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8 of the Least Reliable SUVs on the Market Today: What Shoppers Can—and Can’t—Verify

A current source mentions the least-reliable new SUVs of 2026 but does not identify them. Here’s what the available dependability figures mean—and how to check a specific SUV.
Entry518 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team

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There is no defensible, verified list of eight least-reliable SUVs in the available current evidence, so naming models to avoid would risk misleading you. Consumer Reports published a video about its 2026 least-reliable new SUVs on December 19, 2025, but the accessible listing does not identify the vehicles. The reliable takeaway is narrower: current dependability figures describe particular study samples and years, not every SUV on sale or the future of an individual vehicle.

Why this “eight SUVs” list cannot be verified

A useful least-reliable-SUV ranking needs to identify its vehicles, model years, whether it covers new or used SUVs, and the data and period behind the ranking. The accessible Consumer Reports listing for its 2026 least-reliable-new-SUV video says the analysis draws on member data covering more than 380,000 vehicles, but does not disclose the SUV names or a model-by-model breakdown. Without those details, there is no sound basis to reproduce an eight-vehicle list or tell readers to avoid particular models.

Reliability ratings also are not promises that a particular SUV will—or will not—break down. They summarize reported problems within a defined survey or study, population and time period. A ranking without those qualifications can blur together different model years, redesigns, trims and powertrains.

What the latest broad dependability figures do show

J.D. Power’s 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study reports an industry average of 204 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) after three years of ownership. The study is based on owners of 2023 model-year vehicles; fieldwork ran from December 2024 through November 2025 and covered 184 problem areas across nine categories. PP100 is a reported-problem measure, not a percentage of vehicles that failed. J.D. Power’s study announcement describes the methodology and results.

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#1 Best Overall
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J.D. Power also reports different averages by powertrain. Lower PP100 indicates higher dependability in this study. These are category averages across vehicles, not a ranking of SUV models:

Powertrain category 2026 J.D. Power result
Plug-in hybrid 281 PP100
Battery electric 237 PP100
Hybrid 213 PP100
Gas-powered 198 PP100

The figures show more reported problems on average for plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles than for gas-powered vehicles in this study. They do not establish that any particular SUV—or every vehicle with one of those powertrains—is unreliable. J.D. Power’s 2026 study results are the basis for these category averages.

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Do not mistake an award list for a list of SUVs to avoid

J.D. Power’s 2026 study names model-level award recipients, including the Toyota 4Runner, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Tahoe. Those are award results, not evidence that those SUVs are among the least reliable. A model appearing in a dependability award list cannot be turned into a negative ranking by reversing the claim. See the study announcement for the named recipients and context.

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How to check an SUV you are considering

Look up open recalls by VIN

For a specific vehicle, use the VIN in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall lookup. NHTSA says the VIN search shows unrepaired recalls that apply to that vehicle. A recall is a safety action, not a reliability score, so treat it as a separate check. Search NHTSA recalls.

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Interpret complaints carefully

NHTSA reviews complaints alongside other information; it does not use a fixed complaint count that automatically opens an investigation. Raw complaint totals therefore should not be treated as a failure rate or a stand-alone reliability ranking. NHTSA explains its process on its recalls and investigations information page.

Match reliability evidence to the exact vehicle

When you find a model-specific rating, check that it applies to the SUV’s model year and generation, and note whether it measures observed owner reports or predicted reliability. Check for differences by powertrain or trim, the study period and the problem categories counted. A score for one year or configuration may not describe another.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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