Tesla’s quality ranking slips in Consumer Reports’ annual survey, outdone by vehicle models of Mazda and Porsche
- Tesla dropped five spots from last year’s report to No. 16, the middle of the pack, while Mazda climbed three notches to knock Porsche from the top spot
- The closely watched annual assessment is based on road tests, reliability data, owner satisfaction surveys and safety performance
Tesla fell in Consumer Reports’ latest auto brand rankings, outdone by Mazda Motor’s mainstream models.
“The only model we’re able to recommend is the Model 3. All the other ones have below-average reliability,” Fisher said in an interview.
Mazda, meanwhile, climbed three steps in the rankings to knock Porsche out of the top spot. “Mazda is putting out very desirable vehicles that drive very well,” Fisher said.
It’s the first time Mazda has captured the top spot. The company was among five mainstream brands to make Consumer Reports’ Top 10, which in the past has been packed with luxury lines. Other “reasonably priced” brands that landed in the upper ranks include Subaru, Honda, Toyota, Stellantis’ Chrysler and General Motors’ Buick.
For Tesla, a recurring reliability issue is failures with its tablet-style touch screen that controls many of the car’s functions, Fisher said. The company’s plans to put gear-shift controls on the panel could exacerbate the issue going forward, he added.