Consumer Alert: Car Complaint Index

The list that no carmaker wants to be on has been released once again: it's the annual Car Complaint Index.
Jack Gillis publishes the index each year in his annual "Car Book." This year, vehicles made by Hyundai, Chevrolet and Tesla have all landed on the list.
Click play below to listen to Walt Kane's conversation with consumer advocate and "Car Book" author Jack Gillis for the News 12 Talks New Jersey podcast:
The Chevy Volt came in at No. 1. The government's car safety database shows that owners complained about the electrical system, with several reporting fires.
The Hyundai Santa Fe came in at No. 2. As News 12 has reported, it's among several vehicles that have prompted owners to voice complaints about car fires.
For the No. 3 vehicle on the list, the Chrysler Pacifica, common complaints include hesitation and stalling.
And the Tesla Model S ranked fourth, with some owners complaining about the suspension and speed control.
At No. 5 is the Hyundai Tucson. Complaints included hesitation and lack of power.
Drivers should keep in mind that owner complaints are just one measure of evaluating a vehicle.
 
2019 Car Complaint Index:
The 10 Best:
Vehicle Index*
Audi A5 385
Lexus RC 452
Toyota Corolla iM 493
Genesis G80 671
Cadillac Escalade ESV 683
BMW X3 715
Infiniti QX50 801
BMW 2 Series 889
Audi Q3 927
Chevrolet Cruze 1001
The 10 Worst:
Vehicle Index*
Chevrolet Volt >20,000
Hyundai Santa Fe >20,000
Chrysler Pacifica >20,000
Tesla Model S >20,000
Hyundai Tucson 14,561
Ford Fusion Energi 12,242
Jeep Cherokee 11,755
Dodge Journey 9,852
Mercedes-Benz GLC 9,674
Mercedes-Benz CLA 9,329
*NOTE: These numbers are INDEX scores. They are NOT the total number of complaints received. The complaint index score considers complaints, sales volume and years on the road.
Courtesy: Jack Gillis and the Center for Auto Safety.