One of the world’s leading automotive publications, the UK-based What Car? magazine, shared its list of the most fault-prone vehicles and brands for 2024, based on a survey of 14,000 car owners and data from Warranty Direct’s Reliability Index. This list reveals how frequently a model experiences faults, the recurrence rate of the same issue, and which systems tend to have more problems.
1. Land Rover Range Rover
At the top of the list, more than half of Range Rover owners reported encountering various faults. Notably, issues with the axle and suspension system (42.2%) and the electrical components (20.8%) stand out.
Fault Score: 33
2. Land Rover Discovery Sport
This model, known for its superior off-road capabilities, is also highlighted for axle and suspension system issues (41.7%) as well as electrical problems (18.2%).
Fault Score: 25
3. Nissan Qashqai
Especially in its diesel version, 47% of users reported various faults. Most common issues include the axle and suspension (34.3%) and the electrical system (17.6%).
Fault Score: 21
4. Peugeot 308
Nearly half of the owners of this highly popular model have experienced various faults. 25.6% of the problems are related to the engine, and 19.3% to the heating-cooling system.
Fault Score: 18
5. Audi Q5
One out of every three users reported faults related to the electrical system (28.7%) and the engine (21%) in the Q5.
Fault Score: 18
6. Citroen C4 Cactus
According to surveys, one in five Cactus owners has experienced a fault. Most reported issues are in the axle and suspension (24.8%), electrical (15.6%), and engine (15.9%) systems.
Fault Score: 18
7. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
For this highly popular model, 33% of the faults are due to the electrical system and 17.7% to the heating-cooling system.
Fault Score: 17
8. Volvo XC90
56% of its users reported various faults. The most prominent issues are with the axle and suspension (24%) and the electrical system (19%).
Fault Score: 16.5
9. Nissan X-Trail
Often preferred by families, the X-Trail stands out for axle and suspension (32.4%), electrical (16.7%), and engine (13.3%) faults.
Fault Score: 16
10. Volkswagen Polo
The Polo, which is economical and ideal for urban use, ranks in the top 10 due to axle and suspension (42.9%) and heating-cooling system (28.6%) faults.
Fault Score: 14
According to research results, infotainment system problems are among the most frequently encountered faults in cars. Nearly half of users (49.1%) reported issues with in-car entertainment and connectivity systems. In particular, problems were reported with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connections (6.3%) and voice command systems (6.1%).
Another important issue is problems experienced with driver assistance systems. Safety equipment such as lane-keeping and collision warning systems tend to exhibit more faults as the vehicle ages.
Research shows that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have a much higher fault rate compared to petrol and hybrid vehicles. The fault rate is 256% for BEVs, 216% for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), 191% for hybrids, and 187% for petrol vehicles. Also, the rate of tire changes among electric vehicle owners (39%) is significantly higher than that of petrol vehicle owners (19%).
J.D. Power’s vehicle reliability research also evaluates how much automotive brands have improved compared to previous years. According to this, Porsche ranks first in problem resolution success (33%), followed by Mercedes-Benz (22%) and Toyota (21%).
Comprehensive user surveys and reliability studies provide an important roadmap for those considering buying a car. Not only the features and design of a car but also its long-term fault experience is of great importance. By considering such reports, you can own a more reliable and cost-effective vehicle.
