- An overview of the Consumer Reports reliability survey
- Which Volvo model lost its recommendations from CR?
- Which other models lost recommendation status from Consumer Reports?
We’re familiar with Consumer Reports and its gathering of data on various models to help consumers make purchasing decisions. The publication collects the information to develop reliability ratings for each vehicle. This year’s survey shows that one particular Volvo model lost its recommendation from the site due to its recent performance in the 17 trouble spots CR tracks. Which Volvo model was it, and what else does the report show?
An overview of the Consumer Reports reliability survey
⚡️? Is the #EV dead and buried if the battery is broken? No, as it can usually be repaired!
? Click below to learn more about the maintenance and repair of high-voltage traction batteries in an electric car.
— Volkswagen News (@volkswagen) October 12, 2021
We can gather some interesting bits of information from the Consumer Reports 2022 survey. One surprising area that showed up is that EVs are reportedly less reliable than one might think, at least with the current batch on the market. Granted, electric vehicle sales are ramping up due to the increase in fuel prices, but more owners are complaining about issues specific to EVs, like batteries and drive systems.
Other problems that have been around for years, like infotainment display glitches, continue to be frustrating for many. As of yet, some issues aren’t getting resolved as they should. According to the Consumer Reports survey, plug-in hybrid vehicles are also beginning to show issues.
What isn’t quite as surprising is that pickups continue to be some of the least reliable vehicles on the market. Out of the 17 models tracked by CR, only seven got a reliability rating of average or above. The rest landed in the below-average range. Sedans appear to be the most reliable type of vehicle to buy, probably because cars have been produced for several years, so automakers have had plenty of time to improve the problems that showed up. Hybrids have also been shown to be reliable models, according to CR data. The survey shows that these vehicles are as reliable, if not more so, than their non-hybrid counterparts.
Which Volvo model lost its recommendations from CR?
2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge in Silver Dawn | Volvo Car Corporation
The Volvo XC60 SUV lost its recommendation from Consumer Reports due to reliability issues from the survey sent out this year. Looking at its history of trouble-spot areas, this model has had a pretty good run in previous years, with a few issues sprinkled throughout.
However, when you look at the current results, you’ll find that the model is plagued with some serious issues that just crept up recently. Some of those problems include its in-car electronics, power equipment, and electrical system. What’s most concerning, though, are the problems with the engine (both major and minor) reported by owners filling out the reliability survey.
There is one recall, which has to do with the engine and a software issue. It appears that a glitch could cause the engine not to start. However, Volvo dealerships are addressing the software problem for free for models that qualify.
Which other models lost recommendation status from Consumer Reports?
It’s been 25 years since the last Ford Bronco was made. Now, Ford is unveiling new versions of its classic off-road SUV.
The 2021 Bronco, which will come in a two- and a four-door version, and the smaller Bronco Sport are designed to compete with Jeeps. https://t.co/hwIoFeS7ri pic.twitter.com/ujskAeZKdq
— CNN (@CNN) July 14, 2020 Related
While some models saw an improvement in reliability, a few did the opposite and lost their recommendation from Consumer Reports. The Volvo XC60 was one, but about six other models joined it. Hyundai had two that made the shameful list, so to speak. The automakers Kona and Elantra didn’t perform as well as in previous years.
Ford also has two vehicles that lost recommendations. The Bronco Sport is one of them. The first year CR collected data for it was 2021, which only showed body integrity and brake issues. However, 2022 shows significant engine issues that are declining and not improving.
Ford’s other model, the Mustang Mach-E, also declined this year. With relatively few problems in 2021’s survey, this year brought quite a few more, including engine issues, in-car electronics, paint, body hardware, and the vehicle’s electric system.
The Toyota Tundra also made the list, which is a little surprising since the brand is known for its reliability. However, it seems that even Toyota isn’t free from the problem of pickup truck problems. Consumer Reports collected data since 2000, and the Tundra hasn’t had it all that bad considering what other vehicles have dealt with. However, likely due to a recent redesign, the pickup showed problems with paint, body hardware, and body integrity this year. It’s also declining in the in-car electronic area as well.
Keyword: Only 1 Volvo Model Is No Longer Recommended by Consumer Reports Due to Poor Reliability