When it comes to buying a vehicle, reliability isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. No one wants to deal with frequent repairs, unexpected costs, or frustrating tech failures. That’s why dependability rankings have become one of the most trusted indicators for car buyers, whether you’re shopping new or used.
In this article, you’ll discover the most reliable car brands of 2025, based on real-world ownership data. We’ll show you which automakers are delivering the fewest problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), how this year’s results compare to 2024, and what’s behind the trends—especially when it comes to infotainment, electric vehicles, and driver assistance features.
By the end, you’ll have a clear view of which brands you can trust for the long haul—and which ones might let you down.
2025 Reliability Rankings – Complete List
Below is a snapshot of the most and least reliable car brands of 2025, ranked by the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100). A lower score means fewer issues and better long-term dependability.
We’ve also included 2024’s scores so you can easily see which brands improved—and which ones slipped.
| Rank | Brand | PP100 (2025) | PP100 (2024) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Lexus | 140 | 135 | 5 |
| 1 | Buick | 143 | 149 | -6 |
| 2 | Mazda | 161 | 185 | -24 |
| 3 | Toyota | 162 | 147 | 15 |
| 4 | Cadillac | 169 | 196 | -27 |
| 5 | Chevrolet | 169 | 174 | -5 |
| 6 | MINI | 174 | 174 | 0 |
| 7 | Porsche | 186 | 175 | 11 |
| 8 | BMW | 189 | 190 | -1 |
| 9 | Kia | 190 | 187 | 3 |
| 10 | Honda | 201 | 206 | -5 |
| 11 | GMC | 181 | 206 | -25 |
| 12 | Hyundai | 222 | 198 | 24 |
| 13 | Ram | 242 | 201 | 41 |
| 14 | Infiniti | 219 | 219 | 0 |
| 15 | Alfa Romeo | 211 | 211 | 0 |
| 16 | Subaru | 212 | 198 | 14 |
| 17 | Genesis | 213 | 200 | 13 |
| 18 | Nissan | 215 | 199 | 16 |
| 19 | Lincoln | 221 | 251 | -30 |
| 20 | Ford | 208 | 239 | -31 |
| 21 | Volvo | 242 | 245 | -3 |
| 22 | Mercedes-Benz | 244 | 218 | 26 |
| 23 | Acura | 249 | 216 | 33 |
| 24 | Mitsubishi | 256 | 256 | 0 |
| 25 | Land Rover | 270 | 268 | 2 |
| 26 | Audi | 273 | 275 | -2 |
| 27 | Jeep | 275 | 190 | 85 |
| 28 | Chrysler | 282 | 310 | -28 |
| 29 | Volkswagen | 285 | 267 | 18 |
| 30 | Tesla | 209 | 252 | -43 |
Top 4 Most Reliable Car Brands in 2025
These four automakers stand out in 2025 for delivering the fewest problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Whether luxury or mass-market, they’ve earned their spots by consistently outperforming the competition in dependability.
1. Lexus – Still the Gold Standard
- Score: 140 PP100
- Change from 2024: +5 (slightly more problems, but still the most reliable overall)
- Lexus continues its long-standing dominance in reliability, leading all brands again in 2025. Owners report very few issues, especially with mechanical systems and build quality.
2. Buick – Best in Mass-Market Again
- Score: 143 PP100
- Change from 2024: −6 (fewer problems this year)
- Buick not only holds the top spot among mass-market brands but also improved over last year. Its simplified tech features and strong build quality contribute to fewer headaches for drivers.
3. Mazda and Toyota – Steady Dependability
- Mazda Score: 161 PP100 | Change: −24
- Toyota Score: 162 PP100 | Change: +15
- Mazda made one of the biggest gains in 2025, proving its commitment to long-term value. Toyota remains solid as always, though it saw a slight uptick in reported issues.
4. Cadillac, Chevrolet, and MINI – Surprising Climbs
- Cadillac Score: 169 PP100 | Change: −27
- Chevrolet Score: 169 PP100 | Change: −5
- MINI Score: 174 PP100 | No change from 2024
- Cadillac saw the biggest year-over-year improvement of all brands. Chevy and MINI also stayed ahead of the industry average, keeping ownership trouble to a minimum.
What Affects Vehicle Dependability in 2025?
As cars become more advanced, the factors that influence reliability continue to shift. It’s no longer just about engines and transmissions—technology, software, and user experience now play a bigger role than ever.
Infotainment Systems Still a Top Pain Point
- Infotainment systems remain the most problematic area in modern vehicles.
- Owners frequently report issues with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in voice recognition.
- These problems often stem from software bugs, connectivity glitches, and poor user interface design.
EVs and Plug-In Hybrids Lag in Reliability
- Fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles still report more issues than gas-powered cars.
- EVs have an average of 256 PP100, while hybrids fare slightly better.
- Common complaints include charging system malfunctions, battery performance, and tire wear.
Tech Features like Driver Assistance Causing Issues
- Lane-keeping systems, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control are popular—but not always dependable.
- Many users experience false alerts, sensor malfunctions, or find the systems too sensitive.
Note: 39% of EV owners had to replace their tires within the last year—often due to higher curb weight and instant torque putting extra stress on tire wear.
Conclusion: What 2025’s Rankings Mean for You
If you’re looking for a car that won’t let you down, Lexus, Buick, Mazda, and Toyota continue to lead the way in reliability. These brands have proven their ability to deliver fewer problems, better build quality, and long-term peace of mind.
At the same time, this year’s results highlight growing challenges with in-car technology, driver assistance features, and electric vehicle maintenance. It’s a reminder that dependability isn’t just about what’s under the hood—it’s also about how the tech holds up over time.
Before you buy your next car, take a moment to look beyond the badge. Check the numbers, compare past trends, and choose a brand that aligns with your expectations for reliability, comfort, and ease of ownership.
