Find Reliable New and Used Cars
Finding 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 approach 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 various sizes depending on your needs.
Once you’ve chosen the car model you like from a trusted car brand, you can research the nameplate on a database like CarComplaints.com to see what problems owners may have encountered.
There’s no surefire way to avoid car problems altogether, but choosing a reliable car brand and a vehicle known for its dependability can save you future repair headaches.
This article originally appeared on the 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