Last updated: 2026-03-04
Most Reliable Used Trucks — Ranked by Data
Trucks need to be tough and dependable. We ranked every truck in our database using four weighted factors: complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact, and issue diversity. The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado leads the rankings with a score of 81/100.
Top 10 Most Reliable Trucks
1Chevrolet Colorado
2020
2Honda Ridgeline
2022
3Toyota Tundra
2021
4Chevrolet Silverado
2023
5Ford Ranger
2022
6Ram 1500
2023
7Toyota Tacoma
2021
8GMC Sierra 1500
2023
9Ford F-150
2023
10Ford Maverick
2023
Truck Reliability Rankings
| # | 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 | Honda Ridgeline | 2022 | 78/100 | Good | 2 | 24.8 | 5 | |
| 3 | Toyota Tundra | 2021 | 75/100 | Good | 3 | 2.8 | 3.5 | |
| 4 | Chevrolet Silverado | 2023 | 75/100 | Good | 4 | 5.4 | 4 | |
| 5 | Ford Ranger | 2022 | 75/100 | Good | 5 | 6.0 | 4 | |
| 6 | Ram 1500 | 2023 | 72/100 | Good | 10 | 3.6 | 3.5 | |
| 7 | Toyota Tacoma | 2021 | 70/100 | Good | 0 | 36.6 | 3.5 | |
| 8 | GMC Sierra 1500 | 2023 | 69/100 | Good | 3 | 13.4 | 3.5 | |
| 9 | Ford F-150 | 2023 | 68/100 | Good | 10 | 8.1 | 3.5 | |
| 10 | Ford Maverick | 2023 | 60/100 | Good | 20 | 32.7 | 4 |
Truck Reliability Score Comparison
Visual comparison of reliability scores across all trucks in our database. Longer bars indicate higher reliability.
Trucks by Category
Most Reliable Used Full-Size Trucks
See all 6 →Browse Truck Rankings by Type
Best Budget Trucks by Price
Used trucks hold their value well, but deals exist for buyers who know where to look. Prices are based on current dealer listings.
Best Budget Trucks Under $30,000
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet Colorado | 2022 | 81/100 | Excellent | 1 | 4.4 | 4 | |
| 2 | Honda Ridgeline | 2022 | 78/100 | Good | 2 | 24.8 | 5 | |
| 3 | Ford Ranger | 2022 | 75/100 | Good | 5 | 6.0 | 4 | |
| 4 | GMC Sierra 1500 | 2018 | 66/100 | Good | 5 | 16.0 | 3.5 | |
| 5 | Ford Maverick | 2023 | 60/100 | Good | 20 | 32.7 | 4 | |
| 6 | Toyota Tacoma | 2019 | 55/100 | Mixed | 4 | 120.5 | 3.5 |
2022 Chevrolet Colorado (estimated ~$26,242) — scored 81/100 (Excellent) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 78/100. View years to avoid →
2022 Honda Ridgeline (estimated ~$29,316) — scored 78/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 73/100. 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 GMC Sierra 1500 (estimated ~$26,900) — scored 66/100 (Good) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 64/100. 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 →
2019 Toyota Tacoma (estimated ~$29,999) — scored 55/100 (Mixed) in our reliability analysis. Average score across all years: 63/100. View years to avoid →
Model Highlights
1. 2020 Chevrolet Colorado — 81/100
The Chevrolet Colorado, with an average reliability score of 84/100, demonstrates consistent performance across recent model years, with notable improvements in complaint rates from 2020 to 2025. Common issues reported by owners include power train and electrical system concerns, particularly in earlier models, while the 2023 model experiences elevated complaints regarding the forward collision avoidance system. Repair costs average $599 annually, slightly above the midsize truck category, indicating moderate maintenance expenses.
Best year: 2020 (score: 81/100, 0 recalls, 71 complaints). Average score across all years: 78/100.
2. 2022 Honda Ridgeline — 78/100
The Honda Ridgeline, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, shows a varied reliability profile with an average score of 77/100, categorizing it as "Good." Data indicates that earlier models, such as 2018 and 2019, experience higher complaint rates and issues primarily with the electrical and fuel systems, while later years, like 2024 and 2025, demonstrate significant improvements with lower complaint rates and scores reaching up to 99/100. Commonly reported issues include exterior lighting malfunctions, particularly with the automatic high beam system, and electrical system concerns, while safety ratings consistently remain at 5/5 stars across all years.
Best year: 2022 (score: 78/100, 2 recalls, 106 complaints). Average score across all years: 73/100.
3. 2021 Toyota Tundra — 75/100
The Toyota Tundra's reliability, based on data from 2018 to 2026, shows a mixed performance with an average reliability score of 59/100. Common issues reported by owners include throttle lag and engine power loss, particularly in models from 2022 to 2024, which also have high complaint rates. Despite these concerns, the Tundra's estimated annual repair cost of $606 is below the full-size truck average, making it a consideration for those prioritizing lower maintenance expenses.
Best year: 2021 (score: 75/100, 3 recalls, 23 complaints). Average score across all years: 67/100.
4. 2023 Chevrolet Silverado — 75/100
The Chevrolet Silverado, particularly from model years 2018 to 2025, has an average reliability score of 78/100, indicating a generally good reliability reputation with improvements noted in recent years. Data reveals common issues with power train and electrical systems, especially in earlier models, while recent models such as 2025 show significantly fewer complaints and higher scores. It is well-suited for buyers prioritizing recent model reliability improvements, as evidenced by the 2026 model's perfect score and absence of recalls or complaints.
Best year: 2023 (score: 75/100, 4 recalls, 299 complaints). Average score across all years: 69/100.
5. 2022 Ford Ranger — 75/100
The Ford Ranger, spanning model years 2019 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 78/100, categorized as "Good" by the Auto Reliability Index. Data indicates persistent issues with the power train, particularly the 10R80 transmission, across multiple years, alongside electrical system concerns, with a notable improvement in complaint rates from 28.4 per 10,000 sold in 2019 to 1.6 in 2025. With an estimated annual repair cost of $615, slightly above the midsize truck average, the Ranger is best suited for buyers who prioritize mid-range reliability and are attentive to potential maintenance needs.
Best year: 2022 (score: 75/100, 5 recalls, 34 complaints). Average score across all years: 71/100.
6. 2023 Ram 1500 — 72/100
The Ram 1500, with an average reliability score of 66/100, falls within the "Good" category according to Auto Reliability Index data, with notable improvements in recent years. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and power train concerns, particularly in earlier models, while the 2024 and 2025 models show lower complaint rates and fewer recalls. The vehicle's estimated annual repair cost is $691, which is below the full-size truck average, suggesting a moderate maintenance burden for potential buyers.
Best year: 2023 (score: 72/100, 10 recalls, 145 complaints). Average score across all years: 64/100.
7. 2021 Toyota Tacoma — 70/100
Data from Auto Reliability Index indicates that the Toyota Tacoma has a mixed reliability reputation, with average scores ranging from 49 to 69 out of 100 over recent years. Commonly reported issues include power train and service brake problems, particularly in model years 2018, 2019, and 2024, while newer models show improvements in complaint rates and repair costs, which are below the midsize truck average at $478 annually. The Tacoma's reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 suggests it is a moderate choice for those prioritizing lower maintenance expenses, though potential buyers should be aware of specific model year issues.
Best year: 2021 (score: 70/100, 0 recalls, 69 complaints). Average score across all years: 63/100.
8. 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 — 69/100
The GMC Sierra 1500, covering model years 2018 through 2026, holds an average reliability score of 83/100, indicating an overall excellent reliability reputation. Data shows that while earlier models like 2019 and 2020 faced issues primarily with engines and power trains, leading to higher complaint rates and recalls, more recent models such as 2025 and 2026 exhibit significant improvements with minimal complaints and no recalls. This vehicle is best suited for buyers prioritizing reliability, particularly those considering newer models, as they demonstrate fewer reported issues and higher satisfaction scores.
Best year: 2023 (score: 69/100, 3 recalls, 318 complaints). Average score across all years: 64/100.
9. 2023 Ford F-150 — 68/100
The Ford F-150, covering model years 2018 through 2026, holds an average reliability score of 66 out of 100, categorized as "Good" by the Auto Reliability Index. Common issues reported include power train and engine problems, particularly with the 10-speed transmission and cam phasers, while the 2024 and 2025 models show improvements with lower complaint rates and fewer recalls. With an estimated annual repair cost of $788, below the full-size truck average, the F-150 is suitable for those prioritizing cost-effective maintenance, though potential buyers should be aware of specific model year concerns.
Best year: 2023 (score: 68/100, 10 recalls, 383 complaints). Average score across all years: 63/100.
10. 2023 Ford Maverick — 60/100
Covering model years 2022 to 2026, the Ford Maverick shows a mixed reliability record with an average score of 63/100. Data indicates significant improvement over time, with initial years marked by frequent issues in power train and electrical systems, particularly in 2022 and 2023, which had scores of 20/100 and 50/100 respectively. By 2026, the model achieves a score of 98/100 with zero complaints, suggesting substantial enhancements in reliability, potentially making it more suitable for buyers prioritizing long-term dependability.
Best year: 2023 (score: 60/100, 20 recalls, 308 complaints). Average score across all years: 57/100.
11. 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning — 45/100
Data indicates that the Ford F-150 Lightning, covering model years 2022 through 2026, has an average reliability score of 61 out of 100, classified as "Good" on the Auto Reliability Index. Initial years, particularly 2022 and 2023, show significant issues with the power train and electrical systems, leading to high complaint rates and recalls, while later years, especially 2025 and 2026, demonstrate improved reliability with fewer complaints and recalls. The vehicle suits those prioritizing newer models, as improvements in later years reduce the likelihood of encountering early issues such as unintended acceleration and electrical malfunctions.
Best year: 2023 (score: 45/100, 11 recalls, 175 complaints). Average score across all years: 42/100.
Also Compare
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable used truck?
- Based on our data, the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado is the most reliable used truck with a score of 81/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 71 owner complaints.
- Are used trucks reliable?
- Reliability varies by make, model, and year. Full-size trucks are complex vehicles with powerful engines and heavy-duty components, which means more potential failure points. However, well-maintained trucks from reliable manufacturers can last well over 200,000 miles.
- What truck engine is the most reliable?
- Naturally aspirated V8 engines generally have fewer issues than turbocharged options, though modern turbo engines have improved significantly. Check our model-year reports for engine-specific reliability data.
- Should I buy a first-year redesign truck?
- First-year redesigns typically have more issues as manufacturers work out production kinks. Our data shows that the final year of a generation often scores higher than the first year of a new generation. When possible, consider a model year that has had time for refinement.
- What is the most reliable used truck on a budget?
- For budget buyers, the 2019 Ford F-150 offers the best reliability in the under-$20,000 price range, scoring 65/100.
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. 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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