This Brand Makes the Most Reliable Cars in 2026, According to JD Power
Reliability is a big factor when it comes to buying a multi-driver car.
An unreliable car can mean expensive trips to the repair shop and road accidents. There are plenty of reputable automakers that produce reliable cars, trucks, and SUVs, but some companies fall short when it comes to reliability.
JD Power says the most unreliable car brand is from Germany. Here’s what drivers need to know.
What is the Least Reliable Car Model of 2026?
JD Power conducted a 2026 US car reliability study to find out which car brands have the most problems out of 100 vehicles. “As owners hold on to their vehicles longer, long-term ownership experience is more important than ever,” said Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at JD Power.
The vehicle reliability study is designed to give automakers and suppliers “an understanding of the specific factors that affect owner satisfaction with long-term vehicle quality by identifying problems experienced by first-time owners of 3-year-old vehicles.”
The study found that Volkswagen has the most problems in 100 cars. This product has been more problematic for owners than many other car brands, including Volvo, Land Rover, Jeep, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and others. Lexus, Buick and Mini had the fewest problems out of 100 vehicles according to the survey results.
Is Volkswagen a reliable car brand?
Consumer Reports ranks Volkswagen 16th out of 26 automakers in new car reliability. Rivian produces the most reliable new cars, according to Consumer Reports.
Volkswagen “often lags behind automakers such as Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford in terms of reliability and durability,” says automotive research site CarGurus. The German automaker may not be the least consistently reliable car brand, but it is not on the list of the top five (or top ten) most reliable cars based on research, rating and review sites.
Should You Get a Volkswagen in 2026?
Volkswagen produces several attractive offerings across its portfolio in several competitive segments. 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 a large cargo space.
The German automaker also produces affordable SUV models like the subcompact Taos, which starts at $26,500. The Taos is often praised by reviewers for its interior design and style.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the best-selling SUVs. It starts at $30,805 and has plenty of cabin space. The SUV is also classy despite its starting price and comes with top trims that provide better technology and other creature comforts.
How to Find Reliable New and Used Cars
Searching for a reliable new or used car depends on the car buyer, but using the reliable car brand portfolio as a starting point, and then refining your search based on your lifestyle, is a great way to go.
For example, if you’re in the market for a new car, Chevrolet is one of the most trusted car brands based on the JD Power car reliability survey. Chevy produces trucks and SUVs in different sizes depending on your needs.
Once you’ve chosen a car model you like from a trusted car brand, you can research the nameplate on a website like CarComplaints.com to see what problems owners may be experiencing.
There is no sure way to completely avoid car problems, but choosing a reliable car brand and a car that is known for its reliability may save you from a headache.
This article is from the Nashville Tennessean: This brand makes the most reliable cars for 2026, according to JD Power.
Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY / Nashville Tennessean
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
