Consumer Reports places Tesla at the bottom of its 26-brand used-car reliability rankings.
Why it matters: Buyers shopping for 5-10 year old Teslas now face the worst long-term dependability scores in the industry.
The Details
- Tesla scored just 31 in Consumer Reports’ latest used-car reliability study, ranking 26th out of 26 brands tested.
- The study examined vehicles from model years 2014-2019, a period when Tesla ramped up Model 3 production in a tent outside its Fremont, California factory.
- Tesla finished below Jeep (32), Ram (35), and Chrysler (36) for long-term dependability.
- Consumer Reports notes Tesla has since improved, with newer models showing “better-than-average reliability.”
By The Numbers
Bottom Five (Used-Car Reliability):
- 22. GMC: 37
- 23. Chrysler: 36
- 24. Ram: 35
- 25. Jeep: 32
- 26. Tesla: 31
Top Five (Used-Car Reliability):
- 1. Lexus: 77
- 2. Toyota: 73
- 3. Mazda: 58
- 4. Honda: 57
- 5. Acura: 53
New-Car Reliability (Tesla vs. Rivian):
- Tesla: 9th place (score: 50)
- Rivian: Last place (score: 24)
EVXL’s Take
The timing creates a fascinating paradox. Just days ago, we reported that Tesla cracked Consumer Reports’ top 10 for new-car reliability for the first time ever. The same aging lineup crushing Tesla’s sales is now delivering improved build quality. But vehicles from Tesla’s chaotic 2014-2019 growth period tell a different story.
Consumer Reports’ Steven Elek explained why Japanese brands dominate:
“Brands like Lexus and Toyota have a history of conservative redesigns, incrementally improving their entire product line rather than introducing many all-new systems.”
Tesla took the opposite approach during those years, prioritizing rapid scaling over refinement. Buyers paid the price. The lesson for used-car shoppers is clear: avoid older Teslas, but newer models have shed the startup growing pains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tesla models have the worst reliability?
The 5-10 year old Model S and Model X from 2014-2019 drag down Tesla’s used-car scores. The Cybertruck is Tesla’s only current model with below-average new-car reliability.
Are new Teslas reliable?
Yes. Tesla now ranks 9th in Consumer Reports’ new-car reliability rankings with a score of 50, its highest placement ever.
Which EV brand has the worst new-car reliability?
Rivian ranks last among all brands for new-car reliability with a score of just 24.
