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MotorFiable

The most reliable MPVs

Ranked by the MotorFiable Score of the whole car, out of 10: half comes from its engines and the other half from the rest of the car (gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics…). Only MPVs with solid evidence are included: at least three sources and five documented faults, each backed by its sources.

Of the 48 MPVs with solid evidence, the one with the highest score is the Nissan Note I (7.2/10), followed by the Renault Scénic IV (7.0) and the Renault Espace VI (6.9). The one with the lowest score is the Mercedes-Benz Clase V W447 (3.8/10), mainly because of timing chain stretch and tensioner failure.

How we work

48 cars

Each label is that part's score out of 10. Only parts with documented faults or MOT inspection data are shown.

  1. Rank 1
    Nissan Note IMPV · 2006–2012Critical severityRisk of airbag rupture or abnormal deployment(security)Engine 8.1Suspension 7.2Brakes 8.8Steering 9.0Electrical 9.3Lights 8.1Bodywork 8.6Security 6.4
    7.2 out of 10Overall score
  2. Rank 2
    Renault Scénic IVMPV · 2016–2022Medium severity12V battery that does not last and battery or starter fuses that blow(electrical)Engine 7.1Gearbox 7.7Suspension 6.0Brakes 8.5Tyres 9.3Steering 8.6Electrical 8.0Lights 6.6Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.5
    7.0 out of 10Overall score
  3. Rank 3
    Renault Espace VIMPV · 2023–todayHigh severityMulti-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)(E-Tech Híbrido engine)Engine 6.8Brakes 7.5Electronics 9.6Security 8.6
    6.9 out of 10Overall score
  4. Rank 4
    Kia Carens IVMPV · 2013–2019High severityInjectors that lose calibration with mileage(1.7 CRDi engine)Engine 6.6Gearbox 8.6Suspension 8.8Brakes 7.4Steering 8.7Lights 6.9Electronics 9.6Bodywork 7.7
    6.8 out of 10Overall score
  5. Rank 5
    BMW Serie 2 Active Tourer F45MPV · 2014–2021Critical severityEGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fire(BMW B47 engine)Engine 6.1Gearbox 7.9Suspension 8.8Brakes 8.2Steering 9.3Electrical 8.6Lights 8.7Climate control 9.3Bodywork 8.6
    6.7 out of 10Overall score
  6. Rank 6
    Volkswagen Multivan T7MPV · 2021–todayCritical severityCurtain airbag clips and roof wiring harness poorly fitted(security)Engine 7.8Electrical 7.1Security 7.1
    6.7 out of 10Overall score
  7. Rank 7
    Kia Carens IIMPV · 2002–2006Critical severityABS control unit programming fault: reduced braking below 40 km/h(brakes)Engine 6.8Gearbox 8.6Suspension 8.2Brakes 6.7Steering 9.0Lights 7.5Bodywork 4.7
    6.6 out of 10Overall score
  8. Rank 8
    Mercedes-Benz Clase B W245MPV · 2005–2011Critical severityCostly failure of the Autotronic (CVT) automatic gearbox(2.0 CDI (OM640) engine)Engine 6.4Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.7Brakes 7.5Steering 9.0Lights 8.2Bodywork 8.2Security 8.0
    6.6 out of 10Overall score
  9. Rank 9
    Hyundai TrajetMPV · 1999–2008Critical severityCorrosion of the rear suspension arms(suspension)Engine 6.8Gearbox 8.6Suspension 6.8Brakes 7.7Steering 8.2Lights 7.0Bodywork 4.0
    6.4 out of 10Overall score
  10. Rank 10
    BMW Serie 2 Active Tourer U06MPV · 2022–todayCritical severityIntegrated braking system (IBS) failure: loss of hydraulic assistance(brakes)Engine 7.6Brakes 5.7Bodywork 7.1Security 7.1
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  11. Rank 11
    Dacia JoggerMPV · 2021–todayCritical severityRear hub carrier bolts with insufficient tightening torque (risk of losing a wheel)(suspension)Engine 6.9Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.1Electrical 8.6Electronics 8.6
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  12. Rank 12
    Fiat 500LMPV · 2012–2022Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(1.3 Multijet engine)Engine 4.7Suspension 8.0Brakes 6.7Steering 6.1Electrical 9.3Lights 7.4Electronics 9.3Bodywork 6.8
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  13. Rank 13
    Lancia MusaMPV · 2004–2012Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(1.3 Multijet engine)Engine 3.6Gearbox 9.3Suspension 7.3Brakes 8.4Steering 9.0Lights 8.7Bodywork 7.8
    6.2 out of 10Overall score
  14. Rank 14
    Volkswagen Touran IIMPV · 2015–todayCritical severityCorrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rack(steering)Engine 7.1Gearbox 7.3Suspension 8.8Brakes 7.4Steering 7.6Lights 7.8Bodywork 7.6Security 8.0
    6.2 out of 10Overall score
  15. Rank 15
    Mazda 5 IMPV · 2005–2010High severityOil dilution from leaking injector seals and DPF regenerations(MZR-CD engine)Engine 5.9Suspension 7.0Brakes 8.3Steering 7.9Lights 7.1Bodywork 6.0Security 7.1
    6.1 out of 10Overall score
  16. Rank 16
    Opel Zafira AMPV · 1999–2005High severitySeized rear brakes and brake pipe corrosion(brakes)Engine 6.2Suspension 7.9Brakes 6.8Steering 8.1Electrical 8.2Lights 7.7Bodywork 5.3
    6.1 out of 10Overall score
  17. Rank 17
    Opel Zafira BMPV · 2005–2014Critical severityFire risk from the heater fan resistor(climate control)Engine 6.4Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.7Brakes 7.6Tyres 9.3Steering 9.0Electrical 9.3Lights 7.4Climate control 7.1Bodywork 5.4Security 7.1
    6.1 out of 10Overall score
  18. Rank 18
    Ford C-Max IMPV · 2003–2010High severityTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)(1.6 HDi engine)Engine 5.5Suspension 7.5Brakes 8.6Steering 8.0Electrical 8.6Lights 7.5Electronics 7.9Bodywork 8.0
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  19. Rank 19
    Honda FR-VMPV · 2004–2009Critical severityBrake servo with a manufacturing defect that reduces or cancels braking assistance(brakes)Engine 6.2Suspension 6.9Brakes 7.1Steering 5.8Electrical 8.6Lights 7.1Bodywork 6.9Security 7.1
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  20. Rank 20
    Toyota VersoMPV · 2009–2018Critical severityWarped cylinder head gasket and oil consumption on the 2.2 D-4D(2.0/2.2 D-4D engine)Engine 5.6Gearbox 9.3Suspension 9.0Brakes 8.5Steering 8.8Electrical 8.6Lights 8.1Bodywork 8.5Security 7.1
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  21. Rank 21
    Chevrolet OrlandoMPV · 2011–2015Critical severityDriver's airbag inflator with degraded propellant(security)Engine 6.3Gearbox 7.9Brakes 7.9Security 7.1
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  22. Rank 22
    Citroën Xsara PicassoMPV · 1999–2010High severityPremature wear of the dual-mass flywheel and clutch on diesel versions (especially the 1.6 HDi)(gearbox and clutch)Engine 6.0Gearbox 6.1Suspension 8.7Brakes 8.0Steering 3.9Lights 7.2Electronics 8.6Climate control 8.9Bodywork 6.7Security 7.9
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  23. Rank 23
    Ford S-Max IMPV · 2006–2014Critical severityCracked cylinder head from overheating, with fire risk(1.6 EcoBoost engine)Engine 5.2Gearbox 7.0Suspension 7.4Brakes 8.8Tyres 8.9Steering 7.8Lights 7.3Electronics 8.6Bodywork 8.1
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  24. Rank 24
    Opel Meriva BMPV · 2010–2017Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(1.3 Multijet engine)Engine 5.3Gearbox 8.6Suspension 9.0Brakes 8.4Steering 8.9Electrical 8.6Lights 8.0Bodywork 7.3Security 7.1
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  25. Rank 25
    Opel Zafira Tourer CMPV · 2011–2019Critical severityAirbag recalls due to propellant degradation(security)Engine 6.0Gearbox 8.6Suspension 8.4Brakes 6.1Steering 9.0Lights 7.5Electronics 9.3Bodywork 8.7Security 6.6
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  26. Rank 26
    Renault ModusMPV · 2004–2012Critical severityWear and seizure of the big-end bearings(1.5 dCi engine)Engine 5.0Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.9Brakes 8.0Steering 7.4Electrical 8.9Lights 6.8Bodywork 7.1
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  27. Rank 27
    Ford S-Max IIMPV · 2015–2023Critical severityDegradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue)(1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue engine)Engine 5.6Gearbox 7.6Suspension 8.4Brakes 7.2Steering 8.8Electrical 7.9Lights 6.6Electronics 9.3Climate control 9.6Bodywork 8.0
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  28. Rank 28
    Kia Carens IIIMPV · 2006–2013Critical severityTiming chain stretch(1.6 CRDi engine)Engine 5.4Suspension 7.7Brakes 6.4Steering 6.1Lights 7.3Bodywork 7.9
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  29. Rank 29
    Mercedes-Benz Clase B W246MPV · 2011–2018Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(OM651 engine)Engine 5.8Gearbox 7.5Suspension 9.1Brakes 7.7Steering 8.2Electrical 7.1Lights 8.6Climate control 9.3Bodywork 7.8Security 7.1
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  30. Rank 30
    Opel Meriva AMPV · 2003–2010Critical severityTiming chain stretch and breakage(1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec engine)Engine 5.2Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.7Brakes 8.0Steering 7.4Electrical 8.6Lights 7.5Bodywork 8.1
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  31. Rank 31
    Renault Espace VMPV · 2015–2023High severityPremature turbocharger failure or breakage(1.6 dCi engine)Engine 5.2Suspension 5.7Brakes 7.9Steering 8.7Electrical 7.9Lights 8.4Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.5Security 7.9
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  32. Rank 32
    Renault Scénic IIIMPV · 2009–2016Critical severityWear and seizure of the big-end bearings(1.5 dCi engine)Engine 4.7Gearbox 7.7Brakes 7.3Electronics 8.9Bodywork 8.9
    5.6 out of 10Overall score
  33. Rank 33
    Dacia LodgyMPV · 2012–2022Critical severityRecall for debris in the brake hydraulic unit (ABS/ESP)(brakes)Engine 5.7Gearbox 8.6Suspension 5.7Brakes 6.7Steering 6.1Electrical 9.3Lights 4.4Bodywork 5.1Security 6.1
    5.4 out of 10Overall score
  34. Rank 34
    Toyota Verso-SMPV · 2010–2017Critical severityExcessive oil consumption from piston wear(1.33 Dual VVT-i engine)Engine 4.9Suspension 9.2Brakes 6.9Steering 8.7Lights 7.6Bodywork 8.5Security 5.7
    5.4 out of 10Overall score
  35. Rank 35
    Ford B-MaxMPV · 2012–2017Critical severityDegradation of the timing belt running in oil(1.0 EcoBoost engine)Engine 4.9Gearbox 6.4Suspension 7.8Brakes 8.3Steering 9.1Electrical 9.3Lights 7.4Bodywork 8.4
    5.3 out of 10Overall score
  36. Rank 36
    Ford C-Max IIMPV · 2010–2019Critical severityDegradation of the timing belt running in oil(1.0 EcoBoost engine)Engine 5.3Gearbox 6.5Suspension 8.1Brakes 7.4Tyres 8.6Steering 9.4Lights 7.2Bodywork 7.8Security 6.4
    5.3 out of 10Overall score
  37. Rank 37
    Fiat FreemontMPV · 2011–2015High severitySaturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations(1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II engine)Engine 4.8Security 5.7
    5.2 out of 10Overall score
  38. Rank 38
    Volkswagen ID. BuzzMPV · 2022–todayCritical severityPassenger airbag: the gas generator housing can break when deploying(security)Engine 5.4Tyres 7.1Steering 7.9Security 5.2
    5.2 out of 10Overall score
  39. Rank 39
    Citroën C4 Picasso IIMPV · 2013–2022Critical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 3.8Gearbox 7.1Suspension 8.4Brakes 7.1Steering 7.3Lights 6.1Electronics 7.9Climate control 7.9Bodywork 7.2
    5.0 out of 10Overall score
  40. Rank 40
    Mercedes-Benz Clase R W251MPV · 2005–2013Critical severityBroken swirl flaps in the intake manifold(OM642 engine)Engine 4.6Gearbox 5.6Suspension 7.7Brakes 6.9Steering 8.7Lights 8.2Bodywork 8.4Security 7.1
    5.0 out of 10Overall score
  41. Rank 41
    Seat AlteaMPV · 2004–2015Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 4.5Gearbox 7.1Suspension 7.2Brakes 7.2Steering 6.6Lights 7.7Electronics 8.9Climate control 7.1Bodywork 8.3Security 7.1
    4.9 out of 10Overall score
  42. Rank 42
    Renault Scénic IIMPV · 2003–2009Critical severitySeizure and wear of the big-end bearings(1.9 dCi engine)Engine 4.2Gearbox 7.2Brakes 7.1Electrical 7.9Electronics 8.6Bodywork 9.3
    4.8 out of 10Overall score
  43. Rank 43
    Volkswagen Sharan IIMPV · 2010–2022Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 3.9Suspension 7.4Brakes 8.6Tyres 7.1Steering 9.3Electrical 7.1Lights 7.7Bodywork 6.6Security 5.5
    4.8 out of 10Overall score
  44. Rank 44
    Volkswagen Touran IMPV · 2003–2015Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 4.5Gearbox 5.5Suspension 6.8Brakes 7.3Steering 7.4Lights 7.9Electronics 7.9Bodywork 8.6Security 7.1
    4.8 out of 10Overall score
  45. Rank 45
    Seat Alhambra IIMPV · 2010–2020Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 3.8Suspension 7.2Brakes 8.1Steering 9.2Electrical 7.5Lights 8.0Bodywork 6.0Security 5.0
    4.7 out of 10Overall score
  46. Rank 46
    Peugeot 5008 IMPV · 2009–2017Critical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 3.5Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.4Brakes 7.4Steering 7.1Electrical 7.5Lights 5.8Bodywork 7.6Security 7.9
    4.6 out of 10Overall score
  47. Rank 47
    Citroën C3 PicassoMPV · 2009–2017Critical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 2.7Gearbox 8.6Suspension 8.9Brakes 7.2Steering 6.6Lights 6.3Bodywork 8.6Security 7.9
    4.5 out of 10Overall score
  48. Rank 48
    Mercedes-Benz Clase V W447MPV · 2014–todayCritical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(OM651 engine)Engine 2.4Suspension 4.4Brakes 4.4Steering 7.3Lights 7.7Bodywork 7.6
    3.8 out of 10Overall score

The least reliable MPVs

The three with the lowest scores and the fault that weighs most in each.

  1. Mercedes-Benz Clase V W447 · 3.8/10Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (OM651 engine)
  2. Citroën C3 Picasso · 4.5/10Oil-bath timing belt degradation (1.2 PureTech engine)
  3. Peugeot 5008 I · 4.6/10Oil-bath timing belt degradation (1.2 PureTech engine)

How it is calculated

The score combines the risk index of its engines and that of the rest of the car, calculated from the most serious documented faults (severity times frequency). Faults that the manufacturer fixes free of charge under a recall carry less weight. A high score does not guarantee that a particular car will not fail: it means we have found fewer serious, frequent documented faults. More recent models have been on the road for fewer years and may have fewer documented faults: preferably compare cars from the same period. Full methodology