Last updated: 2026-03-04
The most reliable used car in 2026 is the 2022 Lexus RX with a reliability score of 90/100, based on 0 recalls and 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Rankings are updated as new data becomes available from federal safety databases and cover 98 vehicles across sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans.
Most Reliable Used Cars — Ranked by Data
Looking for a dependable used car? We ranked every model in our database using four weighted factors: complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact, and issue diversity. Each score reflects real-world data from NHTSA recall records, owner-filed complaints, and independent repair cost databases — normalized by sales volume so popular models aren't unfairly penalized. The 2022 Lexus RX leads the pack with a score of 90/100.
Unlike subjective reviews or manufacturer-sponsored ratings, these rankings are fully algorithmic. We don't accept paid placements or adjust scores based on brand reputation. Every vehicle is measured against the same formula, and you can drill into any model to see the exact recall count, complaint breakdown, and sub-scores that produced its rating. For full details on our methodology, see our data sources page.
Top 10 Most Reliable Used Cars
1Lexus RX
2022
2Mazda CX-5
2022
3Honda HR-V
2021
4Nissan Altima
2023
5Toyota Crown
2023
6Lexus UX
2020
7Toyota Camry
2022
8Lexus IS
2020
9Toyota Corolla
2021
10Nissan Kicks
2022
Editor's Analysis
What the data tells us: The gap between the top-ranked vehicles and the middle of the pack is often smaller than buyers expect. A vehicle scoring 85/100 and one scoring 75/100 may differ by just a handful of complaints per thousand units sold. That said, scores below 50 consistently correlate with higher repair frequency and more severe reported issues — particularly in powertrain and safety-critical components.
Brand vs. model matters: While certain manufacturers appear more frequently in the top 10, reliability varies significantly across models and model years within the same brand. A highly ranked sedan from one manufacturer may sit alongside a poorly ranked SUV from the same company. Always check the specific model and year rather than relying on brand reputation alone.
What to look for beyond the score: The reliability score is a starting point, not the full picture. Before buying, check the years-to-avoid page for your chosen model to identify specific model years with known issues. Look at complaint categories (not just totals) to understand whether problems are cosmetic or safety-related.
Complete Reliability Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexus RX | 2022 | 90/100 | Excellent | 0 | 3.7 | 5 | |
| 2 | Mazda CX-5 | 2022 | 87/100 | Excellent | 0 | 3.3 | 4.5 | |
| 3 | Honda HR-V | 2021 | 86/100 | Excellent | 3 | 3.8 | 5 | |
| 4 | Nissan Altima | 2023 | 84/100 | Excellent | 0 | 1.9 | 4 | |
| 5 | Toyota Crown | 2023 | 84/100 | Excellent | 0 | 0.0 | 4 | |
| 6 | Lexus UX | 2020 | 84/100 | Excellent | 0 | 0.0 | 4 | |
| 7 | Toyota Camry | 2022 | 84/100 | Excellent | 2 | 1.6 | 4 | |
| 8 | Lexus IS | 2020 | 83/100 | Excellent | 0 | 2.2 | 4.5 | |
| 9 | Toyota Corolla | 2021 | 83/100 | Excellent | 1 | 7.2 | 4.5 | |
| 10 | Nissan Kicks | 2022 | 82/100 | Excellent | 0 | 3.5 | 4 |
Reliability Score Comparison
Visual comparison of reliability scores across all vehicles in our database. Longer bars indicate higher reliability.
Rankings by Category
Most Reliable Used Sedans
See all 22 →Most Reliable Used SUVs
See all 58 →Most Reliable Used Trucks
See all 11 →Most Reliable Used Minivans
Most Reliable Used Coupes
See all 5 →Best Budget Used Cars by Price
Looking for reliability on a budget? These used cars offer the best scores in their price range. Prices are based on current dealer listings.
Best Budget Cars Under $15,000
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet Trax | 2021 | 81/100 | Excellent | 0 | 4.2 | 4 | |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla | 2018 | 80/100 | Excellent | 3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | |
| 3 | Nissan Rogue | 2020 | 79/100 | Good | 2 | 8.1 | 4 | |
| 4 | Nissan Pathfinder | 2020 | 78/100 | Good | 0 | 8.9 | 3.5 | |
| 5 | Hyundai Elantra | 2019 | 78/100 | Good | 1 | 11.1 | 4.5 | |
| 6 | Nissan Sentra | 2018 | 77/100 | Good | 2 | 8.5 | 4 | |
| 7 | Nissan Altima | 2018 | 76/100 | Good | 2 | 10.4 | 4 | |
| 8 | Chevrolet Malibu | 2021 | 74/100 | Good | 2 | 15.5 | 4 | |
| 9 | Kia Sportage | 2019 | 74/100 | Good | 2 | 7.1 | 4 | |
| 10 | Hyundai Sonata | 2019 | 71/100 | Good | 0 | 16.5 | 3 |
2021 Chevrolet Trax (estimated ~$12,934) — scored 81/100 (Excellent) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 79/100. View years to avoid →
2018 Toyota Corolla (estimated ~$11,995) — scored 80/100 (Excellent) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 78/100. View years to avoid →
2020 Nissan Rogue (estimated ~$13,625) — scored 79/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 72/100. View years to avoid →
2020 Nissan Pathfinder (estimated ~$14,772) — scored 78/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 71/100. View years to avoid →
2019 Hyundai Elantra (estimated ~$10,995) — scored 78/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 75/100. View years to avoid →
2018 Nissan Sentra (estimated ~$7,995) — scored 77/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 76/100. View years to avoid →
2018 Nissan Altima (estimated ~$9,877) — scored 76/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 78/100. View years to avoid →
2021 Chevrolet Malibu (estimated ~$13,000) — scored 74/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 74/100. View years to avoid →
2019 Kia Sportage (estimated ~$11,995) — scored 74/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 72/100. View years to avoid →
2019 Hyundai Sonata (estimated ~$13,000) — scored 71/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 64/100. View years to avoid →
Show all 19 vehicle descriptions
Best Budget Cars Under $20,000
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda HR-V | 2021 | 86/100 | Excellent | 3 | 3.8 | 5 | |
| 2 | Honda Civic | 2021 | 81/100 | Excellent | 3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | |
| 3 | Honda CR-V | 2021 | 77/100 | Good | 3 | 6.7 | 4.5 | |
| 4 | Toyota RAV4 | 2018 | 76/100 | Good | 3 | 7.7 | 4 | |
| 5 | Chevrolet Blazer | 2021 | 74/100 | Good | 1 | 14.8 | 4 | |
| 6 | Honda Accord | 2020 | 73/100 | Good | 8 | 17.2 | 4.5 | |
| 7 | Subaru Crosstrek | 2020 | 72/100 | Good | 1 | 76.3 | 4.5 | |
| 8 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2020 | 72/100 | Good | 3 | 9.9 | 3.5 | |
| 9 | Subaru Forester | 2020 | 71/100 | Good | 0 | 33.0 | 3.5 | |
| 10 | Kia K5 | 2021 | 71/100 | Good | 6 | 14.3 | 4 |
2021 Honda HR-V (estimated ~$18,433) — scored 86/100 (Excellent) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 79/100. View years to avoid →
2021 Honda Civic (estimated ~$18,481) — scored 81/100 (Excellent) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 74/100. View years to avoid →
2021 Honda CR-V (estimated ~$19,989) — scored 77/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 72/100. View years to avoid →
2018 Toyota RAV4 (estimated ~$17,249) — scored 76/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 74/100. View years to avoid →
2021 Chevrolet Blazer (estimated ~$19,900) — scored 74/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 74/100. View years to avoid →
2020 Honda Accord (estimated ~$17,517) — scored 73/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 73/100. View years to avoid →
2020 Subaru Crosstrek (estimated ~$19,203) — scored 72/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 69/100. View years to avoid →
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee (estimated ~$18,395) — scored 72/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 65/100. View years to avoid →
2020 Subaru Forester (estimated ~$19,899) — scored 71/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 72/100. View years to avoid →
2021 Kia K5 (estimated ~$18,995) — scored 71/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 70/100. View years to avoid →
Show all 32 vehicle descriptions
Best Budget Cars Under $25,000
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet Colorado | 2020 | 81/100 | Excellent | 0 | 7.4 | 4 | |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla Cross | 2022 | 80/100 | Excellent | 2 | 6.5 | 4.5 | |
| 3 | Toyota Venza | 2021 | 79/100 | Good | 1 | 1.1 | 4 | |
| 4 | Ford Ranger | 2022 | 75/100 | Good | 5 | 6.0 | 4 | |
| 5 | Chevrolet Tahoe | 2018 | 72/100 | Good | 3 | 8.4 | 3.5 | |
| 6 | Toyota Highlander | 2018 | 72/100 | Good | 5 | 9.9 | 4 | |
| 7 | Toyota Sienna | 2019 | 71/100 | Good | 7 | 5.6 | 3.5 | |
| 8 | Honda Ridgeline | 2020 | 70/100 | Good | 7 | 49.1 | 5 | |
| 9 | GMC Yukon | 2018 | 68/100 | Good | 4 | 14.5 | 3.5 | |
| 10 | Ford Maverick | 2023 | 60/100 | Good | 20 | 32.7 | 4 |
2020 Chevrolet Colorado (estimated ~$23,226) — scored 81/100 (Excellent) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 78/100. View years to avoid →
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross (estimated ~$21,644) — scored 80/100 (Excellent) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 75/100. View years to avoid →
2021 Toyota Venza (estimated ~$24,492) — scored 79/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 80/100. View years to avoid →
2022 Ford Ranger (estimated ~$24,995) — scored 75/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 71/100. View years to avoid →
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe (estimated ~$23,999) — scored 72/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 69/100. View years to avoid →
2018 Toyota Highlander (estimated ~$21,433) — scored 72/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 72/100. View years to avoid →
2019 Toyota Sienna (estimated ~$22,454) — scored 71/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 73/100. View years to avoid →
2020 Honda Ridgeline (estimated ~$23,999) — scored 70/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 73/100. View years to avoid →
2018 GMC Yukon (estimated ~$24,977) — scored 68/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 65/100. View years to avoid →
2023 Ford Maverick (estimated ~$24,499) — scored 60/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 57/100. View years to avoid →
Show all 13 vehicle descriptions
Model Highlights
1. 2022 Lexus RX — 90/100
The Lexus RX, covering model years 2018 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 85/100, indicating an excellent reliability reputation according to Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the electrical system, sunroof glass, and brake actuators, with varying complaint rates peaking in 2021 at 18.1 per 10,000 sold. This model is best suited for buyers prioritizing safety and reliability, although they should be aware of specific recurring issues such as electrical failures and sunroof malfunctions.
Best year: 2022 · Score: 90/100 · Recalls: 0 · Complaints: 35 · Avg across all years: 86/100
2. 2022 Mazda CX-5 — 87/100
The Mazda CX-5, covering model years 2018 to 2026, maintains an average reliability score of 93/100, categorized as excellent according to the Auto Reliability Index. Data indicates common issues with engine oil leaks and electrical system malfunctions, particularly in earlier models, while later versions show improved complaint rates, with the 2025 model reporting only 1.8 complaints per 10,000 sold. Owners benefit from a relatively low estimated annual repair cost of $447, compared to the segment average of $573, making it a reliable choice for those prioritizing cost-effective maintenance.
Best year: 2022 · Score: 87/100 · Recalls: 0 · Complaints: 50 · Avg across all years: 81/100
3. 2021 Honda HR-V — 86/100
The Honda HR-V, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, consistently scores highly in reliability, with an average score of 96 out of 100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $301, below the subcompact SUV average. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions, particularly with the instrument cluster and fuel gauge, as well as recurring problems with the fuel system and powertrain in earlier models. Despite a spike in complaints for the 2023 model year, the HR-V generally maintains a strong reliability reputation, making it suitable for those seeking a dependable subcompact SUV with lower-than-average maintenance costs.
Best year: 2021 · Score: 86/100 · Recalls: 3 · Complaints: 52 · Avg across all years: 79/100
4. 2023 Nissan Altima — 84/100
The Nissan Altima, covering model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 83/100, indicating excellent reliability overall. Common issues reported include electrical system malfunctions, particularly with door lock actuators, and problems with the automatic emergency braking system, especially in earlier models. With an estimated annual repair cost of $483, which is below the midsize car average, the Altima suits those looking for a reliable midsize sedan with manageable maintenance expenses.
Best year: 2023 · Score: 84/100 · Recalls: 0 · Complaints: 24 · Avg across all years: 78/100
5. 2023 Toyota Crown — 84/100
Toyota Crown models from 2023 to 2026 demonstrate excellent reliability, with scores ranging from 84 to 88 out of 100 and consistently achieving a 5-star NHTSA safety rating. These vehicles report no recalls or complaints, indicating a strong reliability record, while repair costs are rated as good with a 4 out of 5 reliability rating. The data suggests the Toyota Crown is well-suited for those prioritizing safety and low maintenance concerns.
Best year: 2023 · Score: 84/100 · Recalls: 0 · Complaints: 0 · Avg across all years: 84/100
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable used car?
- Based on our data, the 2022 Lexus RX is the most reliable used car with a score of 90/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 35 owner complaints.
- How are reliability scores calculated?
- Scores are calculated using four weighted factors: complaint severity (35%), repair costs (30%), recall impact (20%), and issue diversity (15%). Complaints are weighted by component type — powertrain and safety system issues carry three times the weight of cosmetic problems. All complaint counts are normalized by sales volume so a model selling 500,000 units per year isn't penalized for having more total complaints than one selling 20,000. Recall severity is also weighted: "Park It" recalls count 5x and "Park Outside" recalls count 3x compared to standard recalls. When data is unavailable for a sub-score, the remaining weights redistribute proportionally. Final scores range from 0 (risky) to 100 (excellent).
- Should I buy a used car with a low reliability score?
- A low reliability score doesn't automatically mean a bad purchase, but it does indicate higher risk of problems. Vehicles scoring below 40 typically have elevated complaint rates in critical categories like powertrain, transmission, or braking systems — issues that tend to be expensive to repair. If you're considering a lower-scored vehicle, check the specific complaint breakdown on its detail page to understand whether the issues are safety-related or cosmetic. Budget for potential repairs, consider purchasing an extended warranty, and review the vehicle's recall history to confirm all open recalls have been addressed before buying.
- What categories of used cars are covered?
- We rank used cars across all major categories including sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans. Each category has its own dedicated ranking page where you can compare vehicles within the same segment. This is important because a sedan and an SUV have different mechanical complexity, weight, and typical use patterns — comparing them directly can be misleading. We also offer budget-focused rankings that filter by estimated price, so you can find the most reliable option within your specific price range.
- What is the most reliable used car on a budget?
- For budget buyers, the 2021 Chevrolet Trax offers the best reliability in the under-$15,000 price range, scoring 81/100. Prices are based on current dealer listings.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
See incorrect data? Report an issue