When it comes to cars, reliability and the number of breakdowns they have are key aspects to consider. Nobody wants their car to spend more time in the garage than on the road. In this article, we will analyze which car brands have the most technical problems according to various studies, and also which vehicle components tend to fail most frequently. This will allow you to make more informed decisions if you are thinking of buying a new or second-hand car.
These studies come from sources such as the consulting firm JD Power, the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), and other specialized automotive media. The information collected comes from both technical analysis and surveys carried out on thousands of drivers in Spain and Europe. Get ready to find out which brands and models you should avoid if you don't want to spend too much time in the garage.
Studies on reliability and factory problems
One of the most comprehensive studies on car reliability is carried out by the consulting firm JD Power, which evaluates the brands with the most problems per 100 vehicles. In its 2024 report, Lexus, Toyota and Buick lead the list of brands with the fewest problems, while Tesla, Chrysler and Audi are the ones that report the most problems. This report, with more than 35 years of history, analyzes up to 184 problematic aspects in vehicles, from mechanical issues to technology failures.
It is interesting to see how the number of problems has increased in recent years: in 2024, the industry average was 190 problems per 100 vehicles, which is an increase compared to previous years. The most frequent problems have to do with the increasing complexity of infotainment systems, connectivity with systems such as Android Auto y Apple CarPlay, and voice recognition.
Brands that stand out for their problems
Studying JD Power It shows that Japanese brands such as Lexus and Toyota continue to dominate when it comes to reliability, but some European and American brands such as Tesla and Chrysler are still lagging behind. In fact, models such as those from Tesla have presented serious problems for years, even though their popularity continues to grow. Another interesting fact is that electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are more prone to problems than traditional internal combustion engines.
Most common faults
In terms of specific failures, the JD Power report and other studies indicate that the most common ones are related to infotainment systems, which include touch screens, connectivity systems and voice commands. Problems are also identified with driver assistance systems, such as proximity sensors and collision alerts, which users find annoying and intrusive.
The OCU also has its say
Another key report to understand the reliability of cars is provided by the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), which surveys drivers from several European countries, including Spain, France and Italy. This report analyses not only the breakdowns that cars have, but also how they age and how their performance changes over time.
In its latest study, the OCU reveals that the least reliable brands are Tesla, Alfa Romeo y Land Rover. According to this report, almost 17% of vehicle breakdowns are related to electrical problems such as batteries, fuses and central locking. Brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet y Citroën top the list of cars with the most problems in this regard, while the braking system is another relevant problem, mainly affecting brands such as Fiat, Opel and again Citroën.
The worst brands according to different studies
Both the OCU and JD Power studies make it clear that there are some brands that stand out negatively year after year. For example, Tesla, which ranked last in reliability according to both studies, is known for having electronic and battery problems, which is paradoxical for a brand that relies so much on technology.
On the other hand, Alfa Romeo y Land Rover Alfa Romeo also often appear on lists of the least reliable brands. Although both brands have a great reputation for design and performance, mechanical and electrical problems are too many to ignore. It is common for Alfa Romeo drivers to face engine and steering system failures on a regular basis, while problems with the Land Rover They are usually related to electronics and suspension.
Brands that call for the most revision
In 2023, the brands with the most recalls in the European Union were Mercedes, Opel y Peugeot Mercedes, a brand traditionally known for its luxury and quality, has been the one issuing the most recalls, mainly due to software problems, electronic failures and safety-related issues with its vehicles. In total, Mercedes issued 47 recalls in 2023, although the number is slightly lower than in 2022.
On the other hand, Opel, a brand part of the Stellantis group, had 43 alerts due to problems in models such as the Astra and the Corsa, mainly in steering systems. Peugeot also joins the group with 29 alerts, mainly related to software failures in its hybrid and electric cars.
Which components fail most?
It is important to understand which components are most likely to fail in cars. According to the study by Remotor, a car parts distributor, electrical faults account for 20% of repairs in workshops. This includes problems with batteries, fuses, central locking systems and window regulators. The brands that suffer most from these problems are Renault, Alfa Romeo y SEAT.
Another important aspect is the natural wear and tear of some key components, such as brake systems, which account for 15% of breakdowns. Defective brakes are particularly common in models of Citroën, Fiat y Opel. As for the engine, it is responsible for 10% of breakdowns, especially in cars. Volkswagen, Peugeot y Alfa Romeo.
Tips to avoid problems
To reduce the likelihood of failure, it is important to choose brands that have a good track record of reliability. Brands such as Lexus, Toyota y Subaru have proven to be the most reliable, while at the other end of the spectrum, brands such as Alfa Romeo y Land Rover continue to give their owners headaches.
On the other hand, carrying out adequate preventive maintenance is key to prolonging the life of any car. A good tip is to always use quality parts and follow the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid problems that may become more complicated and costly in the future.
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