Premium Brands Dominate List of Least Reliable Cars
New data from the MotorEasy Reliability Index reveals that eight out of the ten least reliable cars on UK roads come from big-money premium brands, including Jaguar Land Rover, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla.
Rock bottom in the November 2025 rankings sits the Tesla Model X, scoring a paltry 1 out of 10 for dependability and repair affordability. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class follows closely behind, proof that the more complex the tech, the bigger the risk to your wallet.
Duncan McClure Fisher, Founder of MotorEasy comments, “Today’s cars may be smarter than ever, but MotorEasy’s data shows they’re not always more dependable. Many drivers assume premium cars are better built and more reliable, but our data shows that complexity and repair costs often work against them.”
The MotorEasy Reliability Index uses live claims data across 350 models and 45 manufacturers, measuring both how often cars go wrong and how much they cost to fix. The combination providing a real-world snapshot of what ownership costs actually look like.
Technological advancements can come at a cost
As with most months, November repair bills included many and varied examples of things that can and do go wrong with today’s modern cars. For example, a Citroen C4 needed a new gearbox, whilst a Volkswagen Passat got a new engine cylinder head and timing belt, both racking up eye-watering bills of nearly £8,000 and over £6,000 respectively. Meanwhile, proving electric vehicles can also have hefty repair bills, an all-electric Porsche Taycan needed a new battery charger control module costing over £4,000.
As cars become increasingly complex and electronically integrated, seemingly inconsequential repairs can prove surprisingly expensive too. Who would have thought an electric Window Regulator – the mechanical assembly inside a car door that raises and lowers the window glass – would cost over £500 for a Range Rover?
Reliability winners at the other end of the scale
In contrast to the premium brand reliability performance, the Toyota Previa continues to hold on to its crown as the most trustworthy car in the MotorEasy Reliability Index, retaining pole position as of 30 November 2025 with an overall score of 9.8 out of 10 for dependability and affordability.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross enters the top ten in November in tenth position, pushing the Suzuki Jimny out of the rankings. Elsewhere in the top ten, the hybrid Toyota C-HR climbs from eighth to fifth place, while the Kia Soul rises from ninth to sixth.
Concludes Duncan McClure Fisher, “With repair costs rising and vehicle technology becoming ever more complex, understanding real-world reliability has never been more important for UK drivers. The MotorEasy Reliability Index helps motorists make informed decisions, not just about what to buy, but how to protect themselves from costly repairs.”
Want to dive deeper into car reliability? Visit MotorEasy’s Reliability Index to see the latest live data and follow how vehicle rankings shift as new repair bills are reported.
Worth a Warranty
With recent reports showing that UK garages may be overcharging motorists by almost 25%, a car warranty can be a smart way to protect yourself from unexpected repair bills. If you’re looking for extra peace of mind, choose a warranty that covers parts, labour and diagnostics - and be cautious of policies that cap claim limits or lock you into costly servicing plans.
A quality warranty, such as one from MotorEasy, specifically includes parts, labour and diagnostic cover, with protection available up to the full value of your vehicle. Even better, MotorEasy engineers manage the repair process and pay the garage directly, so you won’t be overcharged, and you won’t be left out of pocket at any point.
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