Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

The 10 Least Reliable New Vehicles in 2020, According to Consumer Reports

Obtain the best financial rate for your car loan at Automobile En DirectTecnic
Khatir Soltani
CR’s 2020 list includes some of the usual suspects, but also a few surprises

4 — Acura MDX

2020 Acura MDX
2020 Acura MDX | Photo: D.Boshouwers

Current generation: 2014

Planned redesign: Now in its seventh year on the market, Acura's rapidly aging MDX is up for renewal very soon. We might even get the new version this year (for the 2021 model-year), though with the pandemic, it’s entirely possible its arrival will be delayed. In terms of styling, we can easily imagine Acura giving it a treatment similar to the smaller and much-lauded RDX.

Common problems identified: electrical equipment, electronic components, drive train.

Consumer Reports predicts well below average reliability. It also anticipates below-average owner satisfaction.

2020 Acura MDX, headlight
2020 Acura MDX, headlight | Photo: D.Boshouwers

3 — Tesla Model X

Tesla Model X
Tesla Model X | Photo: Tesla

Current generation: 2016

Planned redesign: We don’t really expect Tesla's Model X to get a whole new generation any time soon, although it will certainly be improved over the years.  

Common problems identified: electronic components, drive train, body assembly quality.

Consumer Reports predicts well below average reliability. On the other hand, it also anticipates well above-average owner satisfaction.

Tesla Model X, profile
Tesla Model X, profile | Photo: Tesla
Tesla Model X, three-quarters rear
Tesla Model X, three-quarters rear | Photo: Tesla
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 8 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada