These 10 Japanese Car Brands Ranked Worst for Reliability in 2025

Japanese cars are often praised for reliability, but not every brand lives up to that reputation. New data and owner reports from 2025 reveal that some Japanese automakers are struggling with quality issues, rising repair costs, and long-term dependability. In this video, we’re breaking down 10 Japanese car brands named the least reliable of 2025, and what buyers should know before spending their money.

Toyota

You ever notice how Toyotas used to feel invincible? Like, back in the day, you could run them with no oil (don’t do that) and they’d still sound fine. But lately, I dunno, I feel like they’ve lost that magic touch. My cousin’s Camry, brand new, around $30k maybe, already has this weird clicking sound when turning left. The kind that makes you turn down the radio and just stare at nothing for a few seconds. And they said it’s “normal.” Sure. Anyway, maybe it’s just bad luck, but the vibe’s off lately.

Honda

Man, this one hurts. My first car was a beat-up Accord that smelled like coffee and rain for some reason (kinda nice actually). Hondas used to be bulletproof, right? But 2025? Eh… reliability took a nosedive. Electronics gone wild. And those touchscreens, why does adjusting the temperature feel like defusing a bomb? For $28k or so, I kinda expect buttons that work. Still, when that engine revs, part of me forgives it. Old habits die hard, I guess.

Nissan

Every time I see a new Nissan I’m like, “Who hurt you?” Because it’s like they’re trying so hard to matter but also not really? My buddy’s Rogue, brand new, some fancy trim, about $32k, already had dashboard lights coming on like a Christmas tree. He laughed. Then he cried. Then he traded it. I’ve sat in one and it smelled oddly like warm plastic and regret.

Subaru

Okay, so Subaru fans are wild loyal. Like, cult-level loyal. But man… they’re slipping. That CVT transmission? Feels like someone forgot what gears do. And all the rattles? Didn’t used to happen. My friend’s Outback, around $35k maybe, don’t quote me, has this dashboard buzz that won’t go away. We tried poking it. Didn’t help. He still defends it though. Says it’s “character.”

Mazda

Mazda’s weird for me. Looks amazing, drives like it actually cares, but reliability this year? Nah. Too many gremlins. Electrical stuff mainly. And I swear, newer Mazdas smell different, not like that “new car smell,” but like fake leather trying to convince you it’s the real deal. If you’ve got around $31k, maybe, you’re better off elsewhere. Still, if I ever bought a car just for how it drives? Mazda’s on that list. Faults and all.

Mitsubishi

Ah, Mitsubishi. Feels like that one kid who peaked in high school and never got it back. Like, you want to root for them, but man, they make it hard. I sat in one recently, Outlander maybe, and it just felt… cheap. Not in a “fun bargain” way, just “don’t touch too hard or it’ll break.” Reliability’s rock bottom this year, which is sad but not surprising. $27k gets you, uh… a warranty, I guess.

Lexus

This one shocked me. Lexus, unreliable? I thought that was a law of physics or something. But no, apparently not this year. Too many software updates, too many “driver-assist” features that decide when they want to work. Somebody paid like $60k for one, and now it throws random warning lights like confetti. Still fancy, still smug, but I’d pass for now.

Infiniti

So basically Nissan’s posh cousin, right? Except the issues are the same. Just more expensive. My neighbor’s QX50, costs close to $50k, Jesus, spends more time at the dealer than in his driveway. Looks good though. Has that fake luxury smell, like cologne on a first date that tries too hard.

Suzuki

I miss when Suzukis were around more. They were funky. Now the few that are still floating around kinda feel like ghosts of their former selves. My uncle had a Swift that, no joke, started shaking above 60 mph like it was trying to dance. Cute car though. Current models, when you find them, still struggle. Super cheap though, like around $20k. So maybe it’s fine?

Acura

I wanted to end positive but nope, Acura’s on this list too. They used to be, like, reliable luxury without the snob. Now it’s all screens and random tech. A friend’s TLX for around $45k has some issue where the car alarm randomly goes off at 3 a.m. Neighbors love that. Beautiful build, though. Just cursed, I think.