Consumer Reports' annual used car reliability ranking has delivered an unpleasant surprise for Tesla enthusiasts. In a study analyzing data from over 140,000 vehicles aged five to ten years, the American electric car manufacturer landed in last place, scoring just 31 points—the worst result among all brands.

Lexus topped the ranking with 77 points, followed by Toyota, Mazda, Honda, and Acura. These brands are known for their predictable quality, proven components, and minimal serious failures even at high mileage.

The middle of the pack includes BMW, Buick, Nissan, Audi, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz, with scores ranging from 47 to 53 points. Cars from these manufacturers typically require more maintenance attention but stay within expected operational risks.

At the bottom of the ranking are Mini, Cadillac, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Kia, GMC, Chrysler, Ram, and Jeep. However, Tesla stands out as the study's clear underperformer. Models from 2016 to 2021, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y—released during the company's rapid growth phase—were identified as particularly problematic. Experts attribute these weak results to "growing pains," as Tesla aggressively ramped up production, introduced new platforms and technologies, and faced inconsistent build quality and increased failure rates during those years.

According to Consumer Reports, first-generation electric vehicles showed up to 80% more problems on average than traditional combustion-engine cars. Importantly, the study notes that the situation is already changing.

Since 2021, the reliability of new Teslas has improved significantly, with the Model Y now ranking among the most stable vehicles in new car ratings. The Cybertruck remains an exception, as it undergoes refinements typical for any new model.

This ranking clearly illustrates that early Teslas come with heightened risks, especially on the used market. When considering a pre-owned electric car, it's crucial to look beyond the brand and factor in the model year, as newer Tesla generations show a fundamentally different level of reliability.