Pickup trucks have a long history and were once used almost exclusively by farmers, tradespersons, and commercial operators. The phenomenal growth in pickup popularity is probably best attributed to developments in the 1960s, including the introduction of the crew cab and the Japanese compact trucks and an improvement in transmissions that permitted travel for longer distances at a higher rate of speed while carrying heavier freight. The car-hungry public began to recognize the rugged beauty and utility offered by pickup trucks. Sales exploded, and more people adopted them as their daily-use vehicles. Today, pickups offer capabilities, technology, and features never imagined in the past, making them the perennial top-selling vehicles in America every year.
When purchasing a new (or used) pickup truck, the buyer must consider many factors. Even for basic configurations, pickups can differ greatly in performance, comfort, fuel economy, safety, price, and perhaps most important, dependability.
Reliability and dependability are best measured by reviewing original owner feedback after three years of ownership. While there are numerous organizations that review vehicle performance, J.D. Power is one of the best for dependability.
J.D. power conducts a survey of original vehicle owners numbering in the thousands. The data is analyzed and then the findings reported by J.D. Power in their annual Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The results measure which features functioned well and which didn’t work so well with 3-year-old vehicles, according to the people who have owned them since they were new. The most dependable vehicles are those that receive a Power Circle Rating of four or five out of a possible five for vehicle dependability after three years of ownership.
Based on J.D. Power and other sources, the following are ten new pickups that'll probably break down and 9 that are worth every dollar.
19 Will Probably Break Down: Chevrolet Colorado
One of the first small trucks to provide lane-departure and forward-collision warnings, the 2018 Colorado is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter I-4 generating 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. A responsive 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 308 hp and 275 lb-ft or a 2.8-liter turbodiesel I-4 with 181 hp and 269 lb-ft are optional.
Despite the technology upgrades, the 2018 Colorado is a risky purchase and a possible maintenance nightmare. J.D. Power rated the 2015 Colorado only two stars out of a possible five for Predicted Reliability and three stars for Overall Quality.
One customer from the Kelly Blue Book Official Guide wrote:
“…if I could get it [old truck with 130,000 miles] back for an even swap, I would in a heartbeat. If you want a mid-size pickup, get a horse and wagon before buying this truck."
18 Will Probably Break Down: Nissan Frontier
A competitor to the Chevrolet Colorado, The Frontier is one of the most affordable small pickup trucks on the market. Nissan made several updates to the pickup in 2014 after nearly ten years of stagnant model production. Standard technology features on the 2018 model include Bluetooth, a rearview camera, cruise control, air conditioning, and a 5.0-inch color center display.
While the pickup gets good ratings for dependability (primarily from a decade of no changes), customer reviews rank the Frontier low in satisfaction—only one and a half stars out of five from Consumer Affairs.
The Frontier safety should be a concern to the prospective buyer. During IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) testing, the 2017 Nissan Frontier scored the second-lowest rating in the small overlap front crash test. The Frontier doesn't offer an emergency automatic braking feature or collision warning system.
17 Will Probably Break Down: GMC Sierra 1500
General Motors made driver and passenger comfort with minimum road noise a top priority on the Sierra. One of the quietest pickup trucks in the segment, it's built with sound-deadening materials that envelop the cabin.
All three of the engine options keep vibration and noise to a minimum: the standard 4.3-liter V-6 rated at 285-hp and torque of 305 lb-ft with a six-speed automatic transmission, the 5.3-liter V-8 at 355 hp and torque of 383 lb-ft, and the 6.2-liter V8.
However, the GMC has been plagued with recalls indicating less than ideal dependability. The Sierra had 57 recall incidents between 1999 and 2017.
The only consolation to owners of the GMC Sierra is the enjoyment of a noise-free trip every time they take the vehicle back to GM for a recall.
16 Will Probably Break Down: Toyota Tacoma
Although the mid-size Tacoma receives good dependability ratings, its dealer support is disappointing. Even if a truck has just a few problems, when they occur, the manufacturer and dealer must resolve issues promptly and to the satisfaction of the owner. The Toyota Tacoma received a customer satisfaction of only one and a half stars out of a possible five from Consumer Affairs, partly due to dealer issues.
One customer wrote, “I bought a 2017 Tacoma less than one year ago. It's been sitting at the dealer for over four months now on a differential recall, supposedly because of no parts available.”
Another customer wrote about the Tacoma with the 3.5 V6 and automatic transmission: “very unimpressed with the acceleration and braking…erratic shifting and steering vibration. I set up a visit with a [Toyota] technician and was told it is just how the truck drives.”
15 Will Probably Break Down: Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 offers several models from the basic truck to the luxury leather-lined deluxe model with powerful drivetrain options. The 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6 is standard, the 240-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 offers fuel efficiency, and a 395-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 rounds out the options.
Dependability issues for the Ram 1500 range from water leaking into the cab to a nightmare of serious problems.
An owner of a 2016 Ram 1500 stated, “Anytime it rained, my cab would get water inside. I took it to two different dealers a total of four times. Each time I took it home and sprayed it with a garden hose mimicking a light rain…water was flooding my cab within ten seconds.”
After only five months of ownership, the owner said, “We stay in the repair shop more than anywhere else… Check Engine Lights repeatedly on with O2 Sensors and EGR…the steering locking up…the Injection Pump replaced, and that set us back 4k.”
14 Will Probably Break Down: Ram 2500
With three years of dependability data and owner feedback, J.D. Powers rated the Ram 2500 only two stars out of a possible five in eight out of nine quality categories.
For one customer, another case of poor dealer support:
“…issues with raw diesel exhaust leaking into the cab. Been to the dealership countless times…they didn’t care! Called Ram support over ten times—they don’t care. It was so bad with exhaust in the cab, I won’t drive it again! Currently has 3,552 miles! I didn’t sign up for this from a new truck! Now, it’s a used patched-together junker I paid $60,000 for!”
For another purchaser, even a good dealer wasn't enough:
“…purchased a 2500 RAM with a Cummins diesel engine with the purpose of pulling a toy hauler…Since acquiring…I have had 12 recall notices, several service warranty issues that took forever to repair and no support from RAM trucks. If not for a decent dealer, this would be a total nightmare.”
13 Will Probably Break Down: Ram 3500
Although the Ram 3500 is a powerhouse with its class-leading Cummins diesel 930 lb-ft of torque, it suffers the same dependability issues as the two smaller models, the 1500 and the 2500.
Customers have serious issues and lack of support from dealers.
“2016 Truck, lasted 990 miles and transmission failed. Rebuild, now sluggish and dangerously slow to move off the line. Smells of burning every time it is driven. Told by Dodge Techs, this is normal for the truck. Terrible quality, terrible aftercare. Service Manager said, 'We are not going to pay for a new transmission, this is good enough.' This is our third Dodge and our last...”
“The list [of problems] is too long…and transmission, electrical, and engine trouble started at 600 miles! The only thing worse than the total lack of build quality is Chrysler's denial technique. No one will take responsibility, and service is always two weeks to two months away…”
12 Will Probably Break Down: Nissan Titan
The Titan comes in a single cab, crew cab, and king cab with up to five trim levels. A 5.6-liter gas-powered V8 engine at 390 hp is standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission. A 5-liter V8 turbo diesel by Cummins and a six-speed automatic transmission powers the heavy-duty XD.
Although the Consumer Affairs rating for the Titan is better than most other pickups with poor dependability, it still generated only two stars.
“I purchased a brand-new 2017 Nissan Titan. It gave me transmission problems, and the parking sensors went off whenever they felt like it. 300 miles into my new purchase, the truck wouldn't move. I was stuck in a Walmart Parking lot. People were honking. I had to push my new truck. This was embarrassing.”
11 Will Probably Break Down: Nissan Titan XD
The Titan XD is available in the same models as the Titan—three cabs, two powertrains in five trims, and of course, numerous options. It also shares many of the same reliability issues, especially in cold weather. A Consumer Affairs owner reported:
“I purchased a 2017 Nissan Titan XD SV in Billings, MT. I loved the truck for its nice ride, super comfortable seats, solid build quality. Cons: turbo lag/torque management from a stop is excessive if accelerator pushed down any more than quarter way. Transmission timing is poor and hinders engine output…the final straw! Block heater failed at 4,400 miles. Truck will not start anywhere around 0 deg. F! The cold start issue affects nearly all the diesels, so don't buy if you live in cold country!”
10 Will Probably Break Down: Toyota Tundra
The Tundra is rated low for dependability by Consumer Affairs. It also is ranked in last place in a J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study.
However, the Tundra excelled in dependability in at least one life-saving situation as described by a U.S. soldier on duty in Iraq.
“I’m a 3-time US Marine war veteran…during my 2nd war 1996 war in Iraq, I was shot at numerous times by enemy hitting me once on my leg, as I seen [sic] a Toyota Tundra on the road and trying to get away from the Taliban, this nice man grabbed me and put me in his Toyota Tundra and took me to my base…we were engaged on from enemy rounds as it hit the truck many times around the engine and back of the truck, which never stopped or broke down…the truck was so tough that the bullets from enemy fire couldn’t even penetrate…They are very dependable and never break down in the middle of the desert…I owe Toyota my life…”
Perhaps not the dependability most buyers are looking for—but still impressive!
9 Worth Every Dollar: Ford F-150
The Ford F Series has offered the best-selling trucks in America for over 40 years for a good reason. The F-150 has a diverse lineup, four engine options, several body types, and six trims. It's consistently a leader in implementing new technology, like the aluminum bodies first introduced on the 2015 models that reduced weight and improved fuel economy. Perhaps most important, the F-150 has proven to be one of the most reliable pickup trucks in the market for many years.
Every year, a study by J.D. Power experts includes a survey of 3-year-old vehicles' original owners and measures car reliability. Dependability is evaluated based on criteria in these areas: features and controls, engine and transmission, heating and cooling, the overall driving experience, and more.
The 2017 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study awarded the top spot in the large light-duty pickup category to the Ford F-150.
8 Worth Every Dollar: Ford F-250 Super Duty
A 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque powers the F-250. In 2018, an upgraded 6.7-liter turbodiesel V-8 with 450 hp and more torque at 935 lb-ft was also made available. Both engines come exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission.
High-strength boxed frame, upgraded axles, heavy-duty steering, and chassis components are new in the 2018 model. A restyled body that uses military-grade aluminum is lighter and stronger, making the F-250 more fuel efficient.
The Ford Super Duty version delivers the best payload in its class. Rated at 7,630-lb. maximum payload and 21,000-lb. for conventional towing, the GCWR reaches a whopping 42,800 lbs.
The F-250 has been highly rated for reliability for several years by J.D. Power with a five-star (out of five) Vehicle Dependability Power Circle Rating in 2015 and five stars for Overall Quality in 2017.
7 Worth Every Dollar: Ford F-150 Raptor
Engine and body enhancements place the updated Raptor at the top of the off-road pickup class. The old 411-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine has been replaced with the direct fuel injection, 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6. The Raptor's mill features a new aluminum block, high-boost turbos, improved cooling systems, and a superior airflow dual exhaust. The modifications result in a power boost of 75 hp to 450 hp and a torque of 510 lb-ft.
Ford offers two cab and wheelbase configurations: an extended SuperCab with a 133-inch-wheelbase, and a four-door SuperCrew at 145 inches. The Raptor's aluminum body is attached to a substantially upgraded steel frame, capable of handling almost any abuse, including huge rocks and even jumps.
Limited data are available for recent-year Raptor models because it was out of production in 2015 and 2016 and reintroduced in 2017. However, independent tests by Car and Driver and TFL Truck demonstrated the Raptor to be as dependable as the award-winning standard F-150 models.
6 Worth Every Dollar: Ford F-350 Super Duty
The Super Duty line of Ford trucks has long demonstrated cutting-edge performance features and exceptional reliability in the heavy-duty pickup class. Motor Trend Magazine named the Ford Super Duty pickup the 2017 Truck of the Year. Both the F-250 and F-350 models scored excellent marks in six areas: Design, Efficiency, Engineering Excellence, Performance, Safety, and Value.
The advancements that Ford implemented in the F-series Super Duty in 2017 carried over to the 2018 models. A turbo-diesel 6.7-liter V-8 engine option, rated 440 hp, produces a class-leading 925 lb-ft. A stiffer steel frame and an all-new aluminum body and bed provide the 3500 with superior strength, lighter weight, and improved fuel economy. The Super Duty’s new variable-ratio steering system provides greater maneuverability for occasional city driving or tight worksites.
5 Worth Every Dollar: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
General Motors bestselling vehicle is the Chevrolet Silverado offered in a wide range of configurations including six distinct trim levels, three cab layouts, three bed sizes, and three engine choices. Powertrain options are the standard 4.3-liter V-6 at 285 hp and torque of 305 lb-ft and two upgrades in power and towing, the 5.3-liter V-8 with 355 hp and torque of 383 lb-ft. and the 6.2-liter V-8 providing a class-leading 420 hp and maximum towing of 12,500 lb. While not currently available, a diesel engine is slated for the 2019 Silverado 1500 models.
While no reliability data is currently available for the 2018 model, the 2015 Silverado 1500 received a Vehicle Dependability Power Circle Rating of five out of five.
4 Worth Every Dollar: Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
The Silverado 2500HD pickup truck has a history of reliability. It was awarded a Vehicle Dependability Power Circle Rating of five out of five in the Large Heavy-Duty Pickup segment for the 2014 model and a rating of four out of five for the same category in 2015.
A truly modern truck, the 2018 Silverado 2500HD is filled with the latest technology including a 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers, a rear backup camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring (TPM) system.
Chevrolet delivers two engine options in the 2500HD. The pickup's standard power plant is the 6.0-liter V8 that produces 360 hp and torque of 380 lb-ft. For more towing power, there's the optional (not available in the Silverado 1500) 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8, rated at 445 hp and a huge 910 lb-ft of torque.
3 Worth Every Dollar: Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
At the top of the heavy-duty pickup-truck class, the Silverado 3500 can tow up to 23,300 pounds or carry a payload up to 7,100 pounds. Chevrolet offers two engines for the 3500HD: the standard 6.0-liter V8 with 360 hp and torque of 380 lb-ft, and for more power, the 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that develops a class-leading 445 hp and an exceptional 910 lb-ft of torque.
Although it's designed for the most demanding and rugged jobs, the Silverado offers a luxurious cabin, remarkable driver safety, and high-tech infotainment features.
Dependability for the 2018 models should be equal to or better than the 2015 500HD. It's rated at three out of five for the J.D. Power Overall Quality and Overall Performance and a respectable four out of five for Overall Dependability.
2 Worth Every Dollar: GMC Sierra 2500HD
The Sierra 2500HD uses the same chassis as the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD but offers luxurious interiors not available on the Silverado. Both trucks offer three cab styles, two beds, five wheelbases, and two engine options. A 6.0-liter V-8 gasoline engine is standard, and the Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 (910 pound-feet of torque and 445 horsepower) with the six-speed automatic by Allison and modified hood-mounted air intake is a more powerful option.
The 2014 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty received a Vehicle Dependability Power Circle Rating of four out of five and a Predicted Reliability rating of five stars in 2015.
To further ensure dependability, GMC equipped the 2500HD with a standard Teen Driver mode that allows owners to set parameters for secondary drivers and encourage good driving habits.
1 Worth Every Dollar: Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline is a unique offering in the light-duty pickup truck class for its superior comfort but inferior tow ratings. While other trucks are built with a rugged body-on-frame chassis, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline is the only pickup built on a car (crossover-type) unibody platform. The result is unrivaled ride and handling characteristics.
The tradeoff is limited towing and off-road capability. The Ridgeline has electronic modes to handle varying terrain, but it lacks many off-road features such as low-range gearing, off-road shocks, knobby tires, and it doesn't sit high enough or offer tight departure and approach angles to venture off the highway. The powertrain consists of a 280-hp V-6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. However, it can tow a reasonable 5,000 pounds, but that’s 2,000 pounds less than the competition.
The 2014 Honda Ridgeline received a dependability award and a Vehicle Dependability Power Circle Rating of five out of five.
Sources: forbes.com; caranddriver.com; jdpower.com