2018 RELIABILITY SURVEY RESULTS | TALKING CARS WITH CONSUMER REPORTS 125

EV Channels Review

Consumer Reports delves into their 2018 reliability survey, analyzing data from over 640,000 vehicles. The survey highlights a shift in common problems from mechanical failures to issues with new technologies, particularly in transmissions (9-speed automatics, dual-clutch, CVTs) and infotainment systems, which often manifest as screen freezing or blanking. Toyota and Lexus maintain their top positions due to a conservative approach to design and component sharing. Conversely, Cadillac and Tesla Model X are identified as having below-average reliability, with the Model X's issues stemming from its complex features like Falcon Wing doors and intricate hardware. The Model S, however, shows improvement, moving to above-average reliability. For the upcoming Model 3, Consumer Reports predicts at least average reliability, anticipating it will share components and a simpler design philosophy with the Model S, avoiding the complexity that plagued the Model X.