Consumer Reports least reliable 2025 full-size trucks

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May 2, 2025
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Consumer Reports least reliable 2025 full-size trucks

Using information from Consumer Reports combined with our expertise, the least reliable 2025 full-size trucks list has some surprises.

This list goes from worst to most reliable full-size truck.

[RELATED CONTENT: CONSUMER REPORTS LEAST RELIABLE 2025 MIDSIZE TRUCKS]

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The 2025 Toyota Tundra is now the least reliable truck according to Consumer Reports. (Photo courtesy Toyota Motor Company)

2025 Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra was completely redone for the 2022 model year and has had its share of issues since launch. Chief among them is a recall of non-hybrid models from 2022-2023 for engine failure due to machining debris according to the automaker.

It is available with a hybrid or non-hybrid powertrain mated to an automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain isn’t a fuel economy engine, instead it has more power than the non-hybrid engine for better towing prowess.

There is the standard lineup of trim levels from the base SR and SR5 all the way up to the off-road focused TRD PRO and a luxury trim called Capstone. It comes in either a double cab or a crew cab.

Pros

  • Smooth ride
  • Hybrid powertrain towing
  • Resale value

Cons

  • Lingering quality concerns
  • No recovery points/tow hooks in off-road models
  • High prices

Consumer Reports states there are also in-car electronics issues (cameras, audio, GPS, phone) reported by its members pushing it to the bottom of its reliability report. The Toyota Tundra had been at the top of most reliability lists.

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With some changes for the 2025 model year, the Ram 1500 has some concerns. (Photo courtesy Ram trucks)

2025 Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 has seen some massive changes for this model year with the big change of the 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi engine being replaced by the new 3.0-liter inline 6 twin-turbocharged Hurricane engine, with a high or standard output, that has been out for a few years in Jeep products. 

It did retain the 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine regarded as one of their top engines within the company for reliability. 

They offer the two powertrains, mated well-regarded automatic transmission from the well known ZF company that produces transmissions globally. 

It can be hard in a variety of cabin and bed configurations with the full suite of trim levels from the entry-level Tradesman up to the off-road RHO, which filled a gap when the TRX went away, and the Tungsten model. 

Pros

  • Styling interior and exterior
  • Hurricane high-output rips with 540 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque
  • Technology galore powered by the well regarded Uconnect system

Cons

  • Checkered history on reliability
  • Worst resale value 
  • Lackluster exhaust note from engines

Consumer Reports states its members found many issues with the in-car electronics not working right like the Toyota Tundra. Online forums and groups have some owners who have had issues with the Hurricane engine melted catalytic convertors especially in the RHO trim.

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The 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 V-8 engines are causing reliability concerns. (Photo Courtesy Chevrolet)

2025 Chevy Silverado 1500

The Chevy Silverado 1500 was refreshed in 2023 with a new interior dash layout with a much larger screen and new digital dash display. It also received some changes to the front and rear exterior styling.

It is offered with a variety of powertrains including:

  • 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
  • 5.3-liter V-8
  • 6.2-liter V-8
  • 3.0-liter inline 6 Duramax diesel

These powertrains are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission co-developed with Ford.

Interestingly enough, the V-8 engines have created a lot of reliability concerns for owners. At the time of this writing the 6.2-liter V-8 for example is under a Nationwide stop sale for new and used trucks to be sold with an engine failure concern. It is the beginnings of a large recall affecting tens of thousands of owners. Also, there have also been concerns over lifter issues with V-8 engines.

The 3.0-liter inline 6 Duramax diesel has been solid so far and is the most fuel efficient engine for full-size trucks on the market. Meanwhile, the 2.7-liter turbocharged engine has the best engine warranty on the market with 5-years or 100,000 miles. Normally, it is 5 years or 60,000 miles. 

You can find the Silverado in a large variety of cabin and bed lengths, trims and features. The price range can be from $40,000 to $90,000 depending on trims, features and engine choices.

Pros

  • Smooth ride
  • Duramax diesel MPG
  • Larger screen makes use of the many cameras installed on the truck

Cons

  • Seat comfort is abysmal
  • V-8 engine reliability concerns
  • Lack of two-speed transfer case in all trims. Some trims have a terrain mode if you get the max towing package and not an actual 4 LO.

Consumer Reports states its members have found a host of electrical issues like lights, gauges, USB ports, automatic headlights, etc… They have also historically found the engines to be a top concern for consumers.

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The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate turns a lot of heads. (Photo courtesy GMC)

2025 GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra 1500 is nearly identical to the Chevy Silverado 1500 in many ways with some significant differences.

Under the hood, the Sierra 1500 offers similar engine and transmission options. And, like the Silverado, you can find a similar array of cabin and bed lengths to choose from.

The key difference is how GM has positioned the GMC Sierra 1500 as the premium truck choice. The higher-end models like the Denali and Denali Ultimate or the off-road premium versions like the AT4 and AT4X come with nicer materials, more equipment (better skid plates, improvements in ride quality) and more creature comforts as well as a higher price tag.

Pros

  • Denali Ultimate is a stunner
  • AT4X is an off-roader or rancher’s dream rig
  • Overall styling on all trims is a step above

Cons

  • Seat comfort is abysmal
  • V-8 engine reliability concerns
  • High prices
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The 2025 Ford F-150 has a lot going for it including the sought after Raptor model. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company)

2025 Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 comes in as the most reliable full-size truck. It has been refreshed consistently over the years with the latest refresh introducing a higher-end Platinum Plus trim, a new tailgate with a split to open to the middle joining the other competitors with split tailgates, more availability of its hybrid Powertrain lineup and a modular front bumper system allowing owners to easily bolt-on accessories.

It comes in a variety of engines with two different EcoBoost (turbocharged) engines, a 5.0-liter V-8, a higher-output EcoBoost engine and the hybrid Powerboost engine. There is also a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine only for the Raptor R.

Also, much like the competitors from GM and Ram, you can find it in a variety of cabin and bed lengths and trim levels. It starts with the XL and volume-selling XLT along with the higher-end Platinum or the off-road focused Raptor and Raptor R.

Pros

  • Lots of choices for consumers with trims and cabin/bed lengths
  • Powerboost hybrid has the fan favorite on-board power system
  • Technology like zone lighting, trailer reverse for novice towers, etc…

Cons

  • Powerboost reliability is a BIG concern for Consumer Reports
  • 10-speed automatic transmission has been dogged with issues
  • Engine reliability concerns for some with turbos and cam phaser issues amongst others

Consumer Reports states its members have reported a variety of in-car electronic issues. The Powerboost is also a big concern and the publication took the unusual step to break this out from the rest of the F-150 lineup with its poor rating. 

Our take

Trucks have gotten more expensive and repair costs have skyrocketed thanks to their complexity. This has led to many prospective customers with concerns on buying a new truck.

On the other hand, new 2025 trucks are selling well due to their dual-role as a work and family truck. They have much smoother ride comfort, more creature comforts and technology and interior materials that often resemble luxury vehicles. Plus, in many cases, the powertrains are much more powerful and smoother than trucks from just 10 years ago.  

Like most things in life, you will find many happy customers and a variety of very unhappy customers with repair issues. It is possible to still buy a lemon in 2025 as much as it is possible to buy the best truck you’ve ever owned. 

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