New 2026 SUVs Already Falling Apart - Major Reliability Issues Exposed by Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports just ranked the worst new SUVs for 2026, and the results are shocking for anyone shopping for the most reliable suvs. If you want suvs that never break down, or you are following a car buying guide to find the best suvs to buy, do not buy a new SUV until you see this list. We break down 12 brand new SUVs already falling apart with major reliability issues, from transmission failures and infotainment crashes to fire risks, software bugs, and brake failures. The worst ranked SUV scored just 14 out of 100. These are not old, worn out cars. These are brand new models with defective brakes, failing transmissions, electrical problems, and batteries that can catch fire while parked. Some received recalls before their first oil change. One hit a stop sale order within months. Another is under a federal investigation after a recall failed to fix a steering problem. If you are shopping for a new SUV, know which ones to avoid before you sign anything. Reliability scores this low mean expensive repairs, safety risks, and months waiting for parts that are already backordered. Subscribe to Car Failure Files for more Consumer Reports reliability exposes, car buying advice, and mechanic secrets that dealers do not want you to know.