8 Cars and SUVs Lose Consumer Reports' Recommendation Due to Reliability Issues
The BMW iX, Kia EV6, and Lincoln Corsair are among models no longer recommended, while seven others gain our recommendation
Consumer Reports has removed its recommendation of eight models: the Audi Q8 E-Tron, BMW iX, Ford Escape Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Kia EV6, Lincoln Corsair, and Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Based on our 2024 Auto Survey of CR members, we have identified their reliability as below average.
Seven models from Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Volvo have had reliability improvements and earned our recommendation for the 2025 model year.
How Reliability Affects Scores
To predict reliability, Consumer Reports averages each car’s overall reliability score for the newest three model years, provided the vehicle didn’t change significantly in that time and hasn’t been redesigned for the most recent model year. We may use one or two years of data if the model was redesigned within that three-year time frame or if there is insufficient data for some years. When we have small sample sizes for a specific model, we may use brand history and the reliability of similar models that may share major components to determine our predictions.
To earn a Consumer Reports recommendation, a car must have a high enough Overall Score within its individual category, a threshold that varies depending on the category. Along with its predicted reliability rating, the Overall Score accounts for a vehicle’s performance in our road tests, the latest reliability and owner satisfaction results from CR’s surveys, and the availability of frontal crash-prevention systems.
When available, we also factor in crash test results and other safety reviews conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We deduct points if a vehicle’s transmission gear selector lacks fail-safes, and we add or deduct points depending on whether the tested vehicle’s driver assistance systems provide adequate driver monitoring. Every vehicle Consumer Reports tests and rates is purchased from a dealership, but our vehicles do not have any bearing on our survey data and reliability ratings.
