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    17 Trouble Spots That Signal Car Reliability Problems

    CR's surveys reveal the recent models most likely to have issues in key areas

    mechanic tool car Photo: iStock

    Consumer Reports rates and ranks cars based on the reliability data collected from members through its large-scale surveys. There are detailed insights behind those top-level scores, with problems broken down by 17 key trouble spots. This allows car buyers and owners to see how a car compares overall with others from the same model year and find out what types of problems owners are reporting.

    More on Car Reliability
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    CR's Guide to Car Reliability

    Below, we spotlight the most problem-prone 1- to 3-year-old models in each of those 17 areas, based on issues experienced over the previous 12 months. Each is listed with the percentage of affected vehicles, as well as detailed issues shared by the owners.

    Because these are all fairly recent vehicles, it doesn’t take a large percentage to stand out. After all, cars are expected to be problem-free during their first few years.

    The problems signaled by these reports can portend an even greater percentage experiencing the issue in the future as the cars age and rack up miles.

    Consider this a taste of the information available on the car model pages for most models, where CR members can find the ratings for all 17 trouble spots on each car.

    The trouble spots below are organized based on the typical seriousness of the issues. Each includes a list of what is encompassed by the trouble spot category.

    Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

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