The Top Trusted Minivans Available for Purchase

Buying a minivan can be overwhelming due to the numerous factors to consider. Most prospective buyers focus on aspects like fuel efficiency, seating configurations, technological amenities, and overall value. However, one of the most crucial elements for a family vehicle is reliability—no one wants to experience a breakdown while transporting a carload of family members.

To determine the most reliable minivan available, we have analyzed several popular minivan models from the past decade. Our evaluation took into account recall history, customer feedback, and reliability ratings.

CarBuzz has sourced reliability metrics from reputable organizations such as the NHTSA, CarComplaints, and J.D. Power. Specifications and details about the vehicles discussed were collected from the manufacturers’ official websites. We have focused on minivans manufactured and sold in the USA between 2010 and 2020 to ensure they are both modern enough and possess sufficient reliability data. Each minivan brand’s most dependable model year during this period has been selected for review.

9 2020 Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica remains one of the few minivan models still on the market. Among the used options, the 2020 model is particularly notable for its reliability, showing fewer recalls and complaints than others. Additionally, it garnered a J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score of 75 out of 100, positioning it ahead of other model years; the 2019 Pacifica follows closely with a score of 70 out of 100.

Other Pacifica models generally feature lower scores below 70/100, alongside a higher frequency of customer complaints and recalls, leading us to place the Chrysler Pacifica ninth on our list of the most reliable minivans.

Other Reliable Years

• 2019: a solid J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score of 70/100

8 2014 Volkswagen Routan

The Volkswagen Routan is often undervalued among minivans, featuring a surprisingly robust 283-horsepower V6 engine. However, due to its limited sales within the US, there is scarce reliability data available for the model.

That said, the 2014 Routan has recorded only one complaint on Car Complaints and no recalls, indicating a commendable reliability profile. Although J.D. Power hasn’t assigned ratings to any model years, earlier versions like the 2010 Routan hit a solid overall score of 78/100. Furthermore, the 2013 Routan, with six complaints and no recalls, is also a good pick based on its performance history, despite the scant data affecting its ranking.

Other Reliable Years

• 2010: Overall score of 78/100 from J.D. Power
• 2013: Zero recalls and just six complaints registered

7 2015 Mazda 5

Similar to the Volkswagen Routan, the Mazda 5 has limited reliability data, making it challenging to rank higher. However, the 2015 model—its last production year—has only one recall and one complaint, indicating satisfactory performance. Even after nearly a decade, the Mazda 5’s design remains appealing, and it offers better handling than many other minivans. Note, however, that the 157-horsepower four-cylinder engine may struggle under full load, so consider your needs carefully if you’re seeking a more powerful option.

Other Reliable Years

• 2010: Featuring a score of 75/100, with just one recall

6 2016 Chrysler Town And Country

The Town and Country minivan, which debuted in 1990, has a rich history dating back over five decades. Its strong heritage is complemented by a J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score of 82/100, indicating it is a highly trustworthy choice. Nevertheless, this model does gather more customer complaints than other models in the same category.

In the 2016 model year, Car Complaints documented 40 complaints regarding the Town and Country, while the 2015 version registered 46 complaints, making them some of the least troublesome models from the 2010s. Despite various recalls associated with different model years, the Town and Country’s popularity continues due to its spacious interior and versatility.

Other Reliable Years

• 2014: Scored 80/100 on the J.D. Power Quality & Reliability scale
• 2015: Fewer recalls than the 2016 Pacifica, despite having six more complaints, and managed a 78/100 from J.D. Power

5 2012 Nissan Quest

The Nissan Quest is often overlooked but is actually one of the more reliable minivans from its era, making it worthy of consideration. Although there is limited reliability data available for the Quest, what is present suggests a positive experience for owners.

Although there aren’t any specific complaints recorded, the NHTSA lists only one recall for the 2012 model year. Subsequent years, like 2015 and 2016, feature no recalls but do have a total of four complaints logged against each.

Other Reliable Years

• 2015: no recalls, four complaints, and a 85/100 overall J.D. Power score
• 2016: no recalls, with four complaints

4 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan

The Dodge Caravan made its debut in 1984, followed by the Grand Caravan in 1987—together, they have shaped the minivan and family car market, providing excellent practicality and value.

The Grand Caravan enjoyed strong sales throughout the 2010s, culminating in a wealth of reliability data supporting its status as one of the most dependable minivans of the era. Although certain model years have their fair share of recalls and complaints, the J.D. Power ratings indicate impressive reliability overall. Notably, the 2019 model year achieved a score of 81 out of 100. While other years like 2018 and 2020 may present fewer complaints and recalls, the 2019 model stands out for its superior reliability ratings, earning it our distinction as the best year for Dodge’s Grand Caravan.

Other Reliable Years

• 2018: Recorded only 12 complaints
• 2020: No recalls, with just one complaint

3 2020 Kia Sedona

Kia has moved past its previous reputation as a budget option, now recognized as a leader in dependability—particularly at its competitive pricing. The 2020 Sedona stands out with only one recorded recall and zero complaints on Car Complaints, along with an impressive J.D. Power score of 81 out of 100 for quality and reliability.

Additionally, it features a potent 276-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, making it adept at highway driving, even when fully loaded. Although the Sedona has been succeeded by the more advanced Kia Carnival, it remains a strong value option for budget-conscious buyers.

Other Reliable Years

• 2018: Reported three recalls and just one complaint
• 2019: Documented two recalls, and two complaints

2 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2017 Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is renowned for its reliability, and it comes as no surprise that the 2017 model rates highly. It boasts minimal recalls and complaints, reinforcing its status as a favored option among American families. Additionally, model years surrounding 2017, including 2015 and 2020, have also demonstrated impressive reliability, evidenced by a manageable number of complaints and recalls, making the Odyssey one of the top choices for dependable minivan driving.

Other Reliable Years

• 2015: with a J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score of 82/100
• 2020: featuring a relatively low 21 complaints

1 2020 Toyota Sienna

Toyota has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most reliable automakers, and the Sienna embodies this quality. Complete with impressive technology features such as wireless music access, user-friendly touchscreens, and a suite of safety systems, the Sienna has consistently received strong reliability ratings across all model years.

Notably, the 2020 Sienna stands out with just two recorded recalls and five complaints—a remarkably low number, particularly for a model that sold in significant volumes. Other highly recommended years include the 2012 and 2016 models, both of which share similar favorable attributes as the 2020 Toyota Sienna.

Other Reliable Years

• 2012: Achieved a J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score of 84/100
• 2016: Logged four recalls, three complaints, and a respectable score of 79/100 from J.D. Power

Sources: J.D. Power, NHTSA, CarComplaints, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Kia, Chrysler, Dodge, Volkswagen, Mazda