Last updated: 2026-10-10
Most Reliable Used Sedans — Ranked by Data
Sedans are scored on complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact, and issue diversity, then normalized by sales volume. The cars that surface here have the cleanest owner records relative to how many are on the road. Simpler drivetrains and decades of refinement give the category some of the strongest long-term reliability numbers we track. The 2021 Lexus ES takes the top spot with a score of 88/100.
Top 10 Most Reliable Sedans
Found Your Next Sedan? Check Its History
Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Sedan Reliability Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexus ES | 2021 | 88/100 | Excellent | 0 | — | 4 | |
| 2 | Nissan Altima | 2023 | 84/100 | Excellent | 0 | 1.9 | 4 | |
| 3 | Toyota Crown | 2023 | 84/100 | Excellent | 0 | 0.0 | 4 | |
| 4 | Toyota Camry | 2022 | 84/100 | Excellent | 2 | 1.6 | 4 | |
| 5 | Lexus IS | 2020 | 83/100 | Excellent | 0 | 2.2 | 4.5 | |
| 6 | Mazda 5 | 2022 | 83/100 | Excellent | 1 | — | 4 | |
| 7 | Toyota Corolla | 2021 | 83/100 | Excellent | 1 | 7.2 | 4.5 | |
| 8 | Toyota Prius | 2021 | 82/100 | Excellent | 0 | 2.5 | 4 | |
| 9 | Audi A5 | 2023 | 81/100 | Excellent | 0 | 0.0 | 3.5 | |
| 10 | Chevrolet Camaro | 2023 | 81/100 | Excellent | 0 | 0.0 | 3.5 |
Sedan Reliability Score Comparison
Visual comparison of reliability scores across all sedans in our database. Longer bars indicate higher reliability.
Sedans by Category
Most Reliable Used Compact Sedans
See all 18→Most Reliable Used Midsize Sedans
See all 35→Browse Sedan Rankings by Type
Best Budget Sedans by Price
Sedans offer some of the best reliability-to-value ratios on the used market. Prices are based on current dealer listings.
Best Budget Sedans Under $10,000
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nissan Sentra | 2018 | 77/100 | Good | 2 | 8.5 | 4 | |
| 2 | Hyundai Elantra | 2018 | 76/100 | Good | 1 | 15.4 | 4.5 | |
| 3 | Nissan Altima | 2018 | 76/100 | Good | 2 | 10.4 | 4 |
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 Hyundai Elantra (estimated ~$9,700) — scored 76/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 75/100. 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 →
Best Budget Sedans Under $15,000
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Corolla | 2018 | 80/100 | Excellent | 3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | |
| 2 | Chevrolet Malibu | 2021 | 74/100 | Good | 2 | 15.5 | 4 | |
| 3 | Hyundai Sonata | 2019 | 71/100 | Good | 0 | 16.5 | 3 |
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 →
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 Hyundai Sonata (estimated ~$13,000) — scored 71/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 64/100. View years to avoid →
Best Budget Sedans Under $20,000
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda Civic | 2021 | 81/100 | Excellent | 3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | |
| 2 | Honda Accord | 2020 | 73/100 | Good | 8 | 17.2 | 4.5 | |
| 3 | Kia K5 | 2021 | 71/100 | Good | 6 | 14.3 | 4 | |
| 4 | Toyota Camry | 2019 | 70/100 | Good | 8 | 10.8 | 4 | |
| 5 | Tesla Model 3 | 2020 | 54/100 | Mixed | 20 | 20.1 | 2 | |
| 6 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 2018 | 51/100 | Mixed | 115 | 94.5 | 3.5 |
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 →
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 →
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 →
2019 Toyota Camry (estimated ~$18,946) — scored 70/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 76/100. View years to avoid →
2020 Tesla Model 3 (estimated ~$19,988) — scored 54/100 (Mixed) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 51/100. View years to avoid →
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (estimated ~$16,791) — scored 51/100 (Mixed) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 49/100. View years to avoid →
Model Highlights
1. 2021 Lexus ES — 88/100
Owner complaints and federal recall records put this midsize sedan well above average among sedans, with an excellent standing overall. The 2022 model year is the pick, while 2019 drew the most complaints, led by stalling and weak throttle response. Owners also report airbags that did not deploy in crashes, so read those reports before you buy.
- Best year
- 2021
- Best-year score
- 88/100
- Avg across years
- 83/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 0
2. 2023 Nissan Altima — 84/100
Good overall and well above average among sedans, this midsize car is a solid used buy if you pick the year with care. The 2023 model year is the one to favor, and 2020 is the one to skip. Two problems matter most: a failing brake light switch that can keep the car from starting, and an airbag warning light that can lead to a costly seat repair.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 84/100
- Avg across years
- 78/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 24
3. 2023 Toyota Crown — 84/100
Reliability is excellent across all four tracked model years, 2023 to 2026, and well above average for sedans. Federal recall records and owner complaints show nothing filed so far, so no weak spot can be named yet. The 2024 is the year to favor, since it has had time to build a record. The 2026 is too new to judge.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 84/100
- Avg across years
- 84/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 0
4. 2022 Toyota Camry — 84/100
Good overall reliability and a low repair bill, about $388 a year, make the Camry a solid used midsize sedan. The 2022 is the pick among established years. The 2018 is the one to avoid, mainly because its 8 speed automatic can shift hard, slip into limp mode, or stop driving. Air bag non-deployment complaints appear across many years.
- Best year
- 2022
- Best-year score
- 84/100
- Avg across years
- 76/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 2 / 47
5. 2020 Lexus IS — 83/100
Reliability is excellent and well above other sedans on the site, with every model year from 2018 to 2026 rating well. 2019 is the weakest year and 2024 is the pick. The problems that matter most are rare but serious: sunroof glass that shatters while driving, and a tire that comes off its rim.
- Best year
- 2020
- Best-year score
- 83/100
- Avg across years
- 82/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 3
6. 2022 Mazda 5 — 83/100
Cracked cylinder heads in the 2018 and 2019 are the big risk. They leak oil, often with no warning light, and owners report bills of almost $6,000. Reliability is good and above average among sedans, and the 2022 is the year to favor, with a single recall. Its main complaints are a whining headlight fan and airbag warning messages.
- Best year
- 2022
- Best-year score
- 83/100
- Avg across years
- 76/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 79
7. 2021 Toyota Corolla — 83/100
Low repair costs and an excellent overall standing make this compact sedan a strong used buy, with the 2021 the pick among proven years. Skip the 2020 and 2023. The 2020 shows a warning message that will not clear, and the 2023 can shut off at stops with auto start/stop on. Owner complaints of air bags not deploying in crashes appear across many years.
- Best year
- 2021
- Best-year score
- 83/100
- Avg across years
- 78/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 160
8. 2021 Toyota Prius — 82/100
Used Prius buyers get a hybrid that holds up well, with a standing above most sedans and repair costs under the midsize average. The 2021 is the year to favor, with no recalls and few complaints. Watch for a "Hybrid System Failure" warning that can shut off power steering and brakes at highway speed, and for windshields that crack with no visible impact.
- Best year
- 2021
- Best-year score
- 82/100
- Avg across years
- 78/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 15
9. 2023 Audi A5 — 81/100
Reliability for the A5 is good, and it ranks above average among sedans on the site. The 2023 model year is the pick, with no complaints or recalls on file. The 2020 year is the one to skip, because its MMI screen reboots on its own and takes the backup camera and collision warnings down with it.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 81/100
- Avg across years
- 74/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 0
10. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro — 81/100
Used Camaros rate good for reliability and sit above the average sedan on the site. Power train complaints lead the list, mainly a rumble-strip shudder in automatics and hard shifts, and some owners report power steering assist cutting out without warning. The 2023 model year is the pick, while 2018 and 2020 rate lowest.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 81/100
- Avg across years
- 74/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 0
11. 2023 Volkswagen Jetta — 81/100
Most Jetta years hold up well, and 2024 is the safest used pick. The 2019 year is the one to skip: owners report a starter system warning that blacks out the dash in hot weather, plus transmission noise from new. Across all years, transmission trouble and ignition keys that will not come out lead the complaints.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 81/100
- Avg across years
- 74/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 34
12. 2023 Chevrolet Malibu — 81/100
Used Malibus hold up well, with repair costs close to the midsize average and a standing above most sedans on the site. Favor 2023 and avoid 2018, which collects far more complaints than any other year. Two problems matter most: a false "Shift to Park" message that keeps the car from shutting off, and sudden "Engine Power Reduced" warnings that slow the car on the road.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 81/100
- Avg across years
- 74/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 23
13. 2021 Honda Civic — 81/100
Sticky steering is the Civic's main weak spot, so shop by model year. Owners describe the wheel catching near center, then jerking the car. The 2022 is the year to skip, and the 2024 is the better buy. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly upkeep at $368, well under the compact car average.
- Best year
- 2021
- Best-year score
- 81/100
- Avg across years
- 74/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 3 / 118
14. 2022 Toyota Avalon — 80/100
Good overall reliability puts this full-size sedan above average among sedans on the site, and independent repair-cost data shows yearly upkeep below the class norm. The 2019 model year is the one to skip, because of fuel pump stalling and harsh low-speed shifting. The 2022 is the pick, with no federal recalls and very few owner complaints.
- Best year
- 2022
- Best-year score
- 80/100
- Avg across years
- 75/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 8
15. 2023 Nissan Sentra — 80/100
Reliability is good, and yearly repair costs run a little under the compact-car average. Favor the 2023 model year and skip 2020, when front tie rods bent or broke and automatic emergency braking fired with nothing in the road. The CVT can fail outright in any year, sometimes with no warning light first, so check the transmission closely on any car near 60,000 miles.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 80/100
- Avg across years
- 76/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 14
16. 2020 Chevrolet Impala — 79/100
Used Impalas hold up well, with yearly repair costs a little under the full-size average. The 2020 is the year to favor, with no recalls on record, while 2018 drew the most complaints. Watch for transmissions that slip or shift hard in the lower gears, and for electrical faults where power cuts out without warning while driving.
- Best year
- 2020
- Best-year score
- 79/100
- Avg across years
- 78/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 15
17. 2018 Mazda 3 — 79/100
Good reliability and yearly repair costs below the compact-car average make this a sound used compact. Oil that vanishes with no visible leak is the main worry, mostly in 2021, where owners add a quart every 1,500 to 4,000 miles. Steering that sticks and then jerks is the other problem to check. Among years with real road time, 2018 is the safest buy.
- Best year
- 2018
- Best-year score
- 79/100
- Avg across years
- 77/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 9
18. 2023 Acura TLX — 79/100
Connecting rod bearing failure is the big worry on the TLX. It starts as engine knocking and can end in a seized engine. Auto idle stop that fails to restart the engine at lights is the other common complaint. Reliability rates good, above average among sedans, and repair costs run well under the luxury midsize norm. Favor 2024 and be wary of 2019.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 79/100
- Avg across years
- 73/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 2 / 13
19. 2019 Hyundai Elantra — 78/100
Reliability is good and well above average among sedans, and yearly repair costs of about $452 beat the $526 compact-car average. Favor 2024 and skip 2020 and 2022. The problem that matters most is sudden engine failure: heavy oil burning, then knocking, stalling, or a seized engine, often with no warning light first.
- Best year
- 2019
- Best-year score
- 78/100
- Avg across years
- 75/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 195
20. 2021 Volkswagen Passat — 78/100
Used Passats rate good for reliability and sit above average among sedans. The 2021 is the year to favor, while 2018 and 2020 rate lowest, though none is a year to skip. Brakes draw the most complaints, from ABS kicking in on ordinary stops to rear pads wearing out early. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $639, against $526 for midsize cars.
- Best year
- 2021
- Best-year score
- 78/100
- Avg across years
- 76/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 18
21. 2021 Honda Accord — 78/100
Good overall as a used midsize sedan, with repair costs below the class average. The 2021 model is the safest pick, while 2018 is the one to skip. Watch for automatic braking that slams on with nothing ahead, and for head gasket failure on the 2018 1.5L turbo, which can cut power at highway speed.
- Best year
- 2021
- Best-year score
- 78/100
- Avg across years
- 73/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 5 / 215
22. 2023 Audi A4 — 77/100
Reliability is good and repair costs match other luxury midsize cars, so the A4 is a sound used buy if you pick the right year. Favor 2023 and skip 2020, when the MMI screen rebooted on its own and took out the backup camera and parking sensors. Electrical trouble is the main complaint, so test the screen and camera before buying.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 77/100
- Avg across years
- 71/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 8
23. 2022 Nissan Maxima — 77/100
Reliability is good for this full-size sedan, and it ranks above average among sedans on the site. The complaint to know is the front radar system: a "front radar obstruction" message that shuts off adaptive cruise and sometimes comes with hard braking for no reason. The 2023 model is the pick to buy, while 2018 and 2020 rate lowest. Repair costs run below the fullsize average.
- Best year
- 2022
- Best-year score
- 77/100
- Avg across years
- 76/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 5
24. 2020 Dodge Challenger — 77/100
Reliability is good and above average among sedans, with 2020 the year to favor and 2018 and 2019 the ones to watch. The biggest problem is the Uconnect touchscreen, which can delaminate and start touching itself, changing heat and volume while the car moves. Manual clutch failures and airbags that did not deploy in crashes also deserve a close look. Expect repair costs near $650 a year.
- Best year
- 2020
- Best-year score
- 77/100
- Avg across years
- 74/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 19
25. 2022 Subaru Legacy — 77/100
Reliability is good overall and above average among sedans. Windshields that crack with no impact are the biggest complaint, followed by touchscreens that bubble and register phantom touches. The 2019 and 2020 model years draw the most trouble and are the ones to skip, while 2024 is the safer pick.
- Best year
- 2022
- Best-year score
- 77/100
- Avg across years
- 73/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 2 / 32
26. 2021 Nissan Versa — 77/100
Reliability is good for a compact sedan and ranks above most sedans on the site. The 2021 model year is the pick, while the 2024 has drawn the most complaints. The big worry is the CVT automatic, which can lose drive so the engine revs and the car will not move. Some owners also report the engine shutting off while driving. Yearly repair costs match the subcompact average.
- Best year
- 2021
- Best-year score
- 77/100
- Avg across years
- 76/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 3 / 29
27. 2020 Kia Forte — 76/100
Repair costs run below the compact average, and the Forte holds a good standing among sedans. Favor the 2024 model year and treat 2018 with caution. Sudden engine failure, often with no oil warning light, is the biggest worry on older cars. Shifting trouble in the power train, such as skipped gears and a shifter stuck in Drive, is the other problem to check.
- Best year
- 2020
- Best-year score
- 76/100
- Avg across years
- 71/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 63
28. 2022 Subaru Impreza — 76/100
Reliability is good overall and close to average among sedans, with 2022 the pick for a used buy and 2019 the year to skip. The recurring headaches are windshields that crack with no impact and a headlight recall repair that owners say cannot be finished because parts are unavailable. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly upkeep at $653, above the $526 compact average.
- Best year
- 2022
- Best-year score
- 76/100
- Avg across years
- 72/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 11
29. 2023 Dodge Charger — 76/100
Reliability is good, and the Charger ranks above the average sedan on the site. The 2018 model year is the one to skip, mainly for a Uconnect touchscreen that registers phantom touches and door panels that peel away. The 2023 is the pick among years with enough time on the road, though some owners report transmission hesitation after shifting from reverse to drive.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 76/100
- Avg across years
- 74/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 2 / 22
30. 2019 Buick LaCrosse — 76/100
Used Lacrosse sedans from 2018 and 2019 rate good for reliability and sit above most sedans on the site. The 2019 is the pick, with fewer recalls than the 2018. Watch for early thermostat failure on the 3.6 liter engine, where the engine stays cold and the cooling fans run nonstop, and for acceleration that does not respond when merging onto a highway.
- Best year
- 2019
- Best-year score
- 76/100
- Avg across years
- 76/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 2 / 6
31. 2023 Chrysler 300 — 75/100
Rated good for reliability and close to average among sedans, this full-size car is a sound used buy if you pick the right year. Skip 2018, where touchscreens register phantom touches and transmissions jolt. The 2023 is the pick. Repair costs run $631 a year against $590 for full-size cars.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 75/100
- Avg across years
- 72/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 5
32. 2021 Volkswagen Golf — 75/100
Reliability rates good, but repair costs run above the compact average. The 2023 model year is the pick, while 2022 is the one to skip because of loose radiators that drain their coolant and manual shift knobs that break off. Owners across years also report the DSG automatic dropping into neutral while pulling away from a stop.
- Best year
- 2021
- Best-year score
- 75/100
- Avg across years
- 70/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 5
33. 2023 Subaru WRX — 75/100
Good reliability and an above-average standing among sedans make the WRX a sound used buy, with 2024 the year to favor and the earliest years the ones to inspect hardest. The serious risk is rod bearing failure, where knocking, smoke, and sudden power loss end in a replacement engine. Batteries that die after the car sits are the most common electrical complaint.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 75/100
- Avg across years
- 74/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 6
34. 2020 Buick Regal — 75/100
Reliability is good across the 2018 to 2020 Regal, and it rates above average among sedans. The 2020 is the year to favor. Watch for a false "Shift to Park" message that can keep the car from shutting off and drain the battery, and for a stop-start system that restarts slowly after red lights.
- Best year
- 2020
- Best-year score
- 75/100
- Avg across years
- 74/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 2 / 2
35. 2023 BMW i4 — 73/100
Owner complaints and federal recall records put this electric sedan in good standing, above most sedans on the site. No year is weak enough to rule out, and 2024 is the pick. The problems to watch are serious ones: propulsion that cuts out with a drivetrain malfunction message, and sudden acceleration at low speed while parking. Check recall history on any car you consider.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 73/100
- Avg across years
- 73/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 7 / 40
36. 2020 Kia Optima — 72/100
Reliability is good for this midsize sedan, and yearly repair costs run below the midsize average. Oil that vanishes between changes with no visible leak is the problem to watch, and it can end in limp mode or a failed engine. Of the three years tracked, 2020 is the pick, while 2018 and 2019 carry more recalls and fire reports.
- Best year
- 2020
- Best-year score
- 72/100
- Avg across years
- 71/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 138
37. 2020 Volvo S60 — 72/100
Used S60 sedans rate good for reliability and sit close to average among sedans. The 2024 model year is the pick, while 2022 and 2023 rate lowest. Watch the electrical system, where owners report the driver display going blank and, in two cases, fire in the trunk, plus highway vibration through the steering wheel that dealers struggle to fix.
- Best year
- 2020
- Best-year score
- 72/100
- Avg across years
- 71/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 3 / 9
38. 2019 Hyundai Sonata — 71/100
Heavy oil burning with no visible leak is the Sonata's biggest engine worry, and the 2020 adds a fuel tank that swells under pressure. Reliability is good overall but below average among sedans on the site. The 2024 is the year to favor, while the 2025 and 2026 are too new to judge.
- Best year
- 2019
- Best-year score
- 71/100
- Avg across years
- 64/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 0 / 144
39. 2018 Porsche Boxster — 71/100
Reliability is rated good, though the Boxster sits below average next to other sedans on the site. Owner complaints are very few. The 2018 is the pick, and 2021 is the one to skip because of seat belt and back over prevention reports. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $952, against $801 for luxury compact cars.
- Best year
- 2018
- Best-year score
- 71/100
- Avg across years
- 68/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 2 / 0
40. 2021 Volvo S90 — 71/100
Reliability is good for this full-size sedan, and it sits close to average among sedans. Most model years look alike, and 2021 is the pick. Watch for a rear door that stops opening from inside and outside with no warning, and for brake shudder that shakes the steering wheel and returns after new rotors. Estimated repair cost is $976 a year.
- Best year
- 2021
- Best-year score
- 71/100
- Avg across years
- 67/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 2 / 0
41. 2020 Ford Fusion — 71/100
Reliability is good and close to average among sedans, with 2020 the year to favor and 2018 and 2019 the ones to check more closely. The problem that matters most is coolant leaking into the cylinders, which usually ends in a replacement engine quoted at $7,200 or more. Transmission failure and a cracked flex plate come next.
- Best year
- 2020
- Best-year score
- 71/100
- Avg across years
- 69/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 3 / 176
42. 2023 Kia K5 — 71/100
Owner complaints and repair-cost data put this midsize sedan in good standing, above most sedans on the site. Model year 2022 is the one to avoid, with a melting HVAC fuse that kills heat and AC and a fuel tank that can swell and lift the rear seat. Among years with some time on the road, 2024 is the safer pick.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 71/100
- Avg across years
- 70/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 4 / 81
43. 2023 BMW 5 Series — 70/100
Reliability standing is good, though the 5-Series ranks below average among sedans on the site. The 2018 model year is the one to skip, with passenger airbag warnings from a failing seat sensor and coolant loss from a cracked plastic oil filter housing. The 2023 is the better buy, with few complaints and a few years of history behind it.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 70/100
- Avg across years
- 65/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 2 / 7
44. 2020 Genesis G80 — 70/100
Used G80 shoppers get a sedan that rates good overall and sits close to average among sedans. The 2018 model year is the one to watch, with a steering wheel that sticks in the turned position and a long wait for electrical recall parts. The 2024 is the safer pick, with very few owner complaints and more than two years on the road.
- Best year
- 2020
- Best-year score
- 70/100
- Avg across years
- 67/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 2 / 10
45. 2022 BMW 3 Series — 70/100
Used 3-Series sedans rate good for reliability and sit close to the average for sedans. Electrical faults lead the complaints, including rear defroster wiring that owners link to fires, and engine coolant leaks from cracked housings and hoses come next. The 2018 and 2020 model years draw the most complaints, while 2024 is the safer year to buy.
- Best year
- 2022
- Best-year score
- 70/100
- Avg across years
- 67/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 3 / 6
46. 2021 Nissan Leaf — 70/100
Battery trouble defines the Leaf as a used buy. Owners describe the car suddenly losing drive power and a charge reading that collapses on the highway. Its standing is good, though below average among sedans. The 2021 is the year to favor, while 2019 and 2020 draw the most complaints. Repair costs run about $748 a year.
- Best year
- 2021
- Best-year score
- 70/100
- Avg across years
- 63/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 4 / 51
47. 2020 Porsche Taycan — 70/100
Used Taycans rate good for reliability, though they sit below average among sedans on the site. The most serious complaint is a sudden loss of drive power after an "Electrical System Error" warning. Some cars also shift themselves into Neutral or Park. Shoppers should favor 2020 and look hardest at 2022 and 2023, which collected the most recalls and complaints. Newer years have had less time to pile up filings.
- Best year
- 2020
- Best-year score
- 70/100
- Avg across years
- 66/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 12 / 2
48. 2023 Toyota Supra — 69/100
Reliability is good overall and close to average among sedans on the site, with an estimated repair cost of $526 a year. The 2020 and 2021 model years draw the most complaints, led by sudden power steering loss, oil pressure trouble, and electrical faults. The 2024 model year is the better buy, with no recalls and a single complaint.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 69/100
- Avg across years
- 66/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 2 / 5
49. 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 — 69/100
Used Ioniq 6 sedans hold up well and rate above average among sedans on the site. The 2024 is the year to favor, and the 2023 is the one to avoid. The main trouble in every year is the integrated charging control unit (ICCU), which can drop the car into a slow limp mode, then shut it down on the road and drain the 12-volt battery.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 69/100
- Avg across years
- 69/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 5 / 54
50. 2023 Genesis G70 — 67/100
A good used midsize sedan, though it ranks below average against other sedans on the site. The 2019 model is the one to watch, with touchscreens that freeze and fuel pump failures that leave cars without power on the highway. The 2024 model is the site's pick to buy, since it has been on the road long enough to judge.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 67/100
- Avg across years
- 63/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 17
51. 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class — 65/100
Reliability is mixed, and well below average among sedans on the site. The reports that matter most are shifters that will not leave Park and sudden acceleration while parking. Skip the 2018 and 2024 model years. The 2022 is the one to buy, with just 2 owner complaints and 1 recall on record.
- Best year
- 2022
- Best-year score
- 65/100
- Avg across years
- 57/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 2
52. 2023 Audi e-tron GT — 65/100
Reliability is good, though this electric sedan ranks below average among sedans on the site. Owners of 2022 and 2023 cars report the most trouble: a failed high-voltage cabin heater, and a car that shifts itself into neutral or loses power with a drive system warning. The 2024 is the better pick, with far fewer complaints and 10 recalls against 20 for the 2022.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 65/100
- Avg across years
- 65/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 15 / 10
53. 2018 Porsche 911 — 64/100
Owner complaints stay low in most years, and 2019 is the pick for a used buy. The problem that matters is the fuel system: fuel leaking onto hot engine parts, injector faults that make the engine run rough, and a fire report. Repairs cost more than the luxury midsize norm, at about $1,072 a year.
- Best year
- 2018
- Best-year score
- 64/100
- Avg across years
- 60/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 1 / 1
54. 2023 Acura Integra — 63/100
Steering is the weak spot on this compact sedan. The wheel sticks at highway speeds, then lets go suddenly, which makes overcorrection easy. Its standing is good and close to average among sedans, with estimated repair costs of $801 a year. Among years with real road time, 2024 is the pick and 2023 is the one to skip. 2025 and 2026 are too new to judge.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 63/100
- Avg across years
- 63/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 2 / 204
55. 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class — 63/100
Owner complaints and recall records put this midsize sedan in good standing, but it trails most other sedans on the site. The 2018 and 2019 model years draw the most trouble, including blank instrument clusters and sudden electrical shutdowns. Later years look cleaner, and 2024 is the pick. Watch for crankcase ventilation valve failures that set a check engine light and leak oil.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 63/100
- Avg across years
- 57/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 5 / 20
56. 2018 Ford Focus — 59/100
Mixed reliability, and well below average among sedans, sums up this compact. The automatic transmission is the main worry, with shuddering, lurching and sudden drops into neutral at highway speed. Electric power steering assist can also quit without much warning. Model year 2018 is the pick, while 2013 and 2014 draw the most complaints. Yearly repair costs run slightly above the compact average.
- Best year
- 2018
- Best-year score
- 59/100
- Avg across years
- 56/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 7 / 825
57. 2023 Tesla Model 3 — 57/100
Reliability is mixed and well below other sedans. Phantom braking from the driver-assist system is the most common complaint, and unintended acceleration while parking is the most serious. Front suspension wear also shows up through the steering wheel on many cars. Skip the 2018 and 2021 model years. The 2024 is the safer used pick, with far fewer recalls and complaints than earlier years.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 57/100
- Avg across years
- 51/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 10 / 386
58. 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE — 56/100
Used EQE shoppers get a sedan that ranks well below average among sedans on the site, with mixed standing overall. The 2024 model year is the better buy. The biggest worry is the electrical system, where cars lose power while driving, often around 40 to 45 mph, sometimes within the first few thousand miles. On 2024 cars, also check the tires for sidewall bubbles.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 56/100
- Avg across years
- 56/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 10 / 30
59. 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport — 56/100
Mixed overall and well below average among sedans on the site. Screens freeze or go black and take climate and backup camera controls with them, and coolant pipes near the supercharger can split and overheat the engine. Favor the 2024 model year. Be wary of 2018 and 2020, which draw the most serious complaints.
- Best year
- 2019
- Best-year score
- 56/100
- Avg across years
- 51/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 14 / 90
60. 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA — 56/100
Reliability is mixed, and the CLA sits well below other sedans on the site. The 2020 model year is the pick, with far fewer owner complaints than 2018, 2019 or 2021, while 2022 is the year to skip. Watch for transmissions that drop into Neutral while driving and a crankcase ventilation fault that lights the check engine lamp, often just after warranty ends.
- Best year
- 2020
- Best-year score
- 56/100
- Avg across years
- 46/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 62 / 110
61. 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class — 53/100
Mixed overall and well below average among sedans, the C-Class is a risky used buy in 2020 and 2021, when cylinder head failures and fires show up in owner filings. Across all years, a failed crankcase ventilation valve that lights the check engine lamp is the common engine complaint, and some transmissions drop into neutral while driving. The 2024 model year is the one to favor.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 53/100
- Avg across years
- 49/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 83 / 209
62. 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS — 52/100
Reliability is mixed and sits well below other sedans on the site. The complaints that matter most are sudden hard braking and false automatic emergency braking, often with no warning light. Buyers should skip 2022 and favor 2024, which has far fewer reports. Doors that unlatch while driving and electrical shutdowns also turn up in owner filings.
- Best year
- 2023
- Best-year score
- 52/100
- Avg across years
- 48/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 8 / 61
63. 2019 Tesla Model S — 48/100
Reliability is mixed for this full-size electric sedan, and it sits well below average among sedans on the site. The 2019 model year is the safer used pick, while 2021 draws the most worry. Owners report phantom braking on cruise control or Autopilot and sudden acceleration while parking, both with crashes on record.
- Best year
- 2019
- Best-year score
- 48/100
- Avg across years
- 39/100
- Recalls / complaints
- 14 / 120
Also Compare
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable used sedan?
- Based on our data, the 2021 Lexus ES is the most reliable used sedan with a score of 88/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
- Are Japanese sedans more reliable than European sedans?
- Generally, Japanese manufacturers like Toyota and Honda have higher average reliability scores than European luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. However, individual model years can vary. Our data shows the gap is most pronounced in long-term ownership costs.
- What is the cheapest reliable used sedan to maintain?
- The 2021 Lexus ES has estimated annual repair costs of , making it one of the most affordable sedans to maintain. Low recall counts and complaint volumes correlate with lower unexpected repair bills.
- How long do reliable sedans last?
- Sedans with high reliability scores (80+) can typically last 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance. Models in our 'Excellent' category tend to have fewer major component failures and lower repair costs throughout their lifespan.
- What is the most reliable used sedan on a budget?
- For budget buyers, the 2018 Nissan Sentra offers the best reliability in the under-$10,000 price range, scoring 77/100.
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 via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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