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Whether your retirement lifestyle is characterized by high-mileage driving or you prefer to take things at a more relaxed pace, you need a reliable car. The last thing you want in your golden years is a vehicle that will drain your savings with constant repairs or leave you stranded on the side of the road.
As the JD Power 2024 US Initial Quality Study shows, not all brands are the same. The study uses problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) as the primary measure of vehicle quality, with the industry average being 195 PP100.
Here are the ten lowest quality car brands on the list – brands you should avoid if your independence, safety and financial security are important to you.
Volkswagen (316 PP100)
Although Polestar’s latest models have been rated positively by trade magazines such as Car and Driver, the brand lands at the bottom of the scale in JD Power’s quality study, with 316 problems per 100 vehicles. While the brand’s PP100 score could indeed indicate poor quality, it’s also worth considering whether the EV market’s growth difficulties and general supply issues could have something to do with the rating.
Dodge (301 PP100)
Although Dodge ranked second to last in the JD Power study and also made CarEdge’s list of the most unreliable car brands in 2024 with a predicted reliability score of 42/100, it was actually the highest-rated brand in last year’s study. This dramatic fall from the top spot may be partly thanks to the 2024 Dodge Hornet, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported several recalls, complaints, and manufacturer notices for this particular model.
Tesla (266 PP100)
Tesla’s reliability issues are evident in the 23,000 Cybertrucks recalled for faulty wiper motors and trim issues. These recalls, including an earlier one for accelerator pedal defects, underscore ongoing concerns about the brand’s quality control. Since Tesla was included in the quality study (2022), the company has consistently ranked in the bottom spots.
Rivian (266 PP100)
With a CarEdge Predicted Reliability Score of 24/100, Rivian is the third electric car brand on the list, tied with Tesla’s 266 PP100. It is also one of Consumer Reports’ worst car brands for 2024, with owners raising significant concerns about reliability.
Volvo (242 PP100)
Common complaints about 2024 model year Volvos appear to include electrical issues, engine problems, and a frustrating infotainment system. With a CarEdge Predicted Reliability Score of 28/100, maintenance and repair costs for Volvo models average $11,328 over the first 10 years, over $6,000 more than the luxury car industry average!
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Audi (242 PP100)
Although Audi is on a par with Volvo with 242 PP100, unlike Volvo, it does not appear in CarEdge’s list of the most unreliable car brands of 2024.
The other four brands at the bottom of the JD Power list were Volkswagen (241 PP100), Mazda (232 PP100), Alpha Romeo (226 PP100) and Lincoln (224 PP100).
Choosing the right car brand
Owning a poor quality car can lead to frequent, costly repairs, and a car that needs frequent repairs can pose safety concerns. You should also consider a car’s resale value, which is especially relevant for retirees who rely on Social Security.
As a more reliable alternative, the JD Power study named Stellantis Ram as the top brand with 145 PP100, followed by Chevrolet from General Motors (160 PP100), Hyundai (162 PP100), Kia (163 PP100), Buick (164 PP100) and Nissan (166 PP100).
