5 of the Least Reliable Hybrid Cars in 2025
Written by
Brooke Barley
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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What hybrid cars shouldn’t you buy? It’s something to know before you invest in something that costs about $40,000 on average, according to The Zebra.
In a recent study, Consumer Reports ranked the most and least reliable 2025 hybrid cars so shoppers know before they drive. They take a look at common problem areas such as brakes, out-of-warranty engines, transmissions, batteries and more.
Below are the hybrid cars that were at the bottom of the list that you should steer clear of.
Ford F-150
- Price: Starts at $37,450
Consumer Reports ranked the Ford F-150 model as the least reliable hybrid vehicle. The report cited its transmission and hybrid battery as problem areas. In addition, drivers might not like the stiff ride that Ford F-150 provides. The 2025 hybrid model already has one recall for the electrical system, which causes a sudden loss of drive power, leading to potential crashes.
Ford Escape
- Price: Starts at $29,515
Ford was once again under fire with their hybrid model of the Escape. Consumer Reports said the hybrid Escape scored far lower on reliability than the conventionally gas-powered Escape. One issue called out was the lag in the infotainment system, which can be extremely annoying to drivers trying to urgently look at navigation screens or change what they’re listening to. Consumer Reports projected the 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid will be less reliable than other new cars on the market.
Mazda CX-90
- Price: Starts at $49,945
This plug-in hybrid is less reliable than its conventional model. It scored well below average when it came to Consumer Reports’ reliability tests and rankings. The transition from electric to gas power was called out as not smooth, and might cause issues for drivers. They predict its reliability will be much less than the average new car.
BMW X5
- Price: Starts at $73,800
For such a pricey car, Consumer Reports said the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid vehicle scored just average when it came to reliability. Its conventional counterpart scored above average, suggesting that BMW still has to work out some of the kinks when it comes to its X5 hybrid model. Issues with previous models include decreasing range when temperatures dropped and slow charging speeds, according to Electrifying.
Lexus NX
- Price: Starts at $61,140
The Lexus NX plug-in hybrid also only scored average when it came to Consumer Reports’ reliability rankings. Consumer Reports cited the brake pedal as a potential issue for the 2025 model, saying it was “a bit touchy and takes some getting used to.” They also called out the electronic interior door releases, unintuitive gear selector, and low center dash vents as problem areas.
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