Earlier this week, we reported about the most reliable European cars, now we take a look at the least reliable cars according to the study by Warranty Direct amongst 20.000 live policies issued for models aged 3 to 6 years.

Surprising result of the data analysis is that the models with most faults are not at all from the economic side of the spectrum, quite on the contrary. The amount of executive and luxury cars that appear in the top 10 of worst performing cars in 2012 is quite astonishing. But see for yourselves...

10. Renault Megane

Best out of the ten worst performing models is the Renault Megane from the second generation (2002-2009). The model had an incident rate of 57%, meaning 57% of all vehicles had problems. The highest amount to be paid for a repair issue was £2,250.00 and overall, the problems frequently related to the electrical system (47%).

9. Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

The German executive model and first generation CLS-Class stands on ninth position when it comes to particularly issue prone cars. The Mercedes has a record of 58% when it comes to incident claims and the highest bill paid was £1,614.17. The main issues related to axle and suspension as these areas accounted for 37% of all problems.

8. BMW 7 Series

Another German luxury sedan that seems to cause some headaches to owners is the BMW 7 Series produced from 2001 to 2008. The incident rate for this one stands at 58% and the highest claim recorded was an expensive £10,120.39. Most problems (36%) were caused by the electrical system.

7. Saab 9-3

Whether the poor performance of the 9-3 in terms of reliability was responsible for the demise of Saab is a matter of speculation. But the numbers speak for themselves with 59% of vehicles reporting incidents, the most expensive claim costing £3,203.83 and 30% of faults caused by the electrical system.

6. Renault Grand Scenic

Next up on the list of least reliable cars is the second generation Renault Grand Scenic. The model has an incident rate of 63% and the most costly problem accounted for £2,652.27. Most commonly, issues with this model related to the electrical system (29%).

5. Land Rover Range Rover Sport

On fifth position stands the Range Rover Sport, model years 2005 until 2010. The British luxury SUV has an incident rate of 65% and the most expensive problem cost £6,400.27. The majority of faults for this car related to the axle and suspension.

4. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The third German luxury car is the third generation SL-Class. Despite its elevated price, the model still has an incident rate of 67%. The largest claim for this model stood at £3,102.76 and most problems (34%) occurred with the axle and suspension.

3. Renault Grand Espace

The Renault Espace, produced since 2003, opens the top three of most unreliable European cars. The French family van has an incident rate of 76%, the largest claim cost £2,756.88 and the engine caused 18% of problems.

2. Bentley Continental GT

The second spot demonstrates, that an expensive car is not necessarily a reliable car. The Continental GT has despite a claim for qualilty an incident rate of 78% and the most expensive problem cost £2,972.09. Over half (52%) of all claims related to the electrical system.

1. Land Rover Discovery

The inglorious first place goes the the Land Rover Discovery produced between 2005 and 2009, with 85% of vehicles reporting problems. The most costly of all issues amounted to £2,856.38 and the largest share of faults (42%) was related to the axle and suspension.

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