No one enjoys an unexpected garage visit, least of all the big car manufacturers. In spite of huge developmental budgets, GM is not immune from reliability issues.
In a backstory of good and bad cars, some of the biggest names in General Motors' history have failed to deliver. Corvettes of all generations have been less than bombproof. That's not to say they are bad cars or poorly designed, sometimes it's the smallest detail that can be a car breaker. The good news is, with each generational update, GM does correct known issues. The Hummer H2 had its woes that, thank goodness, are absent in the latest 2022 Electric SUV variant.
At the other end of the spectrum, General Motors has a growing number of SUVs, and RVs that perform very well. As surprising as it may seem, it's the mid-sized trucks and SUVs that the U.S. giant gets right most of the time. Earning top slots in consumer surveys is fast becoming a welcome GM habit
As the GM corporate umbrella continues to grow, there is sure to be something for every gearhead. Choose the right car, and you'll enjoy thousands of miles of trouble free motoring. Maybe.
10 Least Reliable - Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Long overdue or more trouble than its worth, the eight generation Corvette is a mixed bag. Performance junkies will love the mid-mounted 6.2-liter V8 putting down 490 hp. Likewise, the handling is sublime thanks to the new engine location. On a good day, with everything working as it should, Chevrolet has a supercar on its hands.
But, there are some problems gearheads might want to check out before taking the plunge. Engine woes include intermittent transmissions, weak valve springs, and defective carbon intake pads.
9 Least Reliable - Cadillac XT4
Subcompact crossovers are big news in the U.S. Entering the fray, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 peaked with 32,000 unit sales in the first year alone. Since then, it's been a downward trend, and the U.S. carmaker hopes to reverse it with a 2023 refresh. Cadillac's prestige appeal soon evaporates on the move. On the inside, cheap materials and a rough ride make the XT4 hard to recommend.
Under the hood, GSM's LSY 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is where it starts to go wrong. Engine issues, brake booster failure, and erratic up/down shifting are common complaints.
8 Least Reliable - Wuling Hongguang Mini EV
Small and cheap should be a winning combination. In China, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is the best-selling micro car, thanks to a low asking price of $5,000. Despite it diminutive size, there is room inside for four at the expense of cargo pace. But, as a cheap city car, the chances of owners making long journeys are unlikely.
Powered by a single 27 hp electric motor, the Mini EV is quicker than you might think, topping out at 62 mph. But, budget pricing hides a lethal flaw. Put the Mini EV on charge after enjoying a 110-mile range, and you run the risk of unexpected fires.
7 Least Reliable - Chevrolet 1500 Silverado
The Silverado is sure to cause a vocal response among owners in love with the Chevrolet truck. For the most part, it's an affordable and dependable go-anywhere work horse. But, for anyone choosing the more frugal diesel engine option, reliability takes a hit.
In particular the 3.0-liter Duramax straight six draws unwelcome attention. High on the list of niggles, tedious long-cranking woes and an eventual failure to start. The culprit is not down to a single issue. Faulty pistons, excessive carbon deposits, and misbehaving sensors are all known trouble areas.
6 Least Reliable - Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV
Leaner and greener, the Chevrolet Bolt first hit the streets in 2018. In theory, the Bolt EV/EUV makes sense utilizing a 200 hp electric motor giving it a range of 260 miles between top-ups. But, you might want to hold off plugging the Bolt in to charge.
In the model's five-year life span, the Bolt suffered three recalls relating to battery issues. It's not a case of dwindling battery capacity, but one of potential fire risks. Chevrolet's response was to limit charging to 80% capacity and topping up more often. Chevrolet's battery replacement program cost the U.S. carmaker $800 million.
5 Indestructible - Chevrolet Camaro
The Camaro is another of GM's performance cars that scores well for reliability. Regardless of engine choice, the two coupe can cope with track day abuse and get you home afterwards. Chevrolet's front-rear drive sports car design is what makes the Camaro the sensible choice.
Save for a few engine changes, little has changed since the Camaro relaunched in 2016. While the four-cylinder and V6s are capable, it's at the upper end where things get exciting. For gearheads for whom nothing but a V8 will do, Chevrolet obliges with a 6.2-liter V8 putting down 455 hp and a ton of noise.
4 Indestructible - GMC Hummer EV
It might be less than a year since production ramped up, but the Hummer's return has been a successful one. Making the switch to batteries and motors has done little to affect the big, heavy 4x4's image. Under the hood of this 9,460 lbs titan, dual electric motors kick out a combined 1,000 hp and 11,500 lb-ft of torque.
The biggest surprise though is how fast this thing is. Foot hard down, the Hummer powers to 60 mph in 3.5-seconds, only running out of grunt at 106 mph. Both overshadows its gasoline powered predecessors.
3 Indestructible - Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Putting junior supercars on notice, the CT5-V Blackwing is the ultimate sleeper. Aside from some badging and huge exhausts, few gearheads would give it a second glance. At a fraction under $100k, it's hard to find any car that delivers so much performance for your buck. Packing a 6.2-liter V8 punching out 668 hp, the Blackwing hits 60 mph in 3.6-seconds, topping out at 205 mph.
But, unlike its peers, the Blackwing isn't a labor-intensive maintenance diva. With little more than regular servicing, the CT5-V to date has a JD Power reliability rating of 85 out of a 100. Performance cars don't get much better than this.
2 Indestructible - Chevrolet Colorado
Trucks, not cars, are the biggest sellers in the U.S. In 2021, Chevrolet's Colorado shifted 73,000+ units, a fraction of the Silverado's sales. Yet, in this instance smaller proves better for reliability, scoring 85 from 100 in a JD Power survey.
Smaller it might be, but the Colorado still manages an impressive 7,700 lbs towing limit. Under the hood, opting for the 3.6-liter V6 engine should be enough for any gearhead. We know trucks aren't built for speed, but the Colorado's 6.1-second 0-60 mph time is impressive all the same.
1 Indestructible - Cadillac XT5
Cadillacs first and more successful entry in the compact SUV segment, the XT5 came second only to the Buick Envision in a reliability survey, missing out by a single point. A larger C1XX platform is the major difference in the XT-based line-up. That, and a V6 engine option in higher trims.
Yet, in both XT models with the same base model LSY motor, it's like two different engines. In the earlier XT5, reliability was never a concern, something XT4 owners can only dream of.