Most unreliable cars 2022
These are the UK's worst cars for reliability, based on the results of the latest Honest John Satisfaction Index.
Of the 5,000 owner responses we received for the Honest John Satisfaction Index, this is the true hall of shame – the specific models that have left their owners most dissatisfied. Some of them will be no surprise, but some definitely will. Four premium brands make an appearance. Oh, and there’s not an Alfa Romeo in sight.
We asked owners to assess their vehicle out of 10 across a range of important areas, including comfort, practicality and ownership costs, but the following results relate strictly to how reliable their car has proven.
These are the cars that achieved the worst average scores across the latest Satisfaction Index with a minimum of 20 individual submissions per model. Read on to see which cars have been problematic for owners…
Most unreliable cars
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Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Reliability average score: 8.45
The A-Class is an affordable hatchback that gives Mercedes-Benz ownership to the masses. Sadly, for many drivers, the ownership experience falls short of what's expected. Not only does the A-Class get one of the lowest overall scores in the Satisfaction Index but it also has the worst average score for reliability.
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2014-2021)
Reliability average score: 8.50
The C-Class Estate is a popular premium car but, like the A-Class, the ownership experience falls short of expectation with poor Satisfaction Index scores. Owners gave the C-Class Estate just 8.50 out of 10 for reliability while repair costs were heavily criticised with a disappointing average of just 7.25.
Read our full Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2014 - 2021) review
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Nissan Qashqai (2014-2021)
Reliability average score: 8.58
The Qashqai is the UK's best selling crossover but feedback from owners paints a disappointing picture when it comes to all-important reliability. The Qashqai scores a lowly average of just 8.58 out of 10. Nissan launched an all-new version of the Qashqai in 2021, which will hopefully bring much-needed improvements in reliability.
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Jaguar XF
Reliability average score: 8.72
Owners praise the Jaguar XF for its performance, comfort and ease of use. However, when it comes to reliability and cost of repair, things are less impressive with the XF averaging just 8.72 and 8.22 out of 10 respectively. This sleek Jaguar is also criticised for poor fuel economy, which means the XF ownership is something of an expensive experience.
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Land Rover Discovery Sport
Reliability average score: 8.81
The Discovery Sport is one of Land Rover's best-selling models; however, when it comes to owner satisfaction, drivers say they feel short-changed. The Discovery Sport averages just 8.81 out of 10 for reliability with a long list of build quality concerns and diesel engine problems reported by owners.
Jaguar XF (2008-2015)
Reliability average score: 8.85
No, your eyes do not deceive you, this is indeed a second entry for the Jaguar XF. However, in a strange twist, the older model - sold from 2008 to 2015 - proves to be slightly more reliable than the newer, more expensive XF. That said, the old shape XF gets one of the worst scores for repair costs which means problems are frequent and often expensive to put right.
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Peugeot 3008
Reliability average score: 8.96
When Peugeot reinvented the 3008 as a small SUV in 2017 it was hailed as a major milestone for the French carmaker, with the 3008 introducing new levels of style and quality that were missing from its predecessor. However, things are less impressive when it comes to reliability with the 1.2 PureTech petrol engine being a particular area of concern.
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Skoda Octavia vRS (2013-2020)
Reliability average score: 9.00
Fun, fast and practical, the Skoda Octavia vRS has all of the ingredients for a brilliant family car. Sadly, reliability appears to be missing from the mix with the previous generation Octavia vRS getting an average score of 9.00 out of 10. Skoda launched an all-new model in 2020 and, like the Fiesta, problems appear to be less prevalent.
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Ford Fiesta (2013-2017)
Reliability average score: 9.00
The Ford Fiesta is Britain's best-selling car but the previous-gen model is something of a mixed bag when it comes to reliability. Most complaints centre around the 1.0 EcoBoost engine, which results in the Fiesta getting a reliability average of 9.00 out of 10. Thankfully, problems with the latest model, launched in 2017, appear to be less common.
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Volvo XC60 (2008-2017)
Reliability average score: 9.04
The Volvo XC60 - built from 2008 to 2017 - is the final entry in this top 10. On the face of it, the XC60's score of 9.04 out of 10 isn't all that bad. And with the earliest models pushing 14 years of age, it could be argued that wear and tear problems are to be expected. That said, owners are critical of the XC60's reliability and expensive repair costs.
