Most unreliable cars 2024
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These are the UK's worst cars for reliability, based on the results of the latest Honest John Satisfaction Index.
This is the hall of shame. According to the 6,000 car owners that took part in the Honest John Satisfaction Index, these are the 10 models that disappoint the most when it comes to reliability. And with five premium brands in this list, some of these results will surprise you.
Car owners were invited to evaluate their cars in a number of key areas in the Honest John Satisfaction Index and these are the 10 that achieved the lowest average scores for reliability with a minimum of 20 individual submissions per model. Read on to see which cars have been problematic for owners…
Mercedes-Benz GLC (2015 - 2022)
Reliability average score: 8.52
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is an upmarket SUV that rivals the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. However, when it comes to reliability and owner satisfaction, the GLC doesn't live up to Mercedes-Benz standards. The GLC's average reliability score is the lowest of any car in this year's Honest John Satisfaction Index. The GLC is also ranked as the worst car in the UK for owner satisfaction. Hopefully, the all-new GLC will signal a much-needed improvement in quality on all fronts.
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Peugeot 3008
Reliability average score: 8.61
Stylish and good to drive, the Peugeot 3008 is popular with family drivers who need a practical and upmarket family car. However, with a reliability average of just 8.61, it seems the 3008 fails to deliver when it comes to build quality. Drivers criticise the 3008 for its high fuel cost, too.
Ford Kuga
Reliability average score: 8.70
It's a disappointing showing from the Ford Kuga, with poor scores for both reliability and repair costs. As a result, Ford's SUV is ranked among the most unreliable cars in the UK in the latest Honest John Satisfaction Index with an average score of just 8.70 out of 10.
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Land Rover Discovery Sport
Reliability average score: 8.91
It's a better showing from the Land Rover Discovery Sport in this year's Honest John Satisfaction Index, with the model's average score of 8.91 out of 10 being slightly higher than 2021. That said, Land Rover's popular SUV still disappoints many when it comes to reliability, with a long list of build quality concerns and engine problems reported by owners.
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Skoda Octavia (2013-2020)
Reliability average score: 8.91
Easy to drive, spacious and well-equipped as standard, the Skoda Octavia has a strong following with cost-conscious car buyers in the UK. However, while the Skoda has lots of likeable traits, reliability doesn't appear to be one of them. The old shape Octavia (built from 2023 to 2020) has a disappointing reliability average score of 8.9 out of 10, with DSG automatic gearbox problems being on the list of reported issues.
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2014-2021)
Reliability average score: 9.05
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the UK's best-selling premium cars. However, the old version of the C-Class (built from 2014 to 2021) fails to live up to expectations with a disappointing score for reliability. Owners also criticise the vehicle's high repair costs, which means problems are frequent and expensive to put right.
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Nissan Qashqai (2014-2021)
Reliability average score: 9.09
The Nissan Qashqai was replaced with an all-new version in 2021, but the old model continues to disappoint when it comes to reliability. The old shape Qashqai scores a lowly average of just 9.09 out of 10 in the latest Honest John Satisfaction Index, with the good/bad section of our Qashqai review giving a glimpse of some of the problems faced by owners.
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Ford Fiesta
Reliability average score: 9.12
Ford Fiesta is historically Britain's favourite car, but its popularity has waned in recent years with buyers preferring compact crossovers like the Puma. The Fiesta's reliability average score of 9.12 isn't the worst in this list, but it shows that some owners are less than satisfied when it comes to build quality.
Volvo V40 (2012-2019)
Reliability average score: 9.13
Volvo doesn't sell small hatchbacks like the V40 anymore, with the Swedish carmaker replacing it with the excellent XC40 SUV. The V40 doesn't fare too well in the latest Honest John Satisfaction Index. Not only is it ranked as one of the worst models for reliability, but it also features in the list of worst cars to own for overall owner satisfaction. Thankfully the XC40 performs much better.
BMW 3 Series
Reliability average score: 9.20
The final entry in the top 10 list of most unreliable cars is the latest BMW 3 Series. Owners who took part in the Honest John Satisfaction Index criticised BMW's premium saloon for disappointing build quality. It was also marked down in other areas in the Index, including a lowly 6.85 out of 10 for ride comfort.
