Affordability and reliability are two key factors most drivers look at when buying a car. They want something they can rely on, that doesn’t cost a fortune to run, and won’t break the bank if something goes wrong.
Selling point
Having a reputation for reliability will often steer buyers towards particular car brands, even if they are not certain which model or features they want. Similarly, those known for being less reliable can be more difficult to shift.
Japanese marques such as Toyota and Honda have reputations not only for their reliability, but also offering good value for money.
So it is no surprise that Toyota has been named the UK’s most reliable brand by Warranty Solutions Group.
In a report published by Car Dealer Magazine, the group ranked 22 major brands using data collected from 10,000 warranty repair claims in the 12 months to June, 2025.
And it was Toyota which came out on top, with a claim rate of just 7.02%, as well as one of the lowest average repair costs (£479.58) of the 22 major volume brands.
The magazine revealed that the top spots were dominated by Japanese models, with Honda in second place with a claim rate of 9.92%, closely followed by Mazda with 10.4%.
The research also found that Fiat had the lowest average claim cost at just £461.70 — more than £200 cheaper than the average of £651.31.
Luxury problems
Despite its popularity and prestige, at the other end of the scale, Land Rover was bottom of the reliability rankings, with a claim rate of 36.47%. The average cost of repairs was also the most expensive, at £1,020.80.
Warranty Solutions Group found that the most-common faults were with window regulators, which accounted for nearly 5% of all claims, followed by NOx sensors and diesel particulate filters, which each made up 3.21% of Land Rover claims.
And Jaguar completed the misery for the Jaguar Land Rover Group by ranking 21st, just above its stablemate, with a claim rate of 25.51% at an average cost of £826.56. The most common faults were the NOx sensors, alternators and batteries.
Reacting to the findings, Martin Binnee, operations director of WSG, said: “These rankings are a wake-up call for both manufacturers and car buyers.
“While many brands are investing in tech and comfort, it’s clear that some are leaving reliability behind.
“Toyota’s performance proves that it’s possible to deliver both innovation and durability – and that really matters to customers and dealers alike.
“From the compact and efficient Yaris to the rugged Land Cruiser and the ever-popular Corolla, Toyota’s vehicle range is built for durability and dependability.
“These models consistently perform well in high-mileage environments, with low claim rates across major systems, including electrics, drivetrain, and emissions components. Their commitment to robust engineering, pioneering hybrid technology, and low lifetime repair costs has once again earned them the title of the UK’s most reliable car brand.”
For professional drivers, it comes down to having the right tools for the job. Someone offering luxury transport services is more likely to choose a Range Rover, Jaguar or Mercedes — despite the higher running and maintenance costs that go with it — than the economical and unstoppable Toyota Corolla, which is ideally suited for taxi work.
And for dealerships and garages, reliable cars are less likely to lead to an expensive claim on their motor trade insurance in the event of a breakdown or faulty parts or repairs.
The complete list of the most reliable UK car brands
(Compiled by: Warranty Solutions Group)
1. Toyota – Claim rate: 7.02%, Average claim: £479.58
2. Honda – Claim rate: 9.92%, Average claim: £489.51
3. Mazda – Claim rate: 10.40%, Average claim: £629.10
4. Kia – Claim rate: 13.74%, Average claim: £570.96
5. Mini – Claim rate: 14.75%, Average claim: £647.77
6. Hyundai – Claim rate: 14.96%, Average claim: £643.15
7. Fiat – Claim rate: 15.06%, Average claim: £461.70
8. Seat – Claim rate: 16.02%, Average claim: £506.19
9. Renault – Claim rate: 16.84%, Average claim: £521.15
10. Nissan – Claim rate: 16.88%, Average claim: £601.26
11. Skoda – Claim rate: 16.92%, Average claim: £489.30
12. BMW – Claim rate: 18.13%, Average claim: £749.02
13. Ford – Claim rate: 18.41%, Average claim: £596.35
14. Volkswagen – Claim rate: 18.46%, Average claim: £575.26
15. Volvo – Claim rate: 18.80%, Average claim: £545.18
16. Vauxhall – Claim rate: 21.20%, Average claim: £518.77
17. Peugeot – Claim rate: 21.33%, Average claim: £609.39
18. Citroen – Claim rate: 21.66%, Average claim: £531.72
19. Audi – Claim rate: 21.95%, Average claim: £710.04
20. Mercedes – Claim rate: 22.89%, Average claim: £678.69
21. Jaguar – Claim rate: 25.51%, Average claim: £826.56
22. Land Rover / Range Rover – Claim rate: 36.47%, Average claim: £1,020.80
