Subprime Auto Loans Just Hit Their Worst Delinquency Rate in 32 Years. Here's What It Means for Lenders.

Subprime auto loan delinquency rates have reached 6.8% at the start of 2026, the worst in 32 years and exceeding Great Recession levels. This poses significant risks to subprime lenders like OneMain Holdings and Credit Acceptance, whose loan portfolios are underperforming. Capital One Financial, which uses more stringent lending criteria, maintains healthier delinquency rates and is a safer alternative for investors seeking exposure to lower-credit customers.