The 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey, drawing on feedback from 39,332 owners, has identified the most problematic vehicle models currently on UK roads.. The findings highlight a stark contrast between vehicles that are trending on social media and those that actually deliver on mechanical dependability.
The "Temu Range Rover" and the cost of viral popularity
The Jaecoo 7 has recently become a viral sensation, frequently dubbed the "Temu Range Rover" by social media users due to its visual resemblance to the Range Rover Velar at a much lower price point. However, according to the What Car? report, this aesthetic appeal does not extend to its performance, as the Chinese-made SUV scored only 71.9 per cent in the reliability rankings.
The survey revealed that 30 per cent of Jaecoo 7 owners experienced faults, including issues with infotainment, batteries , bodywork, and non-engine electrics. Most concerning for potential buyers is the service experience; nearly two-thirds of these issues took more than a week to resolve, and the report notes that Jaecoo did not pay for any repairs, even though the vehicles were still covered under warranty.
Volkswagen’s dual failure with the Tiguan and ID.4
Volkswagen appears to be struggling with both its internal combustion and electric lineups, according to the survey data. The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was named the least reliable car in the entire study, posting a low score of 55.3 per cent.
The brand's electric offering, the Volkswagen ID.4, also landed in the bottom five with a score of 66.9 per cent. While many family EVs, such as the MG S5, are often repaired in a single day, two-thirds of the issues reported by ID.4 owners took longer than a week to fix. Specifically, 28 per cent of these problems were linked to infotainment and non-motor electrical components.
High repair costs for Land Rover and Mercedes owners
Reliability issues are often compounded by the financial strain of repairs, a factor made more acute by rising fuel costs in the UK. As the report mentions, Britons are currently facing record-high diesel prices and rising petrol costs due to the conflict in Iran, making unexpected maintenance bills even more damaging.
For owners of premium brands, the costs can be significant. The Land Rover Discovery Sport, which scored 68.2 per cent, saw some owners facing repair bills as high as £1,500. Similarly, Mercedes GLE owners, who reported a score of 63.7 per cent, also faced costs exceeding £1,500, with only 71 per cent of their repairs being covered for free.
Will Jaecoo's refusal to cover warranty repairs backfire?
The survey results raise urgent questions about the long-term viability of the Jaecoo brand in the UK market. It remains unclear why the manufacturer declined to cover repair costs for vehicles that were still within their warranty period. Additionally, while the Renault Arkana saw a much higher rate of free repairs at 96 per cent, the discrepancy between Jaecoo's policy and its competitors suggests a potential gap in consumer protection that has yet to be addressed by the manufacturer.
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