Pickup trucks continue to dominate the American vehicle market, evolving from basic work vehicles to comfortable and feature-rich daily drivers. For those needing more capability than a compact truck yet desiring better maneuverability than a full-size model, midsize pickup trucks hit the sweet spot. Choosing a reliable truck is paramount, saving owners from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. This ranking, based on J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Scores, NHTSA recall data, and customer complaint rates, highlights the most dependable midsize trucks of 2024, guiding you to make an informed decision.
8. Rivian R1T
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
- Number of Recalls: 10
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 1.64
The all-electric Rivian R1T, a futuristic entrant in the pickup segment, debuts at the bottom of our reliability ranking. As a newer model, the R1T lacks a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating, a significant factor in its placement. Adding to this is a relatively high rate of NHTSA complaints, primarily concerning the forward collision avoidance system, airbags, and steering. While Rivian has recently updated the R1T, improvements in reliability are yet to be reflected in current data.
Since its launch, the Rivian R1T has faced 10 recalls, with three impacting the current model year. These recalls range from a missing airbag warning label to improperly aimed headlights and potential issues with side curtain airbag deployment. Although none are classified as urgent, this number of recalls in a short period raises concerns regarding initial build quality and long-term dependability.
Despite these reliability concerns, Rivian has achieved high customer satisfaction scores in J.D. Power’s APEAL survey. This suggests that while the R1T may have some initial quality issues, owners are largely satisfied with other aspects of the vehicle, such as its innovative features and performance.
7. GMC Canyon
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
- Number of Recalls: 3
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.87
The GMC Canyon, sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Colorado, is also in its third generation since 2023. Like the Colorado, the 2024 Canyon lacks a J.D. Power reliability score. However, with a lower rate of NHTSA complaints compared to the Rivian R1T, the Canyon secures a slightly higher position. Most complaints are related to exterior lighting and electrical system issues, typical teething problems for a newly redesigned model.
The current generation GMC Canyon has faced three recalls, with one affecting the 2024 model year. This particular recall addresses a potentially improperly installed fuel pump, which could increase fire risk – a concern shared with the Chevrolet Colorado. While not categorized as urgent, fuel system issues are serious and can lead to significant problems if not addressed promptly. Historically, new vehicle generations often experience initial reliability hiccups that tend to improve in subsequent model years as manufacturers refine production processes and address early issues.
6. Chevrolet Colorado
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
- Number of Recalls: 4
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.58
The Chevrolet Colorado, sibling to the GMC Canyon, is also in its third generation since 2023. The 2024 Colorado, like the Canyon, doesn’t have a J.D. Power score. Interestingly, the previous generation Colorado boasted a stronger reliability rating than its GMC counterpart. The current Colorado exhibits a low rate of NHTSA complaints, even slightly lower than the Canyon, contributing to its higher placement in this ranking. Reported complaints primarily focus on electrical glitches and forward collision avoidance system malfunctions.
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado has two recalls. One, similar to the Canyon, is for the fuel pump issue. The second recall involves incorrect tire fitment on some vehicles. Neither of these recalls is deemed urgent, but they highlight potential quality control issues during the initial production phase of this new generation truck. Prospective buyers should ensure any outstanding recalls are addressed before purchase to avoid potential safety and reliability concerns.
5. Honda Ridgeline
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 80
- Number of Recalls: 18
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 2.77
The Honda Ridgeline, the most seasoned model on this list, has been in its current generation since 2017. It achieves a solid J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score of 80, with previous years in this generation also scoring well. However, the Ridgeline has accumulated a significant number of NHTSA complaints over the years, resulting in a high complaint rate per 1,000 vehicles.
The most frequent complaints involve the electrical system, lighting, forward collision avoidance, and the rearview camera. Notably, a rearview camera issue is subject to a recall affecting the current model year, with some vehicles experiencing image loss. Earlier model years of the Ridgeline in this generation have faced a larger number of recalls and complaints, particularly concerning steering and braking issues.
The trend for the Honda Ridgeline indicates improving reliability in later model years. The bulk of recalls and complaints occurred in earlier years of this generation. Therefore, a 2024 Honda Ridgeline is likely a more dependable choice compared to earlier models, as Honda has addressed many of the initial issues through updates and refinements over its production run.
4. Toyota Tacoma
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 83
- Number of Recalls: 0
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.15
The Toyota Tacoma, a perennial bestseller in the midsize truck segment, might surprise some by not topping this reliability ranking. The 2024 model marks the start of a completely new generation. Despite being a fresh design, it earns a strong J.D. Power rating of 83/100 and boasts an exceptionally low rate of NHTSA complaints. This is a testament to Toyota’s engineering and manufacturing prowess, even with a ground-up redesign.
As a brand-new truck, the 2024 Tacoma deliveries are still ramping up, and long-term reliability data is still emerging. Currently, it has zero recalls, and complaints are minimal, primarily focusing on transmission issues in low-mileage vehicles, with some owners reporting difficulty shifting gears. While the transmission warrants monitoring, the initial data suggests the new Tacoma is upholding Toyota’s reputation for reliability. For buyers seeking a dependable midsize truck with a proven track record (even for a new generation), the Tacoma remains a strong contender.
3. Nissan Frontier
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 84* (2023 rating)
- Number of Recalls: 9
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.63
The Nissan Frontier, in its current generation since 2022, represents a significant update to this midsize truck. While the 2024 model lacks a J.D. Power score, the 2023 Frontier received a high rating of 84, suggesting consistent reliability for this generation. The Frontier exhibits a moderate rate of NHTSA complaints, with common issues including electrical system problems, driver assistance feature glitches (forward collision avoidance and cruise control), powertrain concerns, and braking system issues.
This generation of the Nissan Frontier has accumulated nine recalls, with two affecting the 2024 model. These recalls address potential airbag deployment issues and steering loss due to ball joint separation. Although not classified as urgent, steering and airbag issues are safety-critical and should be taken seriously. Despite a few recalls, the Nissan Frontier generally demonstrates above-average reliability within the midsize truck segment, offering a balance of capability and dependability.
2. Jeep Gladiator
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 87* (2023 rating)
- Number of Recalls: 13
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 1.70
The Jeep Gladiator, while not having a 2024 J.D. Power Reliability rating, benefits from the excellent 87-point score awarded to the 2023 model, part of the same generation. Introduced in 2020, the modern Gladiator marks Jeep’s return to the pickup truck market after a long hiatus. The Gladiator has no recalls for the 2024 model year and no complaints yet recorded.
However, earlier model years of the current generation Jeep Gladiator have faced a considerable 13 recalls. These primarily relate to airbag malfunctions, rearview camera and reverse light failures, fuel pump problems, and clutch overheating. The rate of NHTSA complaints is relatively high, with frequent issues reported in the transmission, steering, engine, and electrical systems. Despite these past issues, the lack of current recalls and complaints for the 2024 model, coupled with a strong prior-year J.D. Power score, positions the Gladiator as a potentially reliable option, although buyers should be aware of the issues reported in earlier model years.
1. Ford Ranger
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 87
- Number of Recalls: 0
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0
Taking the top spot as the most reliable midsize truck of 2024 is the Ford Ranger. The 2024 model year marks the beginning of the sixth generation Ranger, and it launches with an impressive J.D. Power Quality and Reliability rating of 87, matching the score of the previous generation’s final year. Crucially, the 2024 Ford Ranger stands out as the only truck on this list with zero recalls and zero NHTSA complaints reported.
While some engine options carry over from the previous generation, the 2024 Ranger is largely new. Notably, this generation Ranger was launched in international markets two years prior to its US debut. This pre-emptive launch allowed Ford to identify and resolve potential issues before the truck reached American customers, contributing significantly to its exceptional initial reliability scores. For buyers prioritizing dependability and a trouble-free ownership experience in a midsize truck, the 2024 Ford Ranger emerges as the clear leader.
Sources: J.D. Power, NHTSA, Manufacturers
