2012

Manufacturer & Vehicle Rankings

Published by CarMD, December 2012

SUMMARY:
Top Manufacturers
For the second consecutive year, Toyota is the no. 1 manufacturer in the U.S., based on a ranking derived from the fewest percentage of “check engine”-related problems and lowest average repair cost. Toyota earns the top spot with the lowest Index rating of 0.58, which is an improvement from its 0.67 rating in 2011 (the lower the rating, the better the overall ranking). Rounding out the top five vehicle manufacturers of 2012 are No. 2 Hyundai, No. 3 BMW, No. 4 Honda and No. 5 Volkswagen. Domestic manufacturers dropped out of the top five, with Ford moving from no. 4 to no. 9 and GM dropping from no. 5 to no. 8.

Overall, most of today’s vehicle manufacturers continue to improve reliability.

  • Toyota and Hyundai each held their spots as the top two ranked manufacturers, with Toyota’s Index rating score improving from 0.65 to a record low 0.58, helped by lower repair incidents.
  • Hyundai’s score improved from 0.85 to 0.67, which is the exact score that earned Toyota the no. 1-ranked manufacturer spot in 2011.
  • Honda, Volkswagen, Nissan, Kia and Chrysler also earned better overall index rating scores in 2012.

Hyundai had the lowest average repair cost among the top 10-ranked manufacturers ($271.86).

The manufacturer with the highest overall repair cost was BMW ($502.48); however BMW had a very low repair incidence rate, contributing to its no. 3 ranking among the top vehicle manufacturers for 2012.

No. 1-ranked Toyota’s average repair cost rose 17.5% from $417.37 to $490.72, which was offset by a decrease in repair incidents.

Domestic manufacturers dropped out of the top 5 with Ford moving from no. 4 to no. 9 and GM decreasing from no. 5 to no. 8 in the overall manufacturer rankings.

  • Both GM and Ford experienced a slight drop in repair incidents, but an increase in average repair costs. GM’s average cost for “check engine” repairs rose from $245.47 in 2011 to $290.50 in 2012. Ford’s average repair costs increased from $240.68 to $340.96.
  • However, several domestic vehicles stood out. The 2008 Ford Taurus ranked no. 1 in the Sedan category and no. 2 overall, beating out historical quality stalwarts Camry and Accord. The 2011 Chevrolet Impala ranked no. 9 overall. And Ford trucks swept all three of the top spots in the Truck category.
  • In 2011 luxury brands generally hurt their parent company’s score, with Buick and Infiniti the only outliers.
    However, Audi, Buick, Infiniti and Lexus helped their parent manufacturers’ overall scores this year. Led by the 2007 ES350 (first in the Luxury category), Lexus’ rating improved yearover- year, and helped Toyota earn the top ranking for the second year in a row. Conversely, Acura, Cadillac and Lincoln hurt their parent brand’s overall Index rating in 2012.

Sourcing the largest database of problems and repairs of vehicles on the road today, CarMD is able to provide fact-based transparency into a wide range of vehicles, including a combination of new and used cars and trucks. CarMD provides the only Index that allows consumers to statistically analyze how vehicles age, and see reallife data on trends related to repair frequency and costs for a decade of makes and models. New to the top 100 list this year are BMW, Dodge, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini and Pontiac.

Four sedans, two compacts, two wagons, one SUV and a luxury vehicle make up this year’s top 10 list, with Toyota leading the pack with three vehicles (two Toyotas and one Lexus), including the no. 1 ranked 2010 Toyota Corolla. Subaru and Honda each have two vehicles in the top 10, followed by Ford, Hyundai and Chevrolet with one each. Seven of the top 10 vehicles are not only new to the top 10 list this year, but also new to the top 100 as well.

The CarMD® Vehicle Health Index™ also ranks the top three vehicles by category: Compact, Minivan, Sedan, Full-Sized SUV, Wagon/Crossover SUV, Truck and Luxury. This year marks the first time that a manufacturer earned all three of the top spots in their respective category, and it happened not once – but twice.

TO 10 MOST RELIABLE VEHICLES

Highlights
  • The top 100 most reliable vehicles represent the best vehicles from nearly 3,000 different registered vehicle types on the road today.
    • It is important to remember that even the 99th or 100th ranked vehicle on this list is a significant achievement, ranking in the top 5% of all vehicles on the road today.
    • Thanks to on-board diagnostic technology and improved vehicle quality, the days of avoiding one brand of vehicle because of lesser reliability are in the past. The worst car on the list today is still more reliable than cars were 20 years ago.

    The top 100 vehicles were more evenly spread between brands in 2012 as compared with the previous year.
    Last year, 73% of the top 100 vehicles came from the top 5 ranked manufacturers.

  • This year marks the first time that a manufacturer WAGON/CROSSOVER SUV TRUCK earned all of the top spots in their respective category, and it happened not once – but twice.
    • Subaru swept the Wagon/Crossover SUV category with its 2010 Forester (no. 6 overall and no. 1 in its category), 2010 Outback and 2011 Forester.
    • Ford earned all three top spots in the Truck category with its 2008 Ranger, 2009 F150 and 2008 F150.

    Two of the most well-known and established domestic vehicle brands beat out their competitors. The 2010 Chrysler Town & Country and 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan ranked no. 1 and no. 2 respectively among minivans and the 2008 Ford Taurus took the no. 1 spot for sedans.

  • The top two ranked hybrid vehicles on the list come from Toyota. The 2009 and 2008 Prius rank no. 70 and no. 80 respectively. While the repair incidents for the Prius remain very low, its average repair cost is over $700, demonstrating how an extended warranty can make sense for hybrid shoppers as these vehicles age.
  • Strong scores on older vehicles demonstrate that as manufacturers improve vehicle longevity, it’s possible to have a healthy vehicle for 10+ years.
    Some of the oldest vehicles in the top 100 are the no. 31-ranked 2005 Lexus ES 330, no. 59-ranked 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis, no. 93-ranked 2003 Subaru Legacy, no. 98-ranked 2004 Mercedes-Benz E Class and no. 99-ranked 2004 Toyota Camry Solara.
    Subaru’s vehicles stood out for longevity; its 2003 Legacy and 2006 Outback are among the older vehicles in the top 100. With Subaru owners holding onto their vehicles longer than most, this explains why the most common repair on Subaru vehicles is “Replace Catalytic Converter” – a part that fails only after extensive wear and tear.

Different vehicle makes tend to have unique sets of problems and common failures. The CarMD Vehicle Health Index points out common problems by manufacturer, providing a helpful resource for vehicle owners as they maintain and repair their vehicles. (Details shown on pages 18-35).

Top 3 Ranked Vehicles by Category (MY2002 – 2012) – November 2012 CarMD® Vehicle Health Index Rankings & Lists. Top 3 Ranked Vehicles by category; based on combined fewest and lowest cost “check engine”-related problems (Model Year 2002-2012):

No. 1 Toyota, which includes Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands, had a very low incident rating (0.477) and low cost ranking.

  • Toyota had 18 vehicles in the top 100, led by the 2010 Corolla. Other top-ranking Toyota vehicles include the 2008 Toyota Yaris (no. 2), 2009 Toyota Camry (no. 13), 2007 Toyota 4Runner (no. 18) and the 2009 Toyota Matrix (no. 25). Toyota has long been known for making reliable, solid compact cars and sedans, but the addition of the Matrix and Yaris to the top 100 list show the brand is making a mark in the crossover/compact SUV category.
  • Toyota achieves the no. 1 ranking despite recent recalls such as the unintended acceleration problem, which was ruled by the DOT to be a sticky gas pedal, unrelated to the vehicles’ computer. Toyota’s failure to take responsibility early and get in front of the issue was the problem. Not the vehicle.

Hyundai’s No. 2 ranking is attributable to the lowest average repair costs of any manufacturer and low Sonata and Santa Fe model scores, each appearing twice on the top 100 list: 2010 Sonata (no. 8), 2011 Santa Fe (no. 14), 2009 Sonata (no. 49) and 2009 Santa Fe (no. 74). Hyundai’s rise to the top tier of manufacturers can really be traced back to their engineering. Their vehicles are designed with Service and maintenance taken into consideration. This leads to lower average repair costs and greatly helps their scoring.

  • New to the top 100 list this year is the Genesis luxury sedan, whose 2010 model landed at no. 36.
  • While its CarMD Index scores continue to improve, Hyundai is still outranked by Toyota this year because Toyota has a lower percentage of incidents per number of vehicles on the road.

BMW debuted on the CarMD Manufacturer and Vehicle reliability rankings this year as the no. 3-ranked manufacturer. Previously, BMW did not meet CarMD’s minimum requirement for vehicle population, but with the sales growth of Mini, the manufacturer now qualifies. BMW includes Mini in its calculations.

  • Top-ranked BMWs include the 2008 5 Series (no. 65), 2008 3 Series (no. 78) and 2007 5 Series (no. 86).
  • The 2008 Mini Cooper ranks no. 60 on the CarMD top 100.

No. 4 ranked Honda’s overall manufacturer Index ranking fell from no. 3 to 4 due to a slightly higher score of 0.98.

  • Honda is led by the 2009 Pilot, which ranks no. 4 in the top 100 vehicles, as well as no. 1 in the full-sized SUV category. Over the past two years, the Pilot has earned solid scores and led the SUV category.
  • Poor scores on the 2003 and 2004 Odyssey, which are in the bottom 10th percent of all vehicles ranked by CarMD, hurt Honda’s ranking the most. But newer Odyssey vans are much improved with the 2010 Honda Odyssey ranked no. 33 overall and the second best ranked vehicle in the Minivan category.

Ranked no. 5 Volkswagen enters the top five this year with an overall CarMD Index score of 0.99.

  • VW improved its overall Index score rating from 1.38 and moved four spots up from no. 9 in 2011.
  • VW is led by the Jetta, which was listed four times in the top 100, including 2010 (no. 15); 2008 (no. 38); 2007 (no. 43) and the 2009 Jetta (no. 45). This enduring 6th generation model dates back to 1979 – before on-board computers were standard on vehicles.
  • VW includes luxury brand Audi in its rating. The 2008 Audi A4 missed the top 100 list by a slim margin, coming in at no. 104.

No. 6-ranked Nissan moves up from last year’s no. 7 spot with an overall score of 1.00.

  • Nissan includes Infiniti, which significantly helped Nissan’s overall Index score and ranking. The G35 appears three times in the top 100 and the 2006 G35 earned a spot as the no. 3 ranked luxury vehicle.
  • The top-ranked Nissan is the 2007 Versa (no. 41) thanks to a very low average repair cost.

Kia ranked no. 7 with a score of 1.04, and moved up from no. 8 in 2011.

  • Kia’s average repair cost is up from $257.73 in 2011 to $320.08 in 2012, but repair incidences remain unchanged.
  • Kia now has two vehicles in the top 100, including the 2011 Kia Sorento (no. 17) and the 2009 Rio (no. 76). The Kia Sorento has seen vast improvements in its rating since first-generation. For instance, the 2003 Kia Sorento ranks in the no. 1112 spot, while its second-generation counterpart is in the top 20.

No. 8-ranked GM earns an overall index score of 1.12 and falls from its no. 5 spot in the top five.

  • GM’s decline in ranking is due in large part to an 18% increase in average repair costs.
  • Bright spots are the 2011 Chevrolet Impala, which ranks no. 9 among most reliable vehicles on the road today, and the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu at no. 11.
  • Buick continues to help its GM parent brand with the 2007 LaCrosse ranked in the top 100 at no. 88.

Ford, along with Honda and GM, declined in overall CarMD Index score and rating, dropping from no. 4 in 2011 to no. 9.

  • Ford’s overall score and ranking were hurt by older model minivans such as the 2002 Ford Windstar, which ranks among the bottom 1% of all vehicles on the road. But Ford strengths in SUVs swept the entire category
  • The 2008 Taurus broke through in both rankings, taking the no. 1 in the Sedan category and no. 2 overall.

Chrysler improved its overall index rating score from 1.97 to 1.23, holding steady at no. 10.

  • Chrysler saw a slight increase in average repair incidents and costs since 2011, but introduced three vehicles to the top 100 list: 2010 Town + Country (no. 21), 2010 300 (no. 48) and the 2009 Town + Country (no. 67).

No.1-ranked manufacturer Toyota accounts for two of the top 10 ranked vehicles model year 2002 to 2012 and 18 of the top 100 vehicles (16 Toyota-branded vehicles and 2 Lexus vehicles).

  • The no. 1 ranked 2010 Toyota Corolla, had the lowest combined repair incidents and lowest average repair costs per number of registered vehicles, and the best CarMD Index rating of 0.80.
    – It should be noted; however, that the no.1-ranked vehicle on the 2011 Index was the 2009 Toyota Corolla, which has fallen off the top 100 list due to a recent increase in average repair cost from only $45.84 in 2011 to $232.50.
  • Other top-ranking Toyota vehicles include the 2009 Toyota Camry (no. 13) and the 2007 Toyota 4Runner (no. 18).
  • The top-ranked Lexus vehicles are the 2007 Lexus ES350 (no. 7 overall and no. 1 among luxury vehicles) and the 2005 ES330 (no. 31 overall and no. 2 in the luxury category).
  • Scion fell short of making the top 100 list with the highest ranking Scion being the 2004 xB, which ranked no. 204.

Ford has 15 vehicles in the top 100; including one in the top 10 (Ford had 13 vehicles in the top 100 in 2011).

  • Ford is led by the no. 2-ranked 2008 Ford Taurus, which has a very low average repair cost of $141.17 per incident.
  • The Ford Escape appears twice on the top 100 list, including the 2008 Escape (no. 23) and 2010 Escape (no. 26).
  • Other top-ranking Ford vehicles include the 2008 Expedition (no. 24); and the 2008 and 2007 Edge that rank no. 34 and no. 35 respectively.
  • Additionally, Ford took the top three spots among the CarMD list of top trucks, led by the 2008 Ranger, 2009 F150 and 2008 F150.

Subaru has 11 vehicles in the top 100, including two in the top 10. The brand also earned all three of the top-ranked vehicles in the Wagon/Crossover SUV category.

  • The 2010 Subaru Forester ranked no. 6 and the 2010 Outback ranked no. 10.
  • Subaru’s vehicles stood out for longevity; its 2003 Legacy and 2006 Outback are among the older vehicles in the top 100. With Subaru owners holding onto their vehicles longer than most, this explains why the most common repair on Subaru vehicles is “Replace Catalytic Converter” – a part that fails only after extensive wear and tear.

Chevrolet ranks fourth among manufacturers with the most vehicles in the top 100 with nine.

  • Its 2011 Chevrolet Impala ranks no. 9 among most reliable vehicles.
  • 2010 was a good year for Chevrolet, as six of the top 100 vehicles are model year 2010 Chevy vehicles: Malibu (no. 11), Cobalt (no. 27), Traverse (no. 53), Equinox (no. 63), Camaro (no. 64) and Silverado (no. 92).

Rounding out the brands with the most vehicles in the top 100 is Honda with six overall.

  • In 2011, Honda had four vehicles in the top 10. However, this year, Honda had only two of the top 10: the 2009 Pilot (no. 4 overall and no. 1 in the Full-Sized SUV category) and 2009 Accord (no. 5 overall and no. 2 in the Sedan category).
  • Honda was hurt by its Acura brand, which did not have any vehicles listed in the top 100. The highest ranking Acura was the 2006 TSX (no. 159).
  • Older-model vehicles that had both a high number of problems and high repair costs hurt Honda’s 2012 ranking. These include the 2003 and 2004 Odyssey as well as the 2003 Civic and 2002 CR-V, all of which fall in the bottom 5% of vehicles on the road today.

Stats

By vehicle manufacturer

Rank Manufacturer % CarMD Red Light Reports / Problems Seen Average Repair Cost
(Parts & Labor)		 Overall CarMD 2012 Index Score
1 Toyota 6.77% $490.72 0.58
2 Hyundai 2.38% $271.86 0.67
3 BMW 1.38% $502.48 0.84
4 Honda 7.89% $466.77 0.98
5 Volkswagen 2.34% $392.00 0.99
6 Nissan 6.21% $366.53 1.00
7 Kia 2.18% $320.08 1.04
8 GM 29.27% $290.50 1.12
9 Ford 19.18% $340.96 1.17
10 Chrysler 15.63% $287.93 1.23

(The lower the overall CarMD Index score, the higher the rating. Top 10 vehicle manufacturers based on model year 2002-2012 vehicles needing repairs in the U.S. between Sept. 1, 2011 and Sept. 1, 2012, and determined by the manufacturers whose vehicles had the fewest number of CarMD repair incidents combined with the lowest cost per repair, per number of registered vehicles on the road. Sources: CarMD.com Corp., with vehicle population data provided by R.L. Polk)

By ranking vehicles

The Top 100 Vehicles in the U.S. with the lowest overall CarMD Index ranking based on the combined fewest and lowest cost “check engine”-related problems (Model Year 2002-2012) from Sept. 1, 2011 and Sept. 1, 2012

Rank Year Brand/Make Model Avg. Repair Cost Index Rating (Repair Incidents) Index Rating (Repair Costs) Overall CarMD Index Rating Score (Repairs and Costs)
1 2010 Toyota Corolla $283.13 0.088 0.073 0.080
2 2008 Ford Taurus $141.17 0.117 0.048 0.083
3 2008 Toyota Yaris $259.33 0.100 0.075 0.087
4 2009 Honda Pilot $141.00 0.132 0.054 0.093
5 2009 Honda Accord $201.74 0.125 0.073 0.099
6 2010 Subaru Forester $116.33 0.148 0.050 0.099
7 2007 Lexus ES 350 $377.71 0.101 0.111 0.106
8 2010 Hyundai Sonata $336.30 0.112 0.110 0.111
9 2011 Chevrolet Impala $184.30 0.144 0.078 0.111
10 2010 Subaru Outback $110.43 0.168 0.054 0.111
11 2010 Chevrolet Malibu $238.36 0.136 0.095 0.115
12 2010 Dodge Challenger $64.17 0.199 0.037 0.118
13 2009 Toyota Camry $270.35 0.133 0.105 0.119
14 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe $170.83 0.160 0.080 0.120
15 2010 Volkswagen Jetta $202.45 0.153 0.090 0.122
16 2011 Subaru Forester $178.86 0.169 0.088 0.128
17 2010 Jeep Wrangler $106.20 0.197 0.061 0.129
18 2007 Toyota 4Runner $375.17 0.127 0.140 0.134
19 2011 Kia Sorento $424.92 0.123 0.152 0.138
20 2009 Subaru Forester $232.75 0.169 0.114 0.141
21 2010 Chrysler Town & Country $123.06 0.210 0.075 0.143
22 2009 Ford Fusion $187.86 0.186 0.102 0.144
23 2008 Ford Escape $281.28 0.159 0.130 0.144
24 2008 Ford Expedition $171.86 0.197 0.099 0.148
25 2009 Toyota Matrix $227.83 0.179 0.119 0.149
26 2010 Ford Escape $172.79 0.199 0.101 0.150
27 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt $125.00 0.224 0.082 0.153
28 2010 Toyota Camry $261.75 0.175 0.134 0.154
29 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan $100.08 0.242 0.071 0.156
30 2007 Honda CR-V $261.38 0.181 0.138 0.160
31 2005 Lexus ES 330 $43.15 0.284 0.036 0.160
32 2008 Toyota 4Runner $8.18 0.317 0.008 0.162
33 2010 Honda Odyssey $196.31 0.209 0.120 0.165
34 2008 Ford Edge $262.69 0.189 0.145 0.167
35 2007 Ford Edge $394.40 0.156 0.180 0.168
36 2010 Hyundai Genesis $299.50 0.180 0.157 0.169
37 2009 Ford Focus $181.26 0.225 0.119 0.172
38 2008 Volkswagen Jetta $192.27 0.224 0.126 0.175
39 2008 Honda CR-V $269.67 0.199 0.157 0.178
40 2006 Subaru Outback $301.14 0.190 0.167 0.179
41 2009 Nissan Versa $63.11 0.303 0.056 0.179
42 2008 Ford Ranger $225.00 0.217 0.143 0.180
43 2007 Volkswagen Jetta $269.30 0.208 0.163 0.186
44 2006 Infiniti G35 $369.50 0.179 0.193 0.186
45 2009 Volkswagen Jetta $251.79 0.216 0.159 0.187
46 2011 Subaru Outback $151.25 0.263 0.116 0.190
47 2010 Jeep Liberty $87.88 0.303 0.078 0.190
48 2010 Chrysler 300 $319.50 0.199 0.185 0.192
49 2009 Hyundai Sonata $333.22 0.197 0.191 0.194
50 2009 Nissan Altima $763.63 0.120 0.268 0.194
51 2009 Ford Econoline $197.63 0.247 0.142 0.195
52 2008 Infiniti G35 $288.57 0.212 0.179 0.195
53 2010 Chevrolet Traverse $416.88 0.180 0.219 0.200
54 2009 Ford F150 $250.79 0.231 0.169 0.200
55 2008 Honda Accord $219.57 0.245 0.157 0.201
56 2007 Toyota Yaris $271.76 0.225 0.179 0.202
57 2008 Ford Econoline $296.38 0.219 0.190 0.205
58 2008 Ford F150 $264.95 0.232 0.179 0.205
59 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis $238.67 0.244 0.170 0.207
60 2008 MINI Cooper $219.33 0.253 0.162 0.208
61 2008 Mazda 3 $126.90 0.304 0.113 0.208
62 2007 Ford Five Hundred $157.90 0.287 0.132 0.210
63 2010 Chevrolet Equinox $300.88 0.224 0.197 0.210
64 2010 Chevrolet Camaro $251.38 0.243 0.178 0.210
65 2008 BMW 5 series $220.92 0.259 0.167 0.213
66 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class $394.17 0.200 0.230 0.215
67 2009 Chrysler Town & Country $101.83 0.332 0.099 0.215
68 2008 Cadillac DTS $241.83 0.253 0.178 0.216
69 2010 Nissan Sentra $109.11 0.337 0.107 0.222
70 2009 Toyota Prius $698.71 0.147 0.300 0.224
71 2009 Subaru Impreza $291.67 0.242 0.206 0.224
72 2007 Volvo XC90 $79.67 0.365 0.085 0.225
73 2010 GMC Terrain $244.86 0.266 0.190 0.228
74 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe $141.79 0.327 0.135 0.231
75 2009 Mazda 3 $57.60 0.396 0.067 0.231
76 2009 Kia Rio $184.33 0.302 0.162 0.232
77 2008 Ford Mustang $143.92 0.327 0.137 0.232
78 2007 BMW 3 series $308.39 0.246 0.222 0.234
79 2009 Saturn VUE $82.00 0.378 0.090 0.234
80 2008 Toyota Prius $791.21 0.142 0.327 0.234
81 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee $649.00 0.164 0.311 0.237
82 2007 Toyota Highlander $137.00 0.348 0.139 0.243
83 2009 GMC Acadia $255.14 0.281 0.209 0.245
84 2008 Toyota RAV4 $381.00 0.232 0.258 0.245
85 2007 Chevrolet Corvette $45.56 0.434 0.058 0.246
86 2007 BMW 5 series $226.44 0.298 0.197 0.248
87 2008 Toyota Avalon $257.80 0.284 0.214 0.249
88 2007 Buick LaCrosse $198.30 0.315 0.183 0.249
89 2007 Infiniti G35 $313.78 0.262 0.240 0.251
90 2008 Subaru Impreza $385.75 0.236 0.265 0.251
91 2011 Subaru Impreza $385.86 0.240 0.270 0.255
92 2010 Chevrolet Silverado $249.38 0.296 0.215 0.256
93 2003 Subaru Legacy $415.00 0.232 0.281 0.257
94 2009 Pontiac G6 $375.69 0.250 0.274 0.262
95 2007 Subaru Outback $216.56 0.331 0.209 0.270
96 2009 Chevrolet Express $239.22 0.319 0.223 0.271
97 2006 Toyota Sienna $261.50 0.308 0.235 0.272
98 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class $188.44 0.351 0.193 0.272
99 2004 Toyota Camry Solara $540.00 0.215 0.339 0.277
100 2007 Toyota RAV4 $459.05 0.238 0.319 0.279

(Top 100 vehicles based on CarMD diagnostic reports generated from Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012, representing an estimated 136 million model year 2002 – 2012 vehicles on the road in the U.S., and determined by those that had the fewest number of CarMD repair incidents combined with the lowest cost per repair, per number of registered vehicles on the road. Sources: CarMD.com Corp., with vehicle population data provided by R.L. Polk)

By vehicle category

Compact
1 2010 Toyota Corolla
2 2008 Toyota Yaris
3 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
Minivan
1 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
2 2010 Honda Odyssey
3 2006 Toyota Sienna
Sedan
1 2008 Ford Taurus
2 2009 Honda Accord
3 2010 Hyundai Sonata
Full-Sized SUV
1 2009 Honda Pilot
2 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
3 2007 Toyota 4Runner
Wagon / Crossover SUV
1 2010 Subaru Forester
2 2010 Subaru Outback
3 2011 Subaru Forester
Truck
1 2008 Ford Ranger
2 2009 Ford F150
3 2008 Ford F150
Luxury
1 2007 Lexus ES350
2 2007 Infiniti G35
3 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

By common repairs…

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Acura repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Inspect Battery and Charging System and Repair as Necessary $92.87 $0.00 $92.87 15.93%
2 Replace ABS Modulator Assembly $99.83 $992.98 $1,092.81 8.34%
3 Inspect for Faulty Wiring and Repair as Necessary $132.92 $0.00 $132.92 7.21%
4 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $90.44 $271.49 $361.93 6.64%
5 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $99.43 $785.99 $885.42 5.47%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Audi repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Inspect for Faulty Vacuum Hose(s) and Repair as Necessary $95.93 $0.00 $95.93 13.14%
2 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $94.42 $254.16 $348.58 11.65%
3 Inspect for Faulty Vacuum Hose(s) at Air Injection System (AIR) and Repair as Necessary $91.65 $0.00 $91.65 9.48%
4 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $248.75 $1,216.54 $1,465.30 7.15%
5 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 6.49%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % BMW repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Inspect for Vacuum Leak and Repair as Necessary $91.95 $0.21 $92.16 14.21%
2 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $90.61 $450.09 $540.70 11.30%
3 Replace Ignition Coil(s) $94.10 $95.57 $189.67 7.95%
4 Replace Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) $95.01 $133.54 $228.55 7.51%
5 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $98.35 $289.73 $388.08 6.39%

Rank Repai Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Buick repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace

as Necessary

 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 9.35%
2 Remove Aftermarket Alarm System $89.90 $0.00 $89.90 6.79%
3 Adjust Tire Pressure and Relearn Tire Pressure Sensor(s) $90.94 $0.00 $90.94 6.62%
4 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $90.87 $125.49 $216.36 6.30%
5 Replace Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Purge Solenoid $89.15 $40.50 $129.65 5.64%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Cadillac repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Remove Aftermarket Alarm System $91.09 $0.00 $91.09 8.06%
2 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $89.25 $301.64 $390.89 7.40%
3 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $118.65 $898.33 $1,016.98 7.04%
4 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $92.64 $148.26 $240.90 6.60%
5 Clean Fuel Injector(s) $97.99 $20.84 $118.83 6.16%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Chevrolet repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $94.05 $134.11 $228.16 9.40%
2 Remove Aftermarket Alarm System $91.18 $0.00 $91.18 8.30%
3 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.05 $0.00 $0.05 7.70%
4 Replace Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Purge Solenoid $102.40 $65.44 $167.85 4.44%
5 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $104.49 $804.00 $908.49 4.40%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Chrysler repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.13 $0.13 10.57%
2 Replace Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve and Clean All EGR ports $111.06 $97.29 $208.35 10.24%
3 Replace Spark Plug Wires and Spark Plugs $191.64 $99.63 $291.27 7.51%
4 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $100.86 $96.95 $197.81 6.97%
5 Replace Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) $97.94 $65.65 $63.59 5.86%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Dodge repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $96.29 $99.70 $195.99 9.10%
2 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.13 $0.13 7.86%
3 Replace Spark Plug Wires and Spark Plugs $160.84 $99.50 $260.33 7.45%
4 Inspect for Faulty Vacuum Hose(s) at Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) System $114.97 $0.29 $115.26 6.50%
5 Replace Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve and Clean All EGR ports $106.87 $101.57 $208.44 5.08%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Ford repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Ignition Coil(s) and Spark Plug(s) $244.31 $170.63 $414.94 5.77%
2 Replace ABS Control Module $131.39 $781.80 $913.19 5.36%
3 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $94.72 $86.89 $181.61 5.10%
4 Replace Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve and Hose or Tube and Grommet $89.88 $16.97 $106.85 4.91%
5 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.53 $0.00 $0.53 4.73%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % GMC repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $96.24 $118.69 $214.93 9.99%
2 Remove Aftermarket Alarm System $91.22 $0.00 $91.22 9.80%
3 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 7.00%
4 Replace Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT) $133.87 $57.68 $191.56 5.41%
5 Replace Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Purge Solenoid $106.27 $66.07 $172.35 4.65%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Honda repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Inspect Battery and Charging System and Repair as Necessary $96.22 $0.00 $96.22 9.48%
2 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $115.88 $945.84 $1,061.72 8.82%
3 Replace ABS Modulator Assembly $155.86 $868.59 $1,024.46 7.80%
4 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $91.47 $205.57 $297.04 6.26%
5 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.03 $0.03 6.11%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Hyundai repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $95.89 $124.79 $220.68 13.46%
2 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 11.40%
3 Replace Spark Plug Wires and Spark Plugs $165.07 $104.33 $269.41 9.78%
4 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $90.48 $303.74 $394.22 7.37%
5 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $108.67 $861.75 $970.42 6.79%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Infiniti repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $103.90 $204.80 $308.70 9.97%
2 Replace Ignition Coil(s) $97.11 $151.63 $248.74 8.13%
3 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $89.42 $575.09 $664.51 6.61%
4 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $1.82 $0.00 $1.82 6.39%
5 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $186.44 $976.97 $1,163.41 5.85%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Jaguar repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Ignition Coil(s) and Spark Plug(s) $192.91 $290.54 $483.45 12.50%
2 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $95.98 $312.27 $408.25 8.88%
3 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $158.97 $1,267.23 $1,426.20 8.55%
4 Replace Ignition Coil(s) $121.36 $117.12 $238.48 6.58%
5 Replace Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Tube $304.36 $56.46 $360.82 6.25%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Jeep repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $91.12 $93.93 $185.05 12.97%
2 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 9.23%
3 Inspect for Faulty Vacuum Hose(s) at Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) System $118.12 $1.05 $119.17 7.32%
4 Replace Leak Detection Pump (LDP) $96.93 $102.63 $199.56 5.69%
5 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $135.83 $904.54 $1,040.37 5.52%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Kia repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace
as Necessary		 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 9.41%
2 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $93.80 $187.63 $281.43 8.97%
3 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $151.18 $870.49 $1,021.67 8.67%
4 Replace Spark Plug Wires and Spark Plugs $196.45 $108.59 $305.04 7.89%
5 Inspect for Faulty Vacuum Hose(s) and Repair as Necessary $90.43 $0.00 $90.43 6.24%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Land Rover repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Spark Plug Wires and Spark Plugs $351.61 $399.96 $751.57 15.01%
2 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $91.17 $200.53 $291.70 12.66%
3 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $91.21 $255.65 $346.86 10.85%
4 Inspect for Faulty Vacuum Hose(s) at Air Injection System (AIR) and Repair as Necessary $123.23 $46.39 $169.62 9.04%
5 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 8.32%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Lexus repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $104.03 $195.07 $299.10 12.46%
2 Replace Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor (AFR) $102.28 $236.42 $338.70 11.67%
3 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.56 $0.00 $0.56 9.86%
4 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $94.95 $218.88 $313.82 9.13%
5 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $111.92 $1,155.61 $1,267.52 8.62%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Lincoln repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Ignition Coil(s) and Spark Plug(s) $207.15 $169.17 $376.32 14.31%
2 Replace Ignition Coil(s) $100.00 $88.76 $188.76 9.57%
3 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $90.42 $82.14 $172.56 8.70%
4 Replace Air Bag Module $127.09 $379.27 $506.35 6.58%
5 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $141.77 $1,105.20 $1,246.97 5.80%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Mazda repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $154.97 $783.47 $938.44 12.67%
2 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.77 $0.00 $0.77 9.63%
3 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $90.41 $239.24 $329.66 9.36%
4 Replace Spark Plug Wires and Spark Plugs $134.45 $140.49 $274.94 7.52%
5 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $97.57 $174.22 $271.78 7.33%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Mercedes repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $93.54 $427.88 $521.42 13.89%
2 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $96.38 $260.15 $356.53 10.77%
3 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 6.69%
4 Replace Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve and Clean All EGR ports $131.58 $226.31 $357.89 6.24%
5 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $261.10 $1,422.14 $1,683.24 4.61%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Mercury repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve and Hose $89.15 $16.43 $105.58 9.49%
2 Replace Spark Plug Wires and Spark Plugs $169.49 $212.92 $382.41 9.00%
3 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $95.15 $95.45 $190.60 7.74%
4 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace
as Necessary		 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 5.99%
5 Replace Ignition Coil(s) and Spark Plug(s) $199.36 $154.77 $354.13 5.70%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Mini repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $92.08 $261.36 $353.44 28.07%
2 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 11.40%
3 Replace Spark Plug Wires and Spark Plugs $98.82 $56.43 $155.25 8.77%
4 Inspect for Vacuum Leak and Repair as Necessary $130.67 $0.00 $130.67 7.89%
5 Replace Ignition Coil(s) $90.59 $115.44 $206.03 5.26%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Mitsubishi repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $100.20 $242.53 $342.73 20.22%
2 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $119.98 $879.28 $999.27 13.08%
3 Replace Spark Plug Wires and Spark Plugs $199.33 $175.00 $374.33 9.00%
4 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 8.41%
5 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $90.78 $562.32 $653.10 5.54%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Nissan repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $180.48 $659.80 $840.28 14.93%
2 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 9.55%
3 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $99.81 $196.20 $296.01 6.32%
4 Replace Ignition Coil(s) $98.22 $143.28 $241.50 6.04%
5 Replace Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) $92.16 $53.57 $145.74 3.28%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Pontiac repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Remove Aftermarket Alarm System $89.69 $0.00 $89.69 9.06%
2 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 8.62%
3 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $107.69 $655.26 $762.95 8.17%
4 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $90.82 $142.92 $233.74 7.25%
5 Replace Fuel Injector(s) $199.17 $404.18 $603.35 4.95%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Porsche repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $93.97 $610.23 $704.20 12.20%
2 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace

as Necessary

 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 10.98%
3 Inspect for Vacuum Leak and Repair as Necessary $190.10 $28.77 $218.87 9.76%
4 Replace Oil Filler Vacuum Hose $148.60 $32.58 $181.18 8.54%
5 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $113.11 $630.86 $743.97 7.32%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Saab repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Ignition Control Module (ICM) $90.43 $344.89 $435.32 25.56%
2 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $91.76 $279.05 $370.81 12.41%
3 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace

as Necessary

 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 10.67%
4 Replace Thermostat $105.00 $28.73 $133.73 5.96%
5 Replace Throttle Body Assembly $96.21 $481.69 $577.90 5.96%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Scion repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 20.58%
2 Replace Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Vacuum Switching Valve (VSV) $93.56 $54.93 $148.49 16.62%
3 Inspect Battery and Charging System and Repair as Necessary $93.73 $0.00 $93.73 13.19%
4 Replace Camshaft Timing Gear $191.32 $255.21 $446.53 6.33%
5 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $94.48 $842.69 $937.17 6.07%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Subaru repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $101.40 $833.30 $934.70 22.04%
2 Replace Knock Sensor(s) $111.34 $111.05 $222.39 12.67%
3 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $2.38 $0.00 $2.38 10.98%
4 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $144.18 $164.90 $309.08 9.54%
5 Replace Spark Plug Wires and Spark Plugs $185.20 $91.90 $277.10 8.02%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Suzuki repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $89.51 $295.46 $384.97 23.49%
2 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 20.64%
3 Replace Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve and Clean All EGR ports $103.00 $436.49 $539.48 9.96%
4 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $95.38 $1,020.04 $1,115.42 6.05%
5 Replace Ignition Coil(s) and Spark Plug(s) $126.54 $279.47 $406.01 4.27%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Toyota repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $101.48 $1,157.16 $1,258.65 12.97%
2 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $96.12 $182.66 $278.77 12.54%
3 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.08 $0.00 $0.08 10.06%
4 Replace Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor (AFR) $97.06 $216.49 $313.56 7.49%
5 Inspect for Faulty Vacuum Hose(s) at Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) System $92.71 $0.00 $92.71 5.19%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % VW repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $92.75 $241.09 $333.83 11.49%
2 Replace Catalytic Converter(s) with new OE Catalytic Converter(s) $146.92 $884.40 $1,031.32 10.72%
3 Replace Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT) $92.70 $32.37 $125.07 7.10%
4 Replace Ignition Coil(s) $90.15 $139.44 $229.59 6.60%
5 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $97.09 $221.17 $318.26 6.10%

Rank Repair Labor Parts Total Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) % Volvo repairs Sept. 1, 2011 – Sept. 1, 2012
1 Inspect for Loose Fuel Cap and Tighten or Replace as Necessary $0.38 $0.00 $0.38 15.88%
2 Replace Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor $90.22 $309.36 $399.59 9.43%
3 Replace Oxygen Sensor(s) (O2S) $113.11 $329.51 $442.62 7.31%
4 Inspect for Faulty Vacuum Hose(s) and Repair as Necessary $94.24 $0.00 $94.24 6.37%
5 Replace Thermostat $88.95 $28.03 $116.98 3.54%