Consumer Reports least reliable 2024 midsize trucks

Our list of Consumer Reports least reliable 2024 midsize trucks is filled with new and old models. It is also filled with a lot of unknowns.

Since many new 2024 midsize trucks are out there with little data from Consumer Reports, I also cross-referenced NHTSA.gov, owner forums, and our past work chronicling issues.

[Related content: Consumer Reports 2024 least reliable full-size trucks]

Least reliable 2024 midsize trucks

Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier starts the list of least reliable 2024 midsize trucks and that’s a surprise. Why? Typically, the older your truck, in terms of the redesign, the better it fares for reliability. The Frontier is one of the older trucks on the market.

What’s going on? Checking Consumer Reports and cross-referencing with forums, there are two big issues: the infotainment system and a broader concern about rattles and build quality

First, the infotainment system sometimes seems to have a life of its own. It resets or drops the cell phone connection forcing owners to pull over and restart the truck for things to work again.

The other issue is more of a general concern about rattles and build quality. Some owners are seeing that the truck’s paint tends to chip easily.

Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon 

The Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon is next on the list although it should come with an asterisk. This is because the 2023 Colorado came out in the Spring of the year meaning there was a limited number of them for owners to buy and report on. 

Also, the overall score is weighed down by a general brand score.

With that said, what have we seen so far with the redesigned Chevy Colorado? An early battery drain issue frustrated owners. There was also a recall for the automatic emergency braking. 

Besides those issues, there hasn’t been any one item that stands out among a variety of issues.

Jeep Gladiator

Next on the list is the Jeep Gladiator with two big problems amongst others driving down its reliability scores.

First, many people have complained about steering issues especially on NHTSA.gov and Consumer Reports. A lot of owners say the steering experiences violent shaking aka a death wobble. The death wobble has affected different vehicles over the years and they are often hard to completely remedy.

Next, there are many powertrain concerns with the manual transmission failing. Owners are saying the clutch goes out well within the first few years. Some dealerships are telling them it is a driver error issue.

Toyota Tacoma

The perennial midsize truck sales king comes in the middle of the pack with owners complaining about paint chip issues, random check engine lights and a myriad of other issues.

This could all change. An all-new 2024 model is now getting into owner’s hands and early reports have shown a few transmission issues and a well documented front-axle failure by TFL Truck.

The infotainment system is the same as in many other Toyota vehicles, the engines are also similar to others and many of the parts of the truck are the same.

Will it stay one of the more reliable trucks on the market? Will it have quality concerns like those impacting the Toyota Tundra? Big questions with no answers at the moment.

Ford Ranger

Like the GM twins, the Ford Ranger comes with an asterisk since it is an all-new model and details are scarce.

What we do know is the Ranger has a similar powertrain that’s been out for years.

Also, the infotainment system, often a sore spot for Ford vehicles has been updated greatly throughout the years. The new Sync 4a system (a for vertical layout) has been much better received.

Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is at the top of our list and is the oldest pickup with a full redesign done in 2016. Honda has updated it over the years and the 2024 model is the latest model with a new TrailSport trim highlighting the changes.

Over the years, owners have pointed out issues with the infotainment system, specifically GPS not working right, and electronic features like auto-dimming headlights not working right.

Overall, the powertrain has been solid and it remains a top recommendation for Consumer Reports.

The bottom line

Shopping for a new 2024 midsize truck should include some consideration of reliability. And while predicted reliability will have its critics, it is a good reference item to refer to be an informed consumer.

 

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