The Quest for the Most Reliable Minivan
Purchasing a minivan involves juggling several factors. Fuel efficiency, seating configurations, tech features, and overall value are common considerations for buyers. However, reliability often takes center stage for a vehicle designed to transport up to eight people. Nobody wants a breakdown with a full load of passengers.
This article examines several popular minivans from the past decade to determine which models have proven the most dependable. We’ve gathered data on recalls, customer complaints, and reliability ratings from key sources. CarBuzz sourced reliability data from the NHTSA, CarComplaints, and J.D. Power. Vehicle specifications and stats were collected from each manufacturer’s website. Only minivans manufactured and sold in the USA between 2010 and 2020 were included in this analysis since older models have less available data and newer models have not exhibited long-term reliability trends.
Methodology
To identify the most reliable minivans, we have analyzed data from several sources:
- Recall data: Information on safety recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Customer complaints: Data from CarComplaints.com, reflecting owner-reported issues.
- Reliability ratings: J.D. Power’s quality and reliability scores.
The Most Reliable Minivans (2010-2020)
Here are the minivans that stood out for their dependability:
Chrysler Pacifica (2020)
The Chrysler Pacifica is among the few minivan models still available today. Among used models, the 2020 Pacifica shines for its reliability, with fewer recalls and complaints compared to other years. J.D. Power gave this model a quality and reliability score of 75/100, outperforming other years. The 2019 Pacifica followed closely with a score of 70/100. Other Pacifica model years received scores lower than 70/100 and saw more customer complaints and recalls. This puts the Chrysler in ninth place overall on our list.
- Reliability Data:
- Number of recalls: 2
- Number of complaints: 3
- J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 75/100
Other Reliable Years
- 2019: respectable 70/100 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score
Volkswagen Routan (2014)
The Volkswagen Routan, with its surprisingly powerful 283-horsepower V6 engine, is an underrated minivan. Its limited production numbers in the US have resulted in constrained reliability data. However, the 2014 Routan benefits from some data, including a single complaint on Car Complaints and zero recalls from the NHTSA. While J.D. Power didn’t rate any model years of the Routan for reliability, the 2010 model earned an overall score of 78/100. The number of recalls for the 2013 Routan was also zero with only six complaints recorded, although limited data prevented a higher ranking.
Other Reliable Years
- 2010: J.D. Power rated 78 out of 100 overall score
- 2013: zero recalls and just 6 complaints
Mazda 5 (2015)
Similar to the Volkswagen Routan, the Mazda 5 has limited reliability data, making higher rankings difficult. The 2015 model, the final year for the Mazda 5, only had one recall and one complaint. Although nearly a decade old, the Mazda 5’s design has aged well, and it handles better than the average minivan. However, its 157-horsepower four-cylinder engine can struggle under a full load, which is a factor to consider if high power is a priority.
- Reliability Data:
- Number of recalls: 1
- Number of complaints: 1
- J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: N/A
Other Reliable Years
- 2010: One recall and a J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score of 75/100
Chrysler Town & Country (2016)
The Town & Country’s lineage stretches back 50 years. The 2016 model has an impressive J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score of 82/100 but attracts more customer complaints than other comparable models. The 2016 Town & Country had 40 complaints on Car Complaints, while the 2015 model had 46. Although many model years had multiple recalls, the Town & Country remained popular for its spaciousness and versatility.
- Reliability Data:
- Number of recalls: 5
- Number of complaints: 40
- J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 82/100
Other Reliable Years
- 2014: 80/100 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score
- 2015: Fewer recalls than the 2016 Pacifica, but six more complaints and a 78/100 score from J.D. Power
Nissan Quest (2012)
The Nissan Quest, often overlooked, is one of the most reliable minivans from this era, and a model worth considering. Reliability data is limited for the Quest, but the existing data is encouraging. The NHTSA shows only one recall for the 2012 model year, and while no complaint data is available, later years such as the 2015 and 2016 Quest had zero recalls but four complaints logged against them.
- Reliability Data:
- Number of recalls: 1
- Number of complaints: 4
- J.D. Power Overall Score: 85/100
Other Reliable Years
- 2015: 0 recalls, 4 complaints, and 85/100 overall J.D. Power score
- 2016: 0 recalls, 4 complaints
Dodge Grand Caravan (2019)
The Dodge Caravan, and the subsequent Grand Caravan, greatly influenced the minivan market, offering practicality and value. Sold throughout the 2010s before being discontinued, the Grand Caravan has plenty of data to support its inclusion among the most reliable minivans of the period. While most model years were subject to various recalls which are coupled with complaints, the J.D. Power scores are high, especially for the 2019 model year, which earned a score of 81 out of 100.
- Reliability Data:
- Number of recalls: 3
- Number of complaints: 15
- J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 81/100
Other Reliable Years
- 2018: Only 12 complaints
- 2020: 0 recalls, and just 1 complaint
Kia Sedona (2020)
Kia, once considered a budget choice, is known for its dependable, budget-friendly options, including the 2020 Sedona. With just one recall and zero complaints on Car Complaints, this model achieved an admirable J.D. Power score of 81/100. The 2020 Sedona also contained a powerful 276-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although succeeded by the Kia Carnival, the Sedona remains a good used option.
- Reliability Data:
- Number of recalls: 1
- Number of complaints: 0
- J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 81/100
Other Reliable Years
- 2018: 3 recalls, and only 1 complaint
- 2019: 2 recalls, and 2 complaints
Honda Odyssey (2017)
It’s no surprise that the Honda Odyssey ranks highly. The brand is consistently praised for its reliability, and the Odyssey has been a popular choice for American families. The 2017 model stands out with few recalls and complaints. Model years on either side, such as the 2015 and 2020, also showed impressive reliability.
- Reliability Data:
- Number of recalls: 2
- Number of complaints: 3
- J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: Not rated
Other Reliable Years
- 2015: 82/100 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score
- 2020: A relatively low 21 complaints
Toyota Sienna (2020)
Toyota is frequently considered among the most reliable automakers, and the Sienna reinforces this reputation. The 2020 Sienna boasts impressive technology, including wireless music connectivity, intuitive touchscreens, and many safety features. Every year of the model has positive J.D. Power ratings, and the 2020 Sienna stands out as the best, with only two recalls and five complaints.
- Reliability Data:
- Number of recalls: 2
- Number of complaints: 5
- J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 81/100
Other Reliable Years
- 2012: 84/100 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score
- 2016: 4 recalls, 3 complaints, and a respectable 79/100 J.D. Power score
Choosing the Right Minivan
Reliability is a key factor when selecting a minivan, as the vehicles transport precious cargo. The models listed here represent some of the most dependable options, considering the period covered in this study. By evaluating your needs and comparing the data presented, you can choose the minivan that offers a reliable and practical experience for your family.
