Top Ten Least Reliable Cars of 2024
Each year, several automotive experts examine newly released vehicles, testing them on the roadways and assessing their overall reliability. Here, we examine the ten vehicles with the lowest overall reliability ratings. Many of these vehicles are the subject of at least one recall issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). All are the subject of at least one complaint received by the NHTSA.
Whether you own one of these vehicles or another unreliable vehicle, it’s wise to speak to an experienced California lemon law attorney. A lawyer who specializes in lemon law can advise you of your rights and help you fight for the compensation you deserve - and it may cost you little or nothing out of pocket.
Vehicles are getting less reliable
Vehicle reliability has decreased in recent years, according to J.D. Power & Associates. Today’s vehicle owners experience less reliability after three years of ownership than owners of older models.
According to J.D. Power’s research, the rate of vehicle issues appearing between ninety days and three years of ownership is up to 17 percent ー five percentage points higher than 2023’s rate of 12 percent.
“A deterioration of vehicle dependability is unusual,” notes Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. Hanley notes that the production of these vehicles during the pandemic may have affected their overall quality. He also notes that the average age of US vehicles today is 12 years, which demonstrates the value of automakers’ attention to quality and dependability.
Cadillac Lyriq
Cadillac’s first offering in the luxury electric SUV market receives a J.D. Power Reliability Score of 60/100. The vehicle struggled to access Apple CarPlay in reviews, failing to alert drivers to oncoming exits. Coupled with Apple CarPlay, the vehicle’s SuperCruise system may also fail to respond to commands like staying in its lane or slowing down to follow slower traffic instead of passing other cars.
The NHTSA has issued three recalls for the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq. One recall addresses insufficient wire insulation in the electric motor, which can cause power loss. Another identifies an improperly welded seat belt bracket. The third recall, issued in August 2024, focuses on situations in which the anti-lock braking system may activate unexpectedly, causing a sudden release of brake pressure that can result in a crash.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E received a Reliability Score of 69/100 from J.D. Power, pushing it under the organization’s threshold for acceptable reliability in a vehicle. U.S. News and World Report described the vehicle as having “touchy brakes,” making smooth stops difficult to execute. The magazine ranked the vehicle “below average” for overall value, based on the total cost of ownership.
To date, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has not been the subject of any NHTSA-issued recalls. However, the NHTSA has launched an investigation related to consumer complaints. The investigation focuses on collisions involving Ford BlueCruise, the vehicle’s assisted driving system. In two separate instances, a vehicle using the system collided with a stationary vehicle in a travel lane on a freeway.
Issues listed by J.D. Power include:
A reliability Score of 69/100 from J.D. Power
Below the threshold for what J.D. Power considers reliable
Ranked “below average” for overall value
Described by U.S. News and World Report as having “touchy brakes”
Mazda CX-50
The NHTSA has received several complaints from Mazda CX-50 owners. They include reports of water seeping into the vehicle, distracting menu structures in the infotainment system, and issues with the forward collision avoidance system. As of October 2024, no recalls had been issued. However, owners are advised to check for recall information, as this may change. J.D. Power gave the 2024 Mazda CX-50 an overall Reliability Score of 70/100, nothing that the infotainment system is “not particularly user-friendly.”
Volvo XC90
J.D. Power & Associates gave the Volvo XC90 a Reliability Score of 70/100 - barely squeaking into the range that J.D. Power considers “acceptable” for reliability. The 2024 Volvo XC90 has been included in one national recall to date, addressing a rear seatbelt that does not tighten properly.
Polestar 2
The 2024 Polestar 2 received a 64/100 Reliability Score from J.D. Power. A Car and Driver review noted that the vehicle’s acceleration has improved over earlier models. Real-world testing of its freeway driving range, however, fell short of the EPA’s estimates for the vehicle. The review also wished for more supportive seats.
In June 2024, the NHTSA issued a recall for the 2024 Polestar 2 related to issues with the rearview camera image failing to display. Without a rearview camera, drivers’ visibility is decreased, which can raise the risk of a crash. Several complaints have been issued about other problems with the 2024 Polestar 2, but a recall notice for these complaints has not yet appeared.
Tesla Model Y
The 2024 Tesla Model Y received an overall Reliability Score of 70/100 from J.D. Power & Associates for “its inconsistent build quality, lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and complicated infotainment system.”
In 2024, the Tesla Model Y was subject to two recalls. One recall was issued for incorrect font size used on some warning lights, which can make it tough for drivers to understand critical safety information. The other recall addressed software issues in detecting whether the hood was unlatched - an issue that could cause the hood to fly open while the vehicle is in motion, obstructing a driver’s view and causing an accident.
Volkswagen ID.4
The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 received a low 54/100 Reliability Score from J.D. Power. The vehicle is the subject of three national recalls as of October 2024. One national recall notes that the sunshade wasn’t made with fire-retardant material, increasing the risk it will catch fire. Another focuses on an improperly secured airbag inflator on the passenger side, which can cause the airbag to fail during a crash. In September 2024, a third recall was issued affecting 98,806 vehicles, addressing doors that can open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, causing injuries.
Since the September recall was issued, Volkswagen has issued a stop-sale for the ID.4 and halted production until a fix can be found.
A History of Results
Wirtz Law has successfully obtained recoveries for our clients in excess of $70 Million.
$632,141.03
Our client, the Plaintiff, purchased a brand new 2014 Focus for $40,007, including add-ons and financing. Within three days, the transmission began to slip and…
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Our client, the Plaintiff purchased a new 2010 BMW X5, as a premium luxury SUV to enjoy in his retirement and to use for safe…
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The Plaintiffs bought a used 2011 Dodge Durango to be their primary family vehicle, to be used to drive to and from work and shuttle…
What To Do If You’re Stuck With an Unreliable Vehicle in California
According to J.D. Power, the most common reliability issues in 2024 model-year vehicles include problems with infotainment systems, issues with driver assistance system alerts, and problems unique to electric vehicle systems, including batteries and charging systems.
J.D. Power also writes that Toyota remains a highly reliable brand overall. Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota have also demonstrated significant improvement in reliability in recent years. However, as this list demonstrates, any vehicle can have problems. If you have an unreliable vehicle, talk to an experienced California lemon law attorney.
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What can a Lemon Law Attorney do for me?
If your car or truck is experiencing substantial or repeated problems, you need an experienced attorney to handle your case. A lemon law attorney can explain your legal rights and options, gather evidence, and build a case for full, fair compensation. Your attorney will also negotiate on your behalf for the total compensation you deserve - including the payment of your legal fees by the automaker if you win.
Contact Our Lemon Law Attorneys Today
If you are fed up, have had enough, and think your car is a lemon, call us at (858) 259-5009 for a free evaluation. If your vehicle is a lemon we will take your case at no charge to you on a contingency fee basis. Wirtz Law APC provides one of the best Lemon Law attorney service everywhere in California including Southern California, Central California, Eastern California, and Northern California.
Information in this report comes from Car and Driver, Consumer Reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Road and Track, and the US News & World Report.