YONKERS: For the first time ever, the Japanese brand Mazda ranks at the top of the latest Annual Auto Reliability Survey from Consumer Reports (CR)’s reliability list.
Historically, that top spot has been held by its much larger competitor Toyota and Lexus.
The key to Mazda’s success is that it redesigns models conservatively—and has avoided introducing risky new powertrains and infotainment systems. The entire lineup benefits from many shared platforms and components, with only modest changes during redesigns.
Toyota and Lexus came in second and third respectively for reliability, continuing their long record of building some of the industry’s most reliable vehicles.
All Toyota models have average or better reliability. The popular RAV4 SUV is just average, with some minor transmission problems and other issues. Lexus’ rating was marred by the premium LS sedan’s much-below-average reliability. All other Lexus models have outstanding reliability.
But Ford and Lincoln struggled with the introduction of new SUVs, and Tesla remained near the bottom of the new car brand rankings with subpar reliability for three of its four models.
Closely-watched Tesla now sits second from the bottom among all 26 ranked brands. It was pulled lower by the newly-introduced Model Y SUV, which has well below average reliability and thus cannot be Recommended by CR.
The Model Y had some build quality issues with body hardware and paint. Many owners reported misaligned body panels that had to be fixed and mismatched paint. One owner reported dust, debris, and even human hair stuck in the paint.
Only the Model 3 sedan is reliable and CR-Recommended. Tesla’s S dropped to below average reliability and is no longer Recommended, and the Model X remains subpar.
Lincoln ranked in last place, dragged down by its SUV-focused model line, especially the new Aviator and Corsair.
"A car might be great to drive and have all the features you want, but all that won't matter to you much if you have to keep going back to the dealer for repairs,” said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports. “We use extensive feedback from owners to help you avoid hassles by choosing a reliable car."
The 2020 Auto Reliability Surveys, which rank among the largest surveys of their kind in the US, are based on data collected from CR members about their experiences with more than 300,000 vehicles.
