Tesla may dominate headlines with cutting-edge electric vehicles and a vast charging network, but a new reliability study suggests the ownership experience tells a more complicated story. According to Consumer Reports’ 2025 used vehicle reliability rankings, Tesla placed last among 26 major automotive brands in the United States.
The study analyzed data from 5 to 10 year old vehicles sold on the second-hand market, focusing on real-world reliability issues reported by owners. Tesla earned a reliability score of 31, putting it below traditionally low-ranked brands such as Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler. Jeep scored 32, Ram 35, and Chrysler 36, meaning Tesla performed worst overall in this category.
Courtesy: Consumer Reports
The findings may surprise many drivers who associate Tesla with advanced technology and premium performance. Consumer Reports emphasized that the ranking reflects older vehicles, not the company’s latest models. In fact, the organization noted that Tesla has made meaningful improvements in recent years. All current Tesla models are now rated as better than average for reliability, and the brand ranks within the top ten for predicted reliability among new vehicles. That places Tesla ahead of long-established automakers including Ford, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volkswagen when it comes to new car expectations.
Still, Tesla’s recall history continues to weigh on its used vehicle reputation. Over the past few years, the company has issued multiple recalls across nearly its entire lineup. These include high-profile actions affecting the Model S, Model 3, Model Y, and the newly launched Cybertruck. Earlier this year alone, more than 46,000 Cybertrucks were recalled to address an exterior panel that could detach while driving. In January, Tesla also recalled over 200,000 vehicles due to a software issue affecting rearview camera displays.
Past recalls have covered a wide range of problems, including Autopilot software errors, power steering failures, malfunctioning touchscreens, seat belt warning faults, and brake system alerts. While many of these fixes were delivered through over-the-air software updates, Consumer Reports notes that frequent recalls can still undermine long-term confidence in a used vehicle.
Market conditions have added to Tesla’s challenges. Used Tesla prices have fallen sharply since the pandemic-era surge, when generous federal tax credits boosted EV demand. With those incentives reduced under President Trump’s recent legislation, consumer interest has cooled. Buyers are increasingly turning back to gasoline vehicles or hybrid models, which often offer lower upfront costs and more established service networks.
Tesla is also facing intensifying competition from Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, which are expanding globally with lower-priced, feature-rich electric vehicles. Some analysts draw parallels to the 1970s, when Japanese automakers disrupted the US market by offering affordable, reliable alternatives to domestic brands.
While Tesla’s newer vehicles show progress, the latest data suggests that reliability remains a key hurdle, especially for buyers considering a used model.
