Should drivers consider this car brand based on J.D. Power’s findings?
Review of the sportiest SUV, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan Turbo
Volkswagen’s Tiguan Turbo offers more power than any other compact SUV on the market.
- Volkswagen will be the least reliable car brand in 2026, according to a study by JD Power.
- The study measured problems for every 100 cars among the original owners of cars that were three years old.
- The same study ranked Lexus, Buick, and Mini as the most trusted brands.
Reliability is a big factor for many drivers when purchasing a car.
An unreliable car can lead to costly trips to the repair shop and serious accidents on the road. While there are many popular automakers that produce reliable cars, trucks, and SUVs, some companies fall short when it comes to reliability.
J.D. Power said the least trusted car brand is German. Here’s what drivers need to know:
What are the least reliable car brands in 2026?
JD Power conducted a 2026 U.S. Vehicle Reliability Study to identify the car brands with the most problems per 100 vehicles. “Long-term ownership experience is more important than ever as owners keep their cars longer,” said Jason Norton, Director of Automotive Benchmarking at J.D. Power.
The vehicle reliability study aims to help automakers and suppliers “understand the specific factors that influence owner satisfaction with long-term vehicle quality by identifying problems experienced by original owners of vehicles from three years ago.”
The study found that Volkswagen had the most problems per 100 vehicles. This brand has been more problematic for owners than some other car brands, including Volvo, Land Rover, Jeep, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and others. Lexus, Buick and Mini had the fewest problems per 100 vehicles, according to the study.
Is Volkswagen a reliable car brand?
Consumer Reports ranks Volkswagen 16th out of 26 automakers for new car reliability. According to Consumer Reports, Rivian produces some of the least reliable new cars.
Volkswagen “generally lags behind car brands such as Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford in overall reliability and durability,” says car research site CarGurus. This German automaker may not consistently be the least reliable car brand, but it’s not even in the top five (or even top ten) of most reliable car brands based on research, rankings, and review sites.
Should you buy a Volkswagen in 2026?
Volkswagen produces some attractive products across its portfolio in several competitive segments. The Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Hatchback ($34,590) has been named Motor Trend’s 2026 Car of the Year. It has a turbocharged engine, good handling, and plenty of cargo space.
The German automaker also makes affordable SUV models like the subcompact Taos, which starts at $26,500. The Taos is often praised by critics for its interior design and styling.
Volkswagen’s Tiguan is one of the company’s best-selling SUVs. Prices start at $30,805, and there’s plenty of cabin space. This SUV also feels premium despite its affordable starting price, with upper trims offering better technology and more comfort.
How to find reliable new and used cars
The search for a reliable new or used car will vary from car buyer to car buyer, but a good way to start is by using a portfolio of trusted car brands as a starting point, then narrowing your search based on your lifestyle.
For example, if you’re in the market for a new car, Chevrolet is one of the most reliable mainstream car brands, based on JD Power’s Vehicle Reliability Study. Chevrolet manufactures trucks and SUVs in a variety of sizes, depending on your needs.
Once you’ve selected your favorite car from a trusted car brand, you can research the nameplate in databases like CarComplaints.com to see what issues owners are facing.
There’s no surefire way to completely avoid car problems, but choosing a trusted car brand and a car known for its reliability may help you avoid future repair headaches.
