---
title: "The Most Reliable Luxury Cars in the Past Five Years"
description: "Are you looking for the most reliable luxury cars? Read our expert guide and find out!"
date: "2021-06-30"
modified: "2021-06-30"
authors:
  - name: "Jonathon Klein"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jonathon-klein"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/cars-101/41322/most-reliable-luxury-cars"
categories:
  - "Cars 101"
  - "The Garage"
tags:
  - "commerce"
  - "luxury"
  - "NoAds"
---

# The Most Reliable Luxury Cars in the Past Five Years

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2021/06/P21_0177_a3_rgb.jpeg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Something we all strive for is attainable luxury, as most of us aren’t born with silver spoons. We scrimp and save, and when the time is right we drop our hard-earned cash on something glittery and opulent. In this case, that shiny thing is a luxury car.

The spending doesn’t end there, though. Despite all that saving, once you own the car you have to maintain it and, sometimes, fix it. That always should be a part of the mathematics you do before you pull the trigger and pull a gleaming new Bugatti into your garage — hello, $20,000 tires. That type of maintenance is out of the question for most, but the allure of a luxury car is still something that tugs at the heartstrings.

![2021 Lexus ES](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1624977364764-2021_lexus_es_black_line_se_006-2.jpg>)
*Lexus*

Enter *The Drive’s* crack team of auto experts. We’re not just here to deliver our opinions on new rides and offer sage wrenching advice, we’re also here to help you find the most reliable luxury car. We know you’re not made of money like Scrooge McDuck. You want all the comfort of a Rolls-Royce without the headache of yearly maintenance costing tens of thousands of dollars.

To better help you along in your quest for luxuriousness, we’ve put together this guide on the most reliable luxury cars built in the past five years. Ready to start living your best life?

## What Makes a Reliable Brand?

Reliability depends on a host of variables, but the two biggest structural supports are the development and manufacturing of a vehicle. When auto manufacturers spend the time and money developing a car and its manufacturing line, a car tends to last longer. Hastily designed, poorly manufactured, and cheaply constructed materials will all reduce a car’s longevity and reliability.

There’s also a work ethic variable that cannot be ignored. Honda’s and Toyota’s cultures of “reliability over all” embody that ethic and have thus kept each automaker’s legendary reliability in the minds of consumers for decades. Add longer-than-normal warranties and good customer service, and it’s easy to see why these Japanese companies have enjoyed their strong standings for so long.

Yet, once a car leaves the dealership lot, outside factors impact a car’s durability.

## What Impacts a Car’s Reliability?

The short answer is you. The longer answer is a car’s reliability and longevity are inextricably tied to how you take care of your vehicle, your maintenance schedule (if you have one), your conservative or brash driving habits, and whether or not you live in climates where extreme weather could affect the car’s construction.

Maintenance like regular oil changes, fluid flushes, tire rotation, and fuel-system cleaners, along with keeping the exterior and underside of your car clean, will all increase the life expectancy of your car. Keeping it out of the harsh desert or tropical sun and away from the rust-inducing salted roadways of winter, will also extend its life.

Lastly, keeping the Mario Andretti driving antics to a minimum will keep your brakes, engine, tires, and chassis happy and less stressed for far longer than hitting every trip to the grocery store like it’s the Indy 500.

## Reliable Luxury Cars from the Past Five Years

Here’s *The Drive’s* list of reliable luxury cars from the past five years.

![2021 Porsche 911](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1624976537318-p21_0187_a3_rgb.jpeg>)
*Where we going?, *Porsche**

## [Porsche 911](<https://carvana.sjv.io/c/2095194/881376/12225?subId1=TD-HT&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carvana.com%2Fcars%2Fporsche-911%3Femail-capture%3D>)

The venerable [Porsche 911](<https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/9260165/type/dlg/sid/TD-HT/https://www.edmunds.com/used-porsche-911/>) is the go-to luxury sports car, as its history spans decades and holds racing wins like no other luxury sports car has. The combination of speed, comfort, and opulence makes it one of the best luxury offerings available. And apart from one generation of suspect construction, it’s pretty damn reliable.

### NHTSA History

As collected by the [NHTSA](<https://www.nhtsa.gov>), these are the Porsche 911’s issues throughout the years.

#### 2021

**Recall**: [Suspension components not tightened properly](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/PORSCHE/911%252520CARRERA/2%252520DR/RWD#recalls440>).

**Complaints**: 2

#### 2020

**Recall**: [Upper control-arm rear-axle screw not tightened](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/PORSCHE/911%252520CARRERA/2%252520DR/RWD#recalls440>), [front axle differential bracket may come loose](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/PORSCHE/911%252520CARRERA/2%252520DR/RWD#recalls441>), [hazard warning lights may not activate](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/PORSCHE/911%252520CARRERA/2%252520DR/RWD#recalls442>), [driveshaft bolts may loosen](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/PORSCHE/911%252520CARRERA/2%252520DR/RWD#recalls443>).

**Complaints**: 1

#### 2019

**Recall**: [Upper control-arm rear-axle screw not tightened](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/PORSCHE/911%252520CARRERA/2%252520DR/RWD#recalls440>).

**Complaints**: 22

#### 2018

**Recall**: [Airbag sensors may be loose](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/PORSCHE/911%252520CARRERA/2%252520DR/RWD#recalls410>).

**Complaints**: 0

#### 2017

**Recall**: [Airbag ECU may malfunction](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/PORSCHE/911%252520CARRERA/2%252520DR/RWD#recalls430>), [passenger frontal airbag may not deploy](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/PORSCHE/911%252520CARRERA/2%252520DR/RWD#recalls431>), [improper windshield bonding](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/PORSCHE/911%252520CARRERA/2%252520DR/RWD#recalls432>), [fuel leak due to sheared fastening screws](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/PORSCHE/911%252520CARRERA/2%252520DR/RWD#recalls433>), [seat-mounted airbags may not deploy](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/PORSCHE/911%252520CARRERA/2%252520DR/RWD#recalls434>).

**Complaints**: 1

![2021 Porsche 911.](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1624976362060-p21_0184_a3_rgb.jpeg>)
**The* 911., *Porsche**

### JD Power Consumer Reliability Score

To get a better sense of what experts and consumers think about 911s, we also tapped [JD Power’s](<https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/porsche/911>) consumer reliability score to better illustrate the sports car’s reliability.

**2021**: 79/100

**2020**: 79/100

**2019**: 88/100

**2018**: 90/100

**2017**: 87/100

### Common Problems and Repair Costs

According to [*Car Complaints*](<https://www.carcomplaints.com/Porsche/911/>), a site that aggregates customer complaints about specific makes and models, there have been zero complaints in the past seven years.

![2021 Lexus ES](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1624977474286-2021_lexus_es_black_line_se_002.jpg>)
*I'm blue dabudee..., *Lexus**

## [Lexus ES](<https://carvana.sjv.io/c/2095194/881376/12225?subId1=TD-HT&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carvana.com%2Fcars%2Flexus-es%3Femail-capture%3D>)

The [Lexus ES](<https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/9260165/type/dlg/sid/TD-HT/https://www.edmunds.com/used-lexus-es-350/>) is an interesting case study for this list. Why? Because underneath that shiny Lexus exterior is actually a [Toyota Avalon](<https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/9260165/type/dlg/sid/TD-HT/https://www.edmunds.com/used-toyota-avalon/>). That’s not a knock. The Avalon is labeled as a premium offering between Toyota’s Camry and full-luxury Lexus vehicles, and it’s an underrated choice for four-door comfort. The Lexus, however, does offer more luxury than its Toyota sibling, and you get the same great Toyota reliability everyone’s come to know and expect.

### NHTSA History

#### 2021

**Recall**: 0

**Complaints**: 0

#### 2020

**Recall**: [Fuel pump may fail](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/LEXUS/ES%252520350/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls440>).

**Complaints**: 1

#### 2019

**Recall**: [Knee airbags may not deploy properly](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/LEXUS/ES%252520350/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls442>), [fuel pump may fail](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/LEXUS/ES%252520350/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls441>).

**Complaints**: 18

#### 2018

**Recall**: [Fuel pump may fail](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/LEXUS/ES%252520350/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls440>).

**Complaints**: 19

#### 2017

**Recall**: [Loose lock nut may cause tie-rod separation](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/LEXUS/ES350/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls420>).

**Complaints**: 1

![2021 Lexus ES](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1624977599774-2021_lexus_es_002.jpg>)
*Soft and supple., *Lexus**

### JD Power Consumer Reliability Score

To get a better sense of what experts and consumers think about the Lexus, we also tapped [JD Power’s](<https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/lexus/es>) consumer reliability score to better illustrate the luxury sedan’s reliability.

**2021**: 79/100

**2020**: 79/100

**2019**: 81/100

**2018**: 82/100

**2017**: 87/100

### Common Problems and Repair Costs

According to [Car Complaints](<https://www.carcomplaints.com/Lexus/>), like the Porsche above, there have been zero complaints in the past five years of the ES.

![2021 Cadillac XT5](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1624978365356-2021-cadillac-xt5-001.jpg>)
*Cadillac-ac-ac., *Cadillac**

## [Cadillac XT5](<https://carvana.sjv.io/c/2095194/881376/12225?subId1=TD-HT&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carvana.com%2Fcars%2Fcadillac-xt5%3Femail-capture%3D>)

Though Cadillacs of memory were plagued by electrical gremlins, wonky fitment, and subpar luxury, the new Cadillac has aimed to fix its issues. The [XT5](<https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/9260165/type/dlg/sid/TD-HT/https://www.edmunds.com/used-cadillac-xt5/>) is one of the brand’s latest salvos across Germany’s bow.

### NHTSA History

#### 2021

**Recall**: 0

**Complaints**: 1

#### 2020

**Recall**: [Tire failure may cause sudden air loss](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/CADILLAC/XT5/SUV/FWD#recalls430>), [tires may have been overcured](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/CADILLAC/XT5/SUV/FWD#recalls431>), [insufficient fuel supply may cause engine stall](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/CADILLAC/XT5/SUV/FWD#recalls432>), [roof-rail airbag may not deploy](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/CADILLAC/XT5/SUV/FWD#recalls433>).

**Complaints**: 4

#### 2019

**Recall**: 0

**Complaints**: 10

#### 2018

**Recall**: 0

**Complaints**: 0

#### 2017

**Recall**: [Front brake calipers may leak brake fluid](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/CADILLAC/XT5/SUV/FWD#recalls430>).

**Complaints**: 65

![2021 Cadillac XT5](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1624978567188-2021-cadillac-xt5-002.jpg>)
*Time to pound pavement., *Cadillac**

### JD Power Consumer Reliability Score

To get a better sense of what experts and consumers think about the XT5, we also tapped [JD Power’s](<https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/cadillac/xt5>) consumer reliability score to better illustrate the luxury SUV’s reliability.

**2021**: 82/100

**2020**: 82/100

**2019**: 80/100

**2018**: 80/100

**2017**: 81/100

### Common Problems and Repair Costs

As the Cadillac is somewhat new to the world, there aren’t many issues reported by [*Car Complaints*](<https://www.carcomplaints.com/Cadillac/XT5/>). The few that stand out are in its first year of production, 2017. Here are those issues.

#### Transmission Shudder

**Customer Complaint**: “I own two XT5 Cadillacs. Both shudder upon deceleration. Both front-wheel drive. I enjoy the cars, but it’s sad that Cadillac has not repaired the vehicles.”

**Cost of Repair**: NA

#### Phone Pairing Issues

**Customer Complaint**: “Have been having issues with getting my iPhone connected to the Apple CarPlay. Ninety percent of the time it doesn't connect unless I do some type of magic, however, when they give me loaners at the dealership, I never have this issue with the other Cadillac or General Motors products, only mine. They have been reprogrammed and still have the same issue. Cadillac really is not caring about the safety of their clients.”

**Cost of Repair**: NA

![2021 Genesis G80](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1624978759290-large-2276-electrifiedgenesisg80.jpg>)
*Now that's a luxury car., *Genesis**

## [Genesis G80](<https://carvana.sjv.io/c/2095194/881376/12225?subId1=TD-HT&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carvana.com%2Fcars%2Fgenesis-g80%3Femail-capture%3D>)

Though the [Genesis G80](<https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/9260165/type/dlg/sid/TD-HT/https://www.edmunds.com/used-genesis-g80/>) is the newest platform on this list, its reliability has already proven vastly better than many other luxury OEMs. Backed by corporate cousins Hyundai and Kia, Genesis has made waves in the segment for both comfort and reasonable pricing.

### NHTSA History

#### 2021

**Recall**: [High-pressure fuel tube may leak](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/GENESIS/G80/4%252520DR/AWD#recalls410>).

**Complaints**: 0

#### 2020

**Recall**: 0

**Complaints**: 0

#### 2019

**Recall**: [Antilock brake system module may short circuit](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/GENESIS/G80/4%252520DR/AWD#recalls440>).

**Complaints**: 4

#### 2018

**Recall**: [Antilock brake system module may short circuit](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/GENESIS/G80/4%252520DR/AWD#recalls440>), [oil may leak onto exhaust manifold](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/GENESIS/G80/4%252520DR/AWD#recalls441>), [passenger airbag may deploy with a child in seat](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/GENESIS/G80/4%252520DR/AWD#recalls442>), [front and rear glass incorrectly bonded](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/GENESIS/G80/4%252520DR/AWD#recalls443>).

**Complaints**: 26

#### 2017

**Recall**: [Antilock brake system module may short circuit](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/GENESIS/G80/4%252520DR/AWD#recalls430>).

**Complaints**: 24

![2021 Genesis G80](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1624978904733-large-2397-2021genesisg80earnstopsafetypickaward.jpg>)
*Ride in style., *Genesis**

### JD Power Consumer Reliability Score

To get a better sense of what experts and consumers think about the G80, we also tapped [JD Power’s](<https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/genesis/g80>) consumer reliability score to better illustrate the luxury sedan’s reliability.

**2021**: 76/100

**2020**: 76/100

**2019**: 79/100

**2018**: 80/100

**2017**: 79/100

### Common Problems and Repair Costs

[*Car Complaints*](<https://www.carcomplaints.com/Genesis/G80/>) has yet to record a single issue from consumers on the G80.

![2020 Lincoln Corsair](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1624979313289-corsair-reserve-appearance-package3-2.jpg>)
*Where's McConaughey?, *Lincoln**

## [Lincoln Corsair](<https://carvana.sjv.io/c/2095194/881376/12225?subId1=TD-HT&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carvana.com%2Fcars%2Flincoln-corsair%3Femail-capture%3D>)/[MKC](<https://carvana.sjv.io/c/2095194/881376/12225?subId1=TD-HT&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carvana.com%2Fcars%2Flincoln-mkc%3Femail-capture%3D>)

Previously known as the [MKC](<https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/9260165/type/dlg/sid/TD-HT/https://www.edmunds.com/used-lincoln-mkc/>), [Lincoln’s Corsair](<https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/9260165/type/dlg/sid/TD-HT/https://www.edmunds.com/used-lincoln-corsair/>) has been around since 2013, and like the Lexus it has more pedestrian bones underneath its sleek sheetmetal. Based on the Ford Escape, the Corsair is a compact luxury crossover that offers a lower price of entry to the luxury segment but still maintains the aesthetic, plushness, and capabilities luxury buyers are looking for.

### NHTSA History

#### 2021

**Recall**: [Inadequate lubrication in rear drive unit](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/LINCOLN/CORSAIR/SUV/AWD#recalls440>).

**Complaints**: 1

#### 2020

**Recall**: [Distorted or inoperative rearview camera](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/LINCOLN/CORSAIR/SUV/FWD#recalls440>), [missing or loose bolts on start/stop accumulator](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/LINCOLN/CORSAIR/SUV/FWD#recalls441>), [rear coil springs may fracture](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/LINCOLN/CORSAIR/SUV/FWD#recalls442>).

**Complaints**: 14

#### 2019

**Recall**: 0

**Complaints**: 5

#### 2018

**Recall**: [Incorrect brake hoses may chafe](<https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/LINCOLN/MKC/SUV/AWD#recalls440>).

**Complaints**: 6

#### 2017

**Recall**: 0

**Complaints**: 19

![2021 Lincoln Corsair.](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1624979493607-2020-lincoln-corsair_exterior19.jpg>)
*Alright, alright, alright., *Lincoln**

### JD Power Consumer Reliability Score

To get a better sense of what experts and consumers think about the Lincoln, we also tapped [JD Power’s](<https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/lincoln/corsair>)

[consumer reliability score](<https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2019/lincoln/mkc>) to better illustrate the luxury SUV’s reliability.

**2021**: 81/100

**2020**: 81/100

**2019**: 82/100

**2018**: 82/100

**2017**: 83/100

### Common Problems and Repair Costs

*Car Complaints* has yet to record any issues for the renamed [Corsair](<https://www.carcomplaints.com/Lincoln/Corsair/>), however, there were a few for the [MKC](<https://www.carcomplaints.com/Lincoln/MKC/>). None of those, however, fall within the range of common problems.

## What You Need to Look for When Buying a Reliable Luxury Car

As with any transaction, there are a few key points that every customer should know and ask for before slapping your John Hancock on the dotted line. These helpful tips prevent you from purchasing a car that forces you to ask yourself, “What have I done? What in God’s name have I done? How much is it to replace a hybrid system?” (Sob screaming included.)

Never fear, *The Drive’s* editors put together exactly what you’ll want to look for whenever you purchase a new or used luxury car. Ready?

### Check Service Records

A car’s service records are its history. They should have everything from fluid flushes to significant repairs. This is the car’s life on paper and is really seen as how the last owner took care of it. When your car comes with a stack of papers shoved neatly into its service book, you’re likely not getting a lemon. But if all you have is one receipt from McDonald’s, we’d look elsewhere.

### Obtain a Carfax

A Carfax report is a great tool. This little sheet of paper can tell you whether that car has undergone any major operations prompted by big-time accidents and tiny little fender benders or if it was recovered from the Atlantic Ocean after the ship that was carrying it [capsized off the coast of Georgia](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/32318/see-inside-the-car-carrier-ship-thats-been-capsized-off-the-georgia-coast-for-months>).

### Look for Rust

Whether you’re buying from a cold-weather locale or the car has crisscrossed the country throughout its life, you’re going to want to get down on the ground and start looking for oxidation, otherwise known as rust. Do a thorough inspection, because if you miss a patch of rust in the wheel well, you’ll likely have a front-row seat to your car slowly disappearing as if Thanos snapped it out of existence.

### Look for Extreme Wear

Look, there are drivers out there, definitely not us, who think they’re Dominic Torreto. They drive their cars hard and put them away wet, which is not great for a car’s overall health. You’ll want to check the car’s [tires](<https://www.thedrive.com/cars-101/35041/how-long-do-tires-last>), work your way through its transmission, hit small speed bumps to check its suspension, and ask for an inspection by a trusted mechanic.

## Video

Here’s a short video of the Lexus ES going through the IIHS crash test procedure.

[2019 Lexus ES 350 driver-side small overlap IIHS crash test](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckCMrFyERFk>)

## FAQs About Reliable Luxury Cars

You’ve got questions. *The Drive* has answers.

## Author
Jonathon is the former Managing Editor for Commerce at The Drive and has been writing about cars and motorcycles for over a decade, but he's been known to scribble pretty things about adoption, tattoos, life, gear, adventures, food, technology, nature, and more.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/jonathon_klein>)