Acura MDX
While the midsize Acura MDX premium SUV has always seemed a stalwart performer, its owners surveyed by J.D. Power found the 2016 vintage to be less than reliable in most categories. It received a rock-bottom score of 5 out of 10 possible points (no vehicle is given a lower rating than that), with a 5 for mechanical issues, and another 5 for its features and controls. It gets a score of 8 for its exterior and interior build quality.
Chevrolet Suburban
The full-size Chevrolet Suburban truck-based SUV is about the size of those "tiny houses" you see on TV. Owners of the 2016 edition give it gets a sub-par grade of 6 for overall reliability and for features/controls, but it gets a score of 7 for mechanical and exterior/interior issues.
Dodge Journey
The midsize Dodge Journey crossover SUV has lingered far too long on the market without a redesign, and it’s not gotten any better with age. It’s tied for being the least reliable midsize model in its class in J.D. Power’s owner survey. It receives a score of 6 for overall, mechanical, and exterior/interior problems, and a 7 for features and controls.
Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500X is a reasonably likeable stylish subcompact crossover SUV that nonetheless suffers low marks in owner surveys. It’s modestly revamped for 2019 with a new turbocharged engine, but retains its fussy nine-speed automatic transmission. The 500X is the lowest rated model in its class by J.D. Power, with a dismal reliability score of 5 across the board.
Ford Explorer
To be redesigned for 2020, owners of the 2016 version were less than enamored with the dependability of the midsize Ford Explorer. It’s tied for the lowest score in its class, with a rating of 6 for overall reliability and for mechanical and exterior/interior issues, and a 7 for features and controls.
GMC Yukon
Though the full-size truck-based GMC Yukon is essentially a twin of Chevy’s Suburban, it ranks lower for reliability in J.D. Power’s owner surveys, based on examples from the 2016 model year. It gets the lowest marks among large SUVs, with a score of 5 for overall reliability, a 5 for mechanical problems, and a 6 each for exterior/interior and features/controls.
Jeep Renegade
Though smartly styled, the subcompact Jeep Renegade gets low marks for reliability in JD Power’s owner study, based on the 2016 version. It’s largely carried over since then and shares platforms and components with the aforementioned Fiat 500X. It receives a score of five for overall durability and mechanical maladies, a 7 for the exterior and interior, and a 6 for its features and controls.
Jeep Wrangler
Rough and rugged, the iconic Jeep Wrangler is a top off-road vehicle, but it’s traditionally one of the least-passenger-friendly rides on the road, especially for its rough ride and handling qualities. It received a major redesign for 2018, so we’ll have to wait and see how the current generation holds up. In the meantime, the 2016 iteration gets an overall reliability score of 6, with a 7 for mechanicals, and 5 for its exterior and interior, but with an 8 for features/controls.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Available in standard and sporty AMG-tuned models, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is appealing, but its owners rank it as the least-reliable model among small premium SUVs, based on the 2016 model. It gets a score of 6 for overall durability, a 7 for mechanical issues, and a 6 for both its exterior/interior and features/controls.
Volvo XC90
The midsize, premium Volvo XC90 is handsomely cast, affords ample interior comfort and many high-tech safety features, but apparently that’s not good enough for its owners. Those driving a 2016 XC 90 rated it the lowest in its class in J.D. Power’s study, with a minimal score of five for overall reliability and for mechanical, exterior/interior and features/controls issues.
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