The Least Reliable Car Brand In 2025 According To Consumer Reports

Those looking to buy a new car in the coming year should be wary, as some popular brands may not be worth your money. A recent Consumer Reports video outlined the five car brands most plagued by reliability issues in 2025. While well-known brands like Jeep, which Consumer Reports has criticized in the past, made the list, a newer company seems to have even bigger problems right now: Rivian came in as Consumer Reports' least reliable car brand of the year, and was the only company that exclusively manufactures electric vehicles (EVs) to be featured in the roundup.

As a company, Rivian has been an exciting new addition to the world of EVs. Making compact trucks aimed at off-road performance, the company has a clearly nature-centered identity and has been working to create a cleaner, better car. The company's pickup truck, the R1T, has hit hiccups in 2025, falling short of Consumer Reports' must-meet reliability metrics. While the R1S, the company's SUV, has been relatively well received, it too has dealt with recalls and electronic issues enough for Consumer Reports to call them out. This reputation could hurt the young American manufacturer, as eco-minded customers may opt for cheaper, more reliable hybrid vehicles.

In Consumer Reports' list of unreliable brands, issues with the compact trucks range from charging to internal electronics, including the climate system. In some reported cases, the R1T even required a complete replacement of the EV battery pack. Additionally, the R1S has seen recalls for loss of power to its full electrical system, including drive power, as well as for faulty turn signals and its collision-sensing system. All of these issues inform why the brand scored just 14 points out of 100 in Consumer Reports' annual roundup of reliable vehicle manufacturers.

The good news is Rivian owners who encounter issues early on may not need to pay for potential repairs out of pocket. The warranty on the company's new vehicles ranges from four years or 50,000 miles to 8 years or 175,000 miles. This guarantee for its products — combined with a smooth and intuitive driving experience — may inform why many Rivian owners also told Consumer Reports they would still buy a Rivian again despite the potential issues. Even so, if you're in the market for a larger vehicle, other compact trucks hold great resale value and are made by brands known for their reliability.