Least reliable cars in the UK - Breakdown statistics revealed

Based on data specific to the United Kingdom, primarily from the What Car? Reliability Survey, Warrantywise, and Driver Power (Auto Express), the following statistics highlight the vehicles most likely to break down as of late 2024 and early 2025.

In the UK market, vehicle reliability is judged using a combination of MOT failure rates, frequency of garage visits, and the cost of repairs.

1. What Car? reliability survey (2024/2025)

This is the UK’s most extensive reliability survey, asking owners of cars aged 0 to 5 years about faults experienced within the last 24 months.

The bottom five least reliable brands

• Cupra - The sporty offshoot of SEAT (Volkswagen Group) has struggled significantly with software and electrical glitches, placing it at the bottom of recent UK rankings.

• Alfa Romeo - Despite improvements in driving dynamics, owners frequently report engine and electrical faults.

• Vauxhall - Consistently scores poorly due to issues with the Corsa and Mokka models, particularly non-engine electrics and battery systems.

• Jaguar - High repair costs combined with frequent engine and satellite navigation system failures.

• Land Rover - A perennial bottom-dweller in UK reliability surveys. While comfortable, these vehicles suffer from high failure rates in suspension, batteries, and software.

Specific models most likely to fail

• Vauxhall Mokka (previous generation) - Often cited as the least reliable car in the UK, with nearly 60% of owners reporting faults, mostly electrical and engine related.

• Land Rover Discovery - Owners report high rates of engine, suspension, and electrical issues.

• Audi Q5 (plug-in hybrid) - The complex drivetrain has caused reliability scores to drop below 80%.

• Range Rover Evoque - Breakdowns are commonly linked to bodywork faults, air conditioning failures, and battery issues.

2. Warrantywise reliability index

Warrantywise provides aftermarket warranties for vehicles that are typically three years old or more and no longer covered by manufacturer warranties. Their data tracks real-world repair claims and costs, making it a strong indicator of mechanical reliability.

Least reliable vehicles based on frequency and cost of repair

• Land Rover Range Rover - Ranked as the least reliable used car. Air suspension and electrical systems are prone to failure, with extremely high repair costs.

• BMW M3 - High performance places stress on components, making engine and gearbox issues both common and expensive.

• Land Rover Discovery - Appears consistently across multiple reliability datasets.

• Porsche Panamera - While Porsche’s sports cars are generally reliable, the Panamera suffers from complex electronic and suspension failures.

• Audi Q7 - Heavy wear on brakes and suspension, combined with persistent electrical faults.

Key insight
In the UK, luxury SUVs represent the biggest financial reliability risk. Their weight accelerates suspension wear on poorly maintained roads, while complex electronics increase failure rates.

3. High-risk vehicle categories in the UK

A. Electric vehicles (EVs)

Despite having fewer moving parts, electric vehicles are currently statistically problematic in the UK.

The issue
Failures rarely involve the main motor or battery. Instead, problems typically stem from software glitches and failing 12-volt batteries.

Brands at higher risk
MG and Volkswagen (ID series) report above-average software failures that can render vehicles undriveable, often referred to as “bricking”.

B. Diesel particulate filters (DPF)

For buyers considering used Euro 6 diesel vehicles:

The risk
Diesel cars used mainly for short city journeys often fail to regenerate their DPFs. This forces the vehicle into limp mode and requires professional intervention, either a forced regeneration or a full replacement costing £1,000 or more.

Advice
Avoid used diesel hatchbacks unless you regularly drive motorway distances.

4. MOT data trends

UK government MOT data reveals common failure points that indicate vehicle fragility, even if they do not always result in immediate breakdowns.

• Suspension - The leading cause of MOT failure for SUVs and EVs, largely due to the condition of UK roads.

• Springs and dampers - Renault and Citroën models historically show higher failure rates in this area.

Summary for UK buyers

If you want confidence that your car will start on a cold, wet Tuesday morning in Manchester, consider the following guidance.

Vehicles to avoid

• Land Rover Discovery

• Vauxhall Mokka

• Cupra Formentor, until software reliability improves

• High-mileage Range Rovers without a comprehensive warranty

The safer bets

• Lexus - NX and RX models, consistently ranked number one for reliability in the UK

• Toyota - Yaris and RAV4

• Honda - Jazz and Civic

• Mini - The Oxford-built Mini has recently climbed into the UK top three for reliability

• Suzuki - Basic interiors, but mechanically robust models such as the Swift and Vitara