[volkman10]

Hybrids have emerged as the most reliable vehicle type in the US, according to a recent survey by Consumer Reports, beating out Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), with Toyota once again emerging as the most reliable carmaker in the study.

Consumer Reports, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization gathered data over the last 12 months for over 300,000 vehicles, produced between 2000 to 2022.
The comprehensive survey ranks vehicles across 17 problem areas including engine, transmission, and in-car electronics – from minor issues like squeaky brakes to major problems like engine/transmission rebuilds.

These reports are which are then weighed for severity and combined Consumer Reports’ internal testing data and owner satisfaction survey results to create a predicted reliability score for each vehicle, from 1 to 100.

Jake Fisher, Senior Director of automotive testing at Consumer Reports added, “With today's inflated car prices, people are keeping their vehicles longer than ever. A hybrid can provide years of trouble-free miles, and they are a good defense against rising fuel prices.”

In 2022, hybrid vehicles far outranked BEVs, which finished only marginally higher in reliability than gas-guzzling large pickups.

Consumer Reports concluded that EV market leaders Tesla Motors continues to have issues with body hardware, steering and suspension, paint and trim and climate systems. The survey also reported that whilst the Model 3 has average reliability, the Model S, Y, and X are below average.

Other issues with BEVs include charging issues, battery problems and electric drive motor issues.

"In previous years, EVs have had high rates of problems with infotainment system display screens and other in-car electronics, just as many conventional models do. This year, issues with those systems remain, while problems specifically with EV-related components are now being reported.

Plug-in hybrids also score lower than their hybrid counterparts, according to Consumer Reports, something even Toyota is not immune to. For instance, the Toyota Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime, both PHEVs scored lower than the Toyota Prius and RAV4 Hybrid respectively.

The highest-scoring hybrids this year include the Lexus NX, Ford Maverick, followed by the Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Hybrids Have Few Problems

We received more data on hybrids in this year’s survey than in past years. It revealed that most hybrids have reliability that is as good as or better than their non-hybrid counterparts.

Some owners of the regular 2022 Ford Escape SUV reported braking problems, but we received zero reports of these issues from owners of the hybrid version. Similarly, owners of the non-hybrid 2021 Escape reported that the eight-speed automatic transmission had rough shifts and would slip (not stay in gear), while Escape Hybrid owners reported no problems with its continuously variable transmission.

Hybrids’ appeal extends beyond reliability. “They’re more fuel-efficient, and can be less expensive, than their non-hybrid cousins,”

Problematic Plug-Ins

Now that more (as well as less-expensive) EV models are being introduced and selling in greater numbers, more respondents are reporting problems with EV-specific systems, including the battery packs, charging systems, and drive motors.

These problems are seen across multiple EVs, including the Chevrolet Bolt, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Volkswagen ID.4, which all have below-average reliability.

“In previous years, EVs have had high rates of problems with infotainment system display screens and other in-car electronics, just as many conventional models do,” Fisher says. “This year, issues with those systems remain, while problems specifically with EV-related components are now being reported.”

Plug-in hybrids had similar issues. Both the Toyota Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime have lower reliability scores than their hybrid and, in the case of the RAV4, conventional siblings. And the plug-in Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is one of the least reliable vehicles in the survey.

Besides offering the most reliable hybrid vehicle, Toyota and Lexus also topped the reliability survey as the most reliable carmaker, in first and second place overall, followed by BMW in third.


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[volkman10]

Toyota and Lexus top reliability charts, yet again.

these models are the 10 most reliable cars today. We predict that they will give owners fewer problems than their competitors based on data collected on more than 300,000 vehicles.

In 2022, hybrid cars and midsize and large sedans were scored as the most reliable, with 7 out of the top 10 coming from Asian manufacturers. The following are the Top 10 most reliable carmakers according to Consumer Reports:



Toyota:
Toyota Corolla Hybrid is the most reliable model in its report. Other Toyota models like the Corolla Cross, Prius, and the traditional gas-powered Corolla feature high predicted reliability, while the RAV4 Prime’s fueling issues dropped it down a notch.

On the other hand, the Tundra is the least reliable Toyota model, primarily “due to leaks and problems with body hardware, paint, and trim

Lexus:
Lexus models consistently exhibit high levels of reliability. The Lexus GX is the automaker’s most reliable offering thanks to its consistent quality, that’s changed little since 2010. Although it lacks the GX’s consistency, the newly redesigned Lexus NX Hybrid is “outstanding,” according to Consumer Reports.

BMW:
All BMW models rank average or better. The 3- and 4-series models rose to above-average reliability from last year. However, the X3, X5, X7, and 5-series models hold an average rank, held back by issues with display screen electronics and climate control systems.

Honda:
Most Honda models received above-average reliability rankings, including the Passport, Accord, Accord Hybrid, and Civic. The top Honda entrants ranked just above the Odyssey and Ridgeline as problems with display screen electronics reportedly held these models back.



Overall, the makes and models that received the highest rankings had the fewest complaints regarding reliability, and the repair costs remained low.

Source:

Toyota's Reliability Secrets REVEALED:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E793WS72aU&t=21s

[Jeroen]

We have a lot of threads where many members claim that simplicity (I.e. old technology) is more reliable than the complex new stuff, especially when electronics get involved.

Hybrids are the most complex cars to date, as they need to combine a ICE with e-motor and all the associated electronics. Lot more complexity and many more components than either a pure ICE or EV.

Good to see that what I have always been saying (I am getting blue in the face actually) that complexity and reliability are not each other’s opposite at all. It all depends on how each component was designed and manufactured and assembled.

Jeroen