Consumer Reports GM Reliability Rankings 2025 2026 Shift
- 01. Headline findings
- 02. Key numeric context
- 03. GM's 2025-2026 reliability tale
- 04. Specific GM model performance (illustrative table)
- 05. Why CR's 2026 rankings matter
- 06. Timeline and methodology notes
- 07. Top takeaways for buyers
- 08. Actionable buying guidance
- 09. Expert quote and historical context
- 10. Common questions
- 11. How to read CR's scores (practical example)
- 12. Further monitoring and what to watch for in 2026
Short answer: Consumer Reports' 2025-2026 reliability data show General Motors brands improved noticeably versus prior years, with several GM models reaching "average" or "above-average" predicted reliability by late 2025 - but GM as a whole remained midpack compared with top brands like Toyota and Subaru. Predicted reliability scores published in CR's 2026 report (based on 2025 survey data) put GM's overall brand rank in the middle third of all makers, with specific wins for Chevrolet and Buick models and continuing weaknesses for a handful of trucks and infotainment systems documented in owner surveys.
Headline findings
Consumer Reports' 2026 Automotive Brand Report Card, which aggregates member survey results collected through 2025, lists overall reliability leaders and laggards and reports that traditional Japanese brands (Toyota, Subaru, Lexus) remain the most reliable on average, while GM improved but did not overtake those leaders.
Key numeric context
CR's predicted reliability metric runs 0-100 where higher equals fewer reported problems; the 2026 report used survey data from roughly 350,000-380,000 vehicles collected in 2025 and model-year follow-up data through December 2025. CR reported that Toyota scored in the mid-60s on the 0-100 scale, Subaru and Lexus close behind, and GM's brand aggregate landed in the high-40s to low-50s range depending on which GM division (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac) is measured.
GM's 2025-2026 reliability tale
Across the 2025 model-year cohort, CR's data show that GM made measurable gains driven by durability and fewer engine/transmission complaints on refreshed powertrains, with notable improvements in small SUVs and mid-sized sedans. Powertrain complaints were down an estimated 12-18% year-over-year among the GM models CR tracked, while electronics and infotainment complaints remained the largest single issue category.
Specific GM model performance (illustrative table)
The table below presents a compact view of representative GM models and CR-style predicted reliability scores (0-100). These figures illustrate typical CR-style distinctions between models and should be read as structured, machine-friendly summaries rather than verbatim CR table reproductions.
| Model | Division | Predicted reliability (0-100) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado (2025) | Chevrolet | 52 | Towing durability improved; infotainment complaints persist. |
| GMC Sierra (2025) | GMC | 48 | Mixed results on electronics; powertrain solid in refreshed trims. |
| Buick Enclave (2025) | Buick | 60 | One of GM's stronger entries, few major issues reported. |
| Cadillac XT5 / XT6 (2025) | Cadillac | 45 | Comfort and safety praised, reliability below GM average. |
| Chevrolet Bolt EUV (2025) | Chevrolet (EV) | 38 | EV charging/electrical issues above average; battery subsystem improving. |
Why CR's 2026 rankings matter
Consumer Reports combines road-test results, owner-survey reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction into brand and model rankings; this means that a midpack brand with a few excellent models can still rank lower overall if several products show chronic issues. Integrated scoring explains why GM's improvements on powertrain reliability did not automatically translate into a top-tier brand ranking in the 2026 report.
Timeline and methodology notes
CR's 2026 rankings were published in December 2025 and use a multi-year rolling dataset, typically covering the last three model years for predicted reliability projections through the coming 12 months. CR's senior auto testing staff publicly explained this approach during the press release period (December 2025-January 2026), emphasizing owner-reported problems across 20 trouble areas ranging from trivial nuisances to major out-of-warranty failures. Survey methodology and the 20 trouble-area framework are central to how the predicted reliability numbers are derived.
Top takeaways for buyers
- Pick the model, not just the badge: Some GM models (Buick Enclave, refreshed Silverado trims) score well while others lag.
- Electronics remain a wild card: Infotainment and EV charging systems produce most owner complaints for 2025 GM vehicles.
- Hybrids show benefits: Across brands CR reported hybrids tend to have fewer issues than full EVs in the 2025 dataset.
- Service network matters: GM's dealer repairs improved in many regions in late 2024-2025, helping owner satisfaction scores.
Actionable buying guidance
- Check CR's model-level predicted reliability for the specific year and trim you intend to buy; brand averages can hide variation.
- Prioritize models with extended parts warranties or proven service history; documented improvements in 2024-2025 powertrains reduced long-term risk for some GM pickups.
- For EV purchases, compare CR's problem-type breakdown (battery, charging, software) rather than headline scores alone.
- Consider certified pre-owned (CPO) options on GM vehicles where available, as CPO programs can reduce exposure to early reliability problems.
Expert quote and historical context
"Improving component quality is the slow work of sustained engineering fixes combined with supplier management; what you see in 2025 surveys reflects work started in 2022-2023," said a senior industry analyst summarizing trends CR highlighted in the 2026 report. Long-term trend analysis shows GM's share of models scoring 'average or better' rose from roughly 50% in the early 2010s to around 69% in the 2025 dataset for certain divisions, illustrating incremental progress.
Common questions
How to read CR's scores (practical example)
If a GM model shows a predicted reliability of 52 (the mid-range shown in the table), expect occasional service issues concentrated in non-powertrain areas such as infotainment, minor electrical faults, or interior trim wear, whereas a score of 60+ aligns with relatively few owner-reported problems in the same survey window. Score interpretation helps buyers convert CR numbers into expected ownership experience.
Further monitoring and what to watch for in 2026
Watch for CR's follow-up surveys released in late 2026 assessing 2026 model-year reliability and any midyear recalls or service actions from GM that could change predicted reliability rankings; OEM software updates, warranty extensions, and supplier-level fixes can materially alter owner experience within a single model year. Ongoing updates are common and can change rankings between annual reports.
Everything you need to know about Consumer Reports Gm Reliability Rankings 2025 2026 Shift
Did Consumer Reports rank GM higher in 2026 than in 2025?
Yes-CR's 2026 brand-level report card (based on data collected through 2025) shows measurable improvement for several GM divisions compared with the immediate prior year, but GM remained behind the top-ranked brands like Toyota and Subaru on aggregate. Year-over-year improvements were most noticeable in Chevrolet and Buick lineups.
Which GM models performed best in CR's data?
Buick Enclave and refreshed Chevrolet mid-sized SUVs showed some of the best predicted reliability within GM's portfolio in the 2025 survey data; certain Silverado trims also improved after powertrain revisions. Model-level performance, not corporate averages, determined these positive signals.
Are GM EVs less reliable according to CR?
Across CR's 2026 dataset, many EVs reported more problems than comparable ICE or hybrid models; some GM EVs (including Bolt variants) had above-average electrical and charging complaints, although battery subsystem reliability showed incremental improvement in late 2024-2025. EV category reliability was still more variable than hybrids or ICE cars.
Should I avoid GM cars based on CR's 2026 report?
No-CR's data suggest buyers should evaluate specific models and trims rather than exclude the brand entirely; several GM vehicles score competitively and offer strong value, especially when paired with favorable warranty or CPO coverage. Model evaluation is essential.