JD Power Says These Are the Most Dependable Cars You Can Buy In 2026

It's important to consider not just the cost of buying a car but also how much it costs to maintain it or any repairs that you might encounter during its ownership. 

JD Power released its Vehicle Dependability Study for 2026, which ranks manufacturers based on the number of problems their cars may have per 100 vehicles. The national average is 204 issues per 100 vehicles. The study surveyed 33,268 original owners of 2023 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership, covering 184 specific problem areas. Lower scores mean fewer problems. Infotainment was the most problematic category, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity was the top complaint for the third year in a row.

Check out these brands to see which vehicles might help you keep more cash in your wallet if you're concerned about reliability and the costs you may incur if you own a less-than-dependable vehicle.

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Nissan rounds out the top ten this year, with 194 problems per 100 vehicles. That's 10 fewer problems than the industry average, which makes Nissan a solid choice for budget-minded buyers who want a mainstream car without big surprises.

Popular models include the Rogue and the Sentra. The Rogue is a compact SUV that fits families who need everyday cargo space, while the Sentra is a compact sedan aimed at commuters who want good fuel economy and a low price. 

Nissan backs its vehicles with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Since infotainment glitches were the most common complaint in the study, test your phone connection before you buy.

Kia, according to the JD Power survey, had 193 issues per 100 vehicles.

Kia moved up two places in the rankings over last year. Popular Kia models include the Kia Telluride and Kia Sorento. The Telluride is a three-row SUV that seats up to eight, which makes it a good fit for larger families, while the Sorento offers three rows in a smaller package along with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. 

Kia's warranty is one of its biggest selling points for long-term ownership: original owners get a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which can help limit repair costs if something does go wrong.

Toyota came in eighth place with 185 issues per vehicle, according to the JD Power survey.

The brand also had the highest number of model-level awards, including the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota 4Runner. Counting its Lexus luxury brand, Toyota Motor Corp. took home eight of the study's 12 model-level awards. 

That lineup covers nearly every type of buyer, from commuters who want an efficient sedan like the Corolla or Camry to families who need a minivan like the Sienna. New Toyotas also come with ToyotaCare, which covers scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, helping keep early ownership costs low.

Porsche came in at number seven with 182 problems per 100 vehicles.

Popular models include the Porsche 718, and the brand has a strong presence in the premium sports car category. Porsche ranked third among premium brands, and its score is well below the premium-vehicle average of 217 problems per 100 vehicles. 

That's notable because luxury vehicles, with their complex tech features, had more problems overall than mass market models in this year's study. The trade-off is cost: routine maintenance and repairs on a high-performance car typically run higher than on a mainstream brand, so Porsche is best for buyers who have room in their budget for upkeep.

Subaru joins the top 10 list this year with 181 issues per vehicle, according to the JD Power survey. The Subaru Forester and Outback remain popular models.

Subaru joins the top 10 list this year with 181 issues per 100 vehicles, according to the JD Power survey. The Subaru Forester and Outback remain popular models. Both come standard with all-wheel drive, which makes them practical picks for drivers who deal with snow, rain, or dirt roads. 

They also come with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Between their roomy cargo areas and raised ride height, the Forester and Outback appeal to outdoorsy buyers and families who want a dependable everyday vehicle that can also handle weekend road trips and outdoor adventures.

According to JD Power, the Chevy brand had 178 issues per 100 vehicles.

Chevrolet jumped one spot and was likely boosted by its well-performing models, including the Blazer, which was highly ranked in the midsize SUV category. Chevrolet placed third among mass market brands, and two of its models, the Equinox and Tahoe, earned model-level awards. 

The Equinox is a compact SUV suited to commuters and small families, while the full-size Tahoe offers three rows and plenty of towing capability for larger households. With a wide lineup and a large dealer network, Chevy is an easy brand to shop and service.

Coming in at 175 issues per 100 vehicles is Cadillac.

Cadillac joined the top 10 list last year in large part due to the XT5, which ranks highly in the midsize premium SUV category. This year, Cadillac ranked second among premium brands, behind only Lexus, and the three-row XT6 earned a model-level award. 

That's a strong showing for a luxury brand, since premium vehicles averaged 217 problems per 100 vehicles in the study. Cadillac is a good fit for buyers who want upscale comfort and features without giving up dependability, though luxury models generally cost more to insure and repair than mainstream vehicles.

Jumping seven spots from last year, MINI's dependability came in at 168 issues per 100 vehicles on JD Power. The company's offerings include the popular MINI Countryman and MINI Cooper. 

MINI ranked second among mass market brands, behind only Buick. The Cooper is a small, fun-to-drive hatchback that's easy to park in tight city spaces, while the Countryman adds more passenger room, extra cargo space, and available all-wheel drive. 

Keep in mind that MINI is owned by BMW, and parts and service can cost more than those of many mass market brands, so it's best suited to drivers who value style and handling.

Holding spot #2 is Buick. JD Power found that Buick had 160 problems per 100 vehicles.

Buick's lineup includes vehicles like the Enclave and Encore SUVs. Like Chevrolet, which also made the list, Buick is owned by General Motors. Buick was the highest-ranked mass market brand in the study, and the three-row Enclave earned a model-level award. 

Buick's lineup is made up entirely of SUVs, which makes it a good match for drivers who want a comfortable, quiet ride and near-luxury features at a lower price than premium brands. Buick also shares many parts and platforms with Chevrolet, so service is easy to find at GM dealers across the country.

Topping the list is Lexus with only 151 issues per 100 vehicles, according to JD Power.

Lexus got a boost from its models, such as the Lexus RX. In fact, the Lexus GX ranked highest among midsize premium SUVs. This brand is a great option if you want to keep more cash in your wallet in the long run. 

The Lexus IS was the top-performing model in the entire study, and the Lexus UX also earned a model-level award. Lexus scored 53 fewer problems than the industry average, and it was the top premium brand for the fourth straight year. Because Lexus shares engineering with Toyota, it's a strong pick for buyers who want luxury and long-term reliability in the

Before you save up for a car, it's a good idea to create a budget and factor in not only the cost but also issues like dependability, maintenance, and other factors.

You'll also want to shop around for car insurance to reduce the overall cost of your new car.

Your choice of powertrain matters too. Gas-powered vehicles had the fewest problems in the study at 198 per 100 vehicles, while plug-in hybrids had the most at 281. Since the study measures problems after three years, staying on top of regular maintenance can also help any car hold up over time.