Ask anyone shopping for a car what attribute is most important to them, and you’ll get varying answers. Some want performance, while others seek good fuel economy, comfort, practicality, handling, or affordability. Regardless, everyone wants a car they can depend on while squeezing the best out of it. No one wants a high-performance, agile ride that breaks down at every turn. So, reliability is one of the key considerations for car buyers.
Updated June 2023: While several automotive manufacturers are getting cleverer in producing automobiles at the least possible cost through part sharing and other such practices, consumers are also not relenting in ensuring they get their money’s worth. On the consumer’s part, opting for reliable cars is the best way to ensure they get good value from their purchase. This updated list offers more information on the most reliable car models of the past decade.
Ranking cars for their reliability is difficult, since no one model is perfect. Some cars have great qualities that enable them to deliver awesome driving experiences yet provide poor durability. Notably, while some well-known brands have recently been notorious for producing unreliable vehicles, others have maintained a reputation for consistently producing highly reliable cars. Here are the most reliable cars of the last decade.
All data regarding the specific models in this article were retrieved from popular automotive websites such as Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, CarEdge, J.D. Power, RepairPal and Consumer Reports.
12 2012-2017 Toyota Camry
Reliability Score: 85/100
Toyota is among the most reliable car brands, if not the most reliable. Predictably, many of the brand’s cars have exemplary performance in consumer-satisfaction surveys. The Camry is one good example, and since its debut in 1982, many models have proven highly reliable and durable.
Reliability
In the last decade, the entire run of the seventh-generation Camry built between 2012 and 2017 received excellent reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and is one of the most recommended cars on J.D. Power. These cars are also affordable and present an excellent choice in the used car market. While the engines won't win drag races, they are fuel efficient and retain Toyota's steady and dependable character.
- Problems Owners Report: Minimal, with one owner complaining about the slightly lower quality interior as opposed to the previous model.
- Base MSRP: $23,070
- Used Price Range: $13,423-$18,604
11 2016-2021 Kia Sportage
Reliability Score: 83/100
The Kia Sportage is an engaging and chic compact crossover that holds its own well around town with ample low-end torque, a smooth engine, and easy maneuverability. It is also one of the most reliable vehicles produced by the Korean automaker.
Reliability
The Sportage has been around since 1993, and recent model years have had very few reported faults, especially with the fourth generation marketed between 2016 and 2021. There have been some issues like any other car, although minor and non-engine-related. The Sportage achieves the number two spot in J.D. Power's most recommended small SUVs, just behind the Buick Encore.
- Problems Owners Report: The early production models had some of the same issues as the previous model – such as the factory defects, including the moisture problem in the electrics, but Kia quickly sorted them out and ended up with a great small SUV.
- Base MSRP: $25,265
- Used Price Range: $14,802-$21,264
Related: How The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Is The SUV With The Best Gas Mileage Today
10 2013-Present Toyota Highlander
Reliability Score: 84/100
The Toyota Highlander is one of the longest-lasting midsize SUVs money can buy, with a predicted ability to continue running up to 300,000 miles. It is one of the most reliable models in Toyota’s collection of highly reliable vehicles. It also offers spacious and comfortable accommodation and three rows of seating. Drivers get to enjoy a comfortable driving position and adequate ergonomics, especially when reaching the infotainment buttons.
Reliability
On top of its good road manners and above-average fuel economy, the Highlander consistently receives above-average scores in all major reliability ratings. It also experiences an average number of issues and repairs compared to other midsize SUVs, making it a dependable choice in the new and used car market. J.D. Power keeps it in second place in the midsize SUV category, just behind the Highlander's off-road counterpart, the Toyota 4Runner.
- Problems Owners Report: Most owners praise the Highlander for its reliability; however, small things did break, such as the seat frame on the driver's side and a CV axle needed replacing on another.
- Base MSRP: $36,620
- Used Price Range: $21,412-$33,555
9 2009-2022 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 85/100
The Toyota Prius became the world’s first mass-produced electrified car in 1997 and is now an icon of our age for paving the way for the electric age. While its hybrid powertrain might sound complicated, it has had a strong reputation for reliability throughout its life cycle.
Reliability
Few things will probably go wrong with the Prius, and its hybrid technology has permeated to other models in the Toyota and Lexus stable. Many original models are still running, so battery lifespan shouldn’t be an issue with the copies sold in the last decade.
- Problems Owners Report: Very few things go wrong on a Prius, but owners noted the lack of rear visibility due to the unusual roof design and a strange increase in squeaks and rattles, after a certain period of ownership.
- Base MSRP: $34,210
- Used Price Range: $18,538-$23,499
RELATED: 10 Of The Most Reliable Six-Cylinder Engines Ever Made
8 2009-Present Toyota 4Runner
Reliability Score: 87/100
Few used SUVs can rival the Toyota 4Runner in terms of trustworthiness and dependability. The versatile and rugged ride continues to dominate the new midsize SUV segment with its go-anywhere demeanor and reputation for bulletproof reliability.
Reliability
Fans have bemoaned Toyota’s reluctance to modernize the 4Runner, with the last major redesign coming in 2009, and this will change with the all-new sixth-generation model expected in 2023 for the 2024 model year. Still, the 4Runner remains one of the most reliable vehicles of the last decade.
- Problems Owners Report: Most owners don't find anything wrong with the 4Runner; however, they do note the underpowered drivetrain and the cost of fuel.
- Base MSRP: $40,155
- Used Price Range: $29,269-$39,960
RELATED: These Are The 11 Most Reliable SUVs Ever Made
7 2012-Present Honda Accord
Reliability Score: 81/100
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Honda is one of the most consistent automakers for dependability across various vehicle segments. Their midsize car, the Honda Accord, gets plaudits for being one of the most reliable vehicles on the market. J.D. Power even awards it their fifth-best midsize car recommendation.
Reliability
The Accord debuted in 1976 as a two-door hatchback and has enjoyed over four decades of production. The ninth and tenth-generation models built in the last decade are some of the most reliable models, with few complaints reported.
- Problems Owners Report: The gasoline Accord models are fine, but the European turbo-diesel models struggled with DPFs (diesel particulate filters) and needed replacing often.
- Base MSRP: $27,295
- Used Price Range: $24,157-$34,301
Related: 5 Reasons To Buy The 2023 Honda Accord (5 Why The Toyota Camry Is Better)
6 2015-Present Mazda MX-5 Miata
Reliability Score: 85/100
Mazda scores the highest overall reliability rating in the most recent rankings by Consumer Reports. This echoes similar results from other market watchdogs, consistently placing the brand at the top. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the cars helping push the brand’s reputation for dependability.
Reliability
The Miata has long relished an above-average reliability rating, with many model years ranking among the top 10 in the subcompact car segment. J.D. Power awards it the number one spot in its reliability category, well above similar sports cars like the Toyota GT86 and the Fiat 124 Spider.
- Problems Owners Report: Minimal issues, most of which are rectified by the owners themselves, and include the replacement of the factory tires and the odd squeak here and there.
- Base MSRP: $28,050
- Used Price Range: $16,741-$22,169
RELATED: These Are The 10 Most Reliable Sports Cars To Buy In 2022
5 2020-Present Hyundai Elantra
Reliability Score: 79/100
The new 2023 Elantra continues to shine with its high fuel economy, comfortable and enjoyable ride loaded with intuitive features, and pocket-friendly pricing. It also comes with high expected reliability, riding on recent models, which proved extremely reliable and gained popularity for dependability.
Reliability
You will struggle to find something to complain about the Elantra besides the lackluster base engine. And customers benefit from Hyundai’s long warranty terms if something goes wrong. J.D. Power ranks the Elantra fourth in the compact car segment – tied with the Subaru Impreza and just below the Toyota Corolla.
- Problems Owners Report: The headlights look great, but their effectiveness is questionable and owners struggle to set up the car just how they want it due to factory settings.
- Base MSRP: $20,950
- Used Price Range: $19,295-$28,947
Related: 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited Review: Hyundai’s Gateway Enthusiast Car
4 2015-Present Honda Civic
Reliability Score: 83/100
The Honda Civic has for decades maintained a legacy of being a practical and highly reliable car, making it an excellent choice for a trusty daily driver. While the standards seem to have come down a notch with the most recent generation, the Civic continues to impress as one of the top choices for anyone hunting for a dependable car.
Reliability
A Civic can run for 300,000 miles or more with proper care and maintenance. According to Business Insider, 2.3% of Honda Civics sold in 2019 have more than 200,000 miles on the odometer. J.D. Power awarded the Honda Civic the second place spot for a compact car, just behind the trusty Nissan Sentra.
- Problems Owners Report: Fuel economy is lower than the claimed statistic for a car in this segment, and the safety systems are sometimes too invasive during normal driving.
- Base MSRP: $23,750
- Used Price Range: $18,887-$23,984
RELATED: How The Toyota Land Cruiser Earned The Right To Be The Most Reliable SUV
3 2013-Present Toyota Corolla
Reliability Score: 84/100
Many consider the Toyota Corolla one of the most reliable cars. It has historically performed well in various independent customer satisfaction and reliability surveys from J.D Power, scoring the top spot in its reliability survey for compact sedans.
Reliability
Perhaps the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car in the world thanks to its outstanding reliability. It also has one of the cheapest average annual repair and maintenance costs. The Toyota Corolla is the dependable staple of worldwide motoring – even if it isn't the most exciting of vehicles on the road.
- Problems Owners Report: The Corolla has a few reported problems that Toyota themselves didn't sort out, but many owners think the performance is pretty underwhelming and some criticize the styling of the instrument cluster.
- Base MSRP: $21,700
- Used Price Range: $17,135-$22,364
Related: This Is Why The Toyota Corolla Is One Of The Best-Selling Cars Of All Time
2 2015-Present Lexus RX
Reliability Score: 82/100
As Toyota’s luxury vehicle division, Lexus is another brand that delivers models with impeccable reliability stats. Among its amazing models, the RX is one such highly reliable offering. Launched in December 1997 as a 1998 model, automotive enthusiasts often consider the RX as the first luxury crossover SUV. Furthermore, the RX is also the brand’s best-selling SUV.
Reliability
Of course, there are several attributes that help a car get the ‘bestseller’ tag, but often, reliability is always in the mix. Furthermore, while luxury brands don’t always have the best reliability ratings, the RX has earned top reliability scores on the Consumer Reports ratings for most of the years in the last decade. J.D. Power made the Lexus RX tie with the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Porsche Cayenne for second place in the midsize premium SUV segment, although the RX definitely has those two Germans beat in terms of reliability.
- Problems Owners Report: There is not much issue with the Lexus RX, apart from the rear visibility thanks to the swooping styling of the rear part of the roof.
- Base MSRP: $48,950
- Used Price Range: $32,578-$40,338
1 2010-Present Nissan Leaf
Reliability Score: 80/100
The Nissan Leaf has been in production since December 2010, and until December 2019, it was the world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid car. Now, that’s a feat you don’t achieve through mediocrity. Impressively, in its first generation and for its first five-year models, the Nissan Leaf was at the top of the Consumer Reports reliability ratings, making it an almost irresistible car in the EV sphere. Although the Nissan Leaf would later get knocked off the table as the best-selling EV of all time by the Tesla Model 3 in 2020, the subsequent Nissan Leaf models were still quite reliable.
Reliability
Notably, even the 2023 model of the car has a predicted reliability score of 80 out of 100 according to the J.D. Power rating. Furthermore, another feather in the Nissan Leaf’s cap is that in a recent study by Consumer Reports, the amazing model topped the list of best cheap used cars.
- Problems Owners Report: Due to the size of the vehicle and the battery placement, there is a compromised trunk. Those owners who don't use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto struggle to use the Leaf's navigation system.
- Base MSRP: $28,040
- Used Price Range: $14,836-$23,265
