Owner-reported issues caused Consumer Reports to drop some recommendations.
The Tesla Model 3 lost its recommendation from Consumer Reports as issues mount with below-average reliability. Some of the more extreme cases involved bumpers falling off the cars, but those aren’t the only issues owners report.
Members informed Consumer Reports of various issues, including loose trim, paint defects, and issues with the door handles. Glass defects and cracks were also prevalent. As a result, they said they could no longer recommend the vehicle to prospective buyers. A Tesla spokesperson said of the matter, “we take feedback from our customers very seriously and quickly implement improvements any time we here about issues.” Since these issues sprang up, she also mentioned the company made design and manufacturing improvements, according to Consumer Reports.
Other models
The Tesla Model 3 wasn’t the only model to escape the site’s recommendation cull. The Volkswagen Tiguan suffered from below-average reliability, according to CR’s account of member feedback. Particularly, the car suffered issues with body control modules, remote engine start, and headlights.
The Acura RDX also lost its recommendations for issues with its in-car electronics. More specifically, the navigation system reportedly suffered from some problems. In fall 2018, Acura pushed an over-the-air updated to affected vehicles which the company says helped the problem. The BMW 5 Series also had below-average reliability, including issues with its power equipment.
The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger also had problems, according to CR members. the car reportedly has issues with in-car electronics, as well as interior trim problems. A Fiat Chrysler spokesperson said it had taken steps to address these problems, and fewer owners are reporting issues.
Researching your next car
Of course, it’s worth mentioning that Consumer Reports is just one source for reliability information. Whether you choose to inform your buying decisions based on their information is up to you. Specific examples of these six models may not have the issues. But, if enough members bring up the same problems, as CR members reportedly have, it may be enough to make a judgment call on the model as a whole.
The site did release an FAQ post on how they test vehicle reliability.