The 9 least reliable 2022 SUVs according to Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is one of the go-to automotive websites for people looking for their next vehicle purchase. This is understandable given that it provides a comprehensive overview of details such as performance and overall owner satisfaction. It also offers reliability information, ensuring that the car you buy is not plagued by maintenance issues. For SUV buyers, here are the nine least reliable 2022 options you should avoid according to the website.
1.Subaru Ascension
Where Subaru typically has above-average reliability for its vehicles, things have been less than rosy since the introduction of the Subaru Ascent for the 2019 model year. During the SUV’s first year of production, the car had abysmal reliability issues with the drivetrain, suspension, brakes, on-board electronics, body integrity, electrical equipment, etc.
Notably, there were minor improvements in almost all of these areas over the following model year, but not enough to increase the reliability rating. The 2021 version also showed other improvements implying an upward trend. Nevertheless, Subaru still hasn’t perfected the three-row SUV formula; therefore, some maintenance issues can be expected.
2.Volkswagen Tiguan
According consumer reports, the Volkswagen Tiguan should also have very low reliability if the previous three model years are to be believed. The vehicle was continually plagued with problems; even when one is fixed, another appears.
In an area such as body integrity, the vehicle improved for the 2020 model year, but then relapsed in 2021. There were also new issues in the 2021 VW Tiguan, including the engine, the suspension and on-board electronics, indicating that something still needs fixing. Notably, the website’s assessment of the reliability of the Volkswagen SUV seems accurate for the 2022 model year, as there have already been three recalls for the vehicle.
3. Ford Explorer
The 2022 Ford Explorer is also one of the least reliable SUVs, with the last 10 years of production showing average or below average reliability. While the 2019 and 2021 Explorers are nothing out of the ordinary, the 2020 model year is particularly bad, with issues in no less than eight different areas. These include transmission, drive system, body integrity, on-board electronics, electrical equipment, etc.
Also, just like the Volkswagen Tiguan, the 2022 Explorer is subject to recalls for powertrain and fuel system fixes.
4.Kia Sorento
The 2022 Kia Sorento also has recalls to its name for issues with the seat belts, engine, and engine cooling system. The 2021 Kia Sorento is proof that it wasn’t unexpected. After all, the transmission and body of the midsize SUV were particularly problematic. Overall, the last 10 model years of the Sorento show increasing and decreasing reliability, so you never know what you’ll get with new variants.
5. Kia Seltos
Another Kia SUV that is not recommended by consumer reports, mainly due to terrible reliability, is the Seltos. The small crossover is much better than the Sorento, considering it hasn’t been recalled. However, this is a relatively new vehicle with the first model year having multiple issues with on-board electronics, electrical equipment, body integrity and drivetrain.
It should be mentioned that the Seltos and Sorento problems are quite unusual for Kia because, according to Engine1it is one of the most trusted car brands.
6. Chevrolet Suburban
Despite reasonably good road test results and expected owner satisfaction, Consumer Reports doesn’t seem to place much importance on the Chevrolet Suburban’s reliability. Although the website doesn’t have data for 2020 and 2021 models, previous builds show the vehicle will likely keep you busy with trips to the repair shop.
Notably, it also shares components with the 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, including the transmission, which has already proven problematic. Also, the fact that Chevy ranks 20th out of 32 on repair friend does not bode well for the brand’s overall reliability.
7. GMC Yukon XL
One of GMC’s least reliable SUVs is the Yukon XL. As with the Chevrolet Suburban, Consumer Reports has limited data for the 2020 and 2021 model years of the Yukon XL. Nevertheless, the fact that it shares components with the largely unreliable GMC Yukon is enough to draw a conclusion.
8.GMC Yukon
According to Consumer Reports, the aforementioned GMC Yukon has one of the worst reliability records in seven years. Each new variant seems to have a different set of issues than the previous one. That said, a few recurring issues are body integrity, electrical equipment, minor transmission, major transmission, and engine.
9.Chevrolet Tahoe
The last is the Chevy Tahoe. Although the large crossover’s 2020 model year offered average reliability, the two years that sandwiched it were below average, indicating a trend. Bodily integrity and electrical equipment seem to be recurring concerns. The transmission and engine could also require drivers to make frequent trips to the mechanic if the 2021 model year is anything to go by.
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