Toyota Tops, FCA and GM Flop in Consumer Reports 2017 Reliability Survey

Consumer Reports released its annual reliability survey at an Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit this afternoon. As in years past, the narrative is shockingly familiar.

Per usual, Toyota and Lexus are, respectively, in first and second place, with the best projected reliability in the business. Meanwhile, several GM and FCA brands languish at the bottom, a disappointing finish for Detroit.

A continuing trend, infotainment systems and advanced transmissions are still causing plenty of headaches for automakers. But despite these well-publicized issues, there are more than a few interesting tidbits to glean from this.

“We’re talking about things gone wrong,” explained Jake Fisher, director of auto testing at Consumer Reports. This survey does not cover usability issues like distracting infotainment systems, uncomfortable seats or problems per 100 vehicles. “To us, that doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

The independent watchdog group has made predictions for all major vehicles that are on sale today, even ones that launched recently. “The Atlas is a new vehicle from Volkswagen,” noted Fisher. “Their record for introducing vehicles has been below average,” which is part of the reason why this fresh-faced three-row crossover is projected to have below-average reliability.

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Similarly, Consumer Reports predicts the new Tesla Model 3 will better that, earning an average reliability rating. Despite having no specific data for it, they’re basing this claim on the performance of the Tesla Model S sedan, which, despite having early issues, is now rated above average. The two cars share much of the same technology.

Michael Karesh, developer of TrueDelta.com, a rival vehicle-quality rating service said there were “no surprises in what [Consumer Reports] presented,” with one exception: the Tesla Model S’s rating. “It’s never been as good in my stats as it has been in theirs, and that continues to be a difference.”

Toyota and Lexus dominating a reliability study is like the United States beating all other countries in deficit spending; it’s kind of a given.

But nipping on their heels is Kia, which landed in third place, a first for the brand. Fisher noted this is likely because Hyundai, its corporate sibling, introduces new models and technologies first. This gives them a chance to iron out any kinks before sharing with Kia.

But perhaps the biggest news is Chrysler’s performance. It jumped 10 spots to 17th place. “I was pleasantly surprised by the Pacifica,” said Fisher, which is projected to have average reliability. “We didn’t expect the car out of the gate, a new platform from Chrysler that would be average. I was surprised and kind of excited for them,” he added.

To be fair, the Chrysler brand only offers two vehicles, but still, Fisher attributes this striking improvement to a new product-development process. “You look at what they’ve done before [it’s] like, ‘OK, here’s this Fiat, turn it into a Chrysler 200. [Here are these] old Mercedes parts – that weren’t reliable to start with – make your Chrysler 300.’” Now they’ve started with a clean sheet and did it right. Given the Pacifica’s strong first-year performance, it’s likely this nameplate will continue to improve in coming years. “It’s good to know that they have that capability,” Fisher added.

Jeep has made some incremental improvements, finally addressing issues with the Cherokee’s recalcitrant nine-speed automatic transmission, though its Renegade and Grand Cherokee models are still projected to have below-average reliability.

Surprisingly, Acura tumbled seven positions, landing in 19th place. Since it’s Japanese and part of Honda, “[People think] it must be reliable,” said Fisher. “No, no, not at all.”

It’s a similar story at Mazda, which dropped six spots to 12th. Its CX-9 utility vehicle has been especially problem prone.

European OEMs remained relatively stable. Audi once again landed in fourth place, while all of BMW’s offerings have average or better reliability. The redesigned Mercedes-Benz E-Class also offers better-than-average reliability after its first year on the market.

But bucking this trend is a certain Swedish firm. The Volvo XC90 crossover is the third-least reliable model in this survey. Finishing just ahead of the Tesla Model X and the Cadillac Escalade, which tied for last place. “[They have] so much equipment, so many gadgets, so much to go wrong,” said Fisher.

Volvo, Dodge, Ram, GMC, and Cadillac are the five least reliable brands, but on the flipside, the Kia Niro hybrid crossover had the fewest problems.

The overall theme of this year’s reliability survey is steady as she goes. The number of reported issues has remained relatively stable, but Fisher said, “The nature of the problems are changing.” Drivers are facing fewer rust, suspension and engine woes, but transmission and infotainment glitches remain top concerns.