GM Leads The Unwanted List
Consumer Reports has listed the least reliable new SUVs based on findings gathered from more than 380,000 vehicles reported by car owners. While Ford has faced scrutiny this year after issuing over 140 recalls (and counting), none of its SUV models made the 2026 list, unlike last year, when the Escape Hybrid and Lincoln Corsair were included. This time around, General Motors is the most frequent offender.
In the compact SUV category, CR named the Chevrolet Equinox as the least reliable model, along with its GMC counterpart, the Terrain. According to owner feedback, both models experienced issues with the transmission computer, severe fluid leaks requiring complete transmission removal, and recurring problems with the body control module.
Another GM entry appears in the three-row midsize SUV segment: the GMC Acadia, which earned poor marks due to transmission-related faults, leaks that necessitate gearbox removal, brake issues, and persistent problems with in-car electronics.
One Entry in a Crowded Field
Stellantis landed a single entry on the list with the Jeep Grand Cherokee in the midsize SUV category. Owners cited a range of concerns, including steering and suspension problems, unusual noises, and fluid leaks. The model was also flagged for drive system issues, a problem that mirrors recalls issued earlier this year involving certain 4xe plug-in hybrid units that could unexpectedly lose propulsion while driving.
Rounding out the mass-market portion of the list is the Volkswagen Taos, which was identified as the least reliable subcompact SUV again this year. According to the report, the Taos was plagued by major engine-related problems.
Genesis—which ranked 21st overall in an earlier CR brand reliability ranking—stood out as the only brand with models appearing in the luxury SUV category. The Genesis GV70 luxury compact SUV was reported to have issues involving the fuel pump, drive system, climate control system, and body hardware. Meanwhile, the larger GV80 luxury midsize SUV faced an even broader range of concerns, including problems with the differential, fuel pump, fuel injection system, climate controls, steering, suspension components, and various electrical accessories.
These findings were particularly noteworthy given that Hyundai and Kia, Genesis’ corporate siblings, earned 12th and 10th, respectively, in the brand reliability rankings this year.
A Little Caution Goes a Long Way
Among all-electric SUVs, CR once again pointed to a GM product, naming the Chevrolet Blazer EV as the least reliable model in its class. Reported issues included faults with the EV battery system, climate controls, electrical accessories, in-car electronics, and recurring noises or leaks. One owner even recounted that a “battery sensor detected a fault and disabled the battery system on Thanksgiving.”
With the average price of a new vehicle in the U.S. hovering around $50,000, reports like this can serve as a valuable resource for consumers shopping for their next SUV, especially those hoping to avoid repeated service visits and unexpected breakdowns.
