Choosing the perfect SUV can feel like a daunting task, especially with so many new models hitting the market in 2024 and 2025. While many boast impressive features and cutting-edge tech, some come with hidden issues that aren’t always obvious. We’ve pulled researched experts like SlashGear, referenced resources like MyLemon, and dug through user experiences with the vehicles on places like Reddit and the Ascent Forums to put this list together.
From reliability concerns to unexpected maintenance costs, it’s essential to know what to watch for before making your purchase. In this guide, we’ll spotlight eight SUVs that, while promising on the surface, might have a few surprises under the hood—helping you make a more informed decision.
8. Range Rover Evoque – Exterior
The 2024/2025 Range Rover Evoque is facing substantial reliability issues that should give potential buyers pause. At the core of these problems are three major areas of concern: severe electrical issues including battery drain problems and infotainment system failures, dangerous drivability issues with the start-stop system causing hesitation when entering traffic, and widespread mechanical problems including transmission issues and suspension wear. Multiple owners have reported their vehicles being designated as “lemons,” with some spending extensive time at dealerships for repairs within the first year of ownership.
Range Rover Evoque – Interior
What makes these issues particularly concerning is that even Land Rover’s own CEO has acknowledged their reliability problems, and some dealerships have struggled to effectively address these recurring issues, with one owner reporting being banned from a dealership after multiple unsuccessful repair attempts. For those considering an Evoque purchase, it’s worth noting that these problems appear to be systemic rather than isolated incidents, with numerous owners reporting similar experiences across different regions.
7. Chevrolet Suburban – Exterior
The 2024 Suburban’s interior presents several ergonomic challenges that impact daily usability. The control layout has been criticized for its confusing arrangement and hard-to-reach buttons, while the front seats lack adequate support for longer journeys. The climate control system struggles with temperature consistency, and the thick roof pillars create notable blind spots that affect visibility. These issues significantly impact the overall comfort and functionality of what should be a premium family vehicle.
Chevrolet Suburban – Interior
The exterior of the 2024 Suburban faces several quality control issues that affect both appearance and longevity. The most notable problems include premature paint fading, particularly noticeable on darker-colored vehicles, along with inconsistent panel gap alignment that detracts from the vehicle’s premium appearance. The LED lighting system has also been a source of ongoing reliability concerns, with some owners reporting intermittent functionality and decreased brightness over time. These exterior issues are particularly disappointing given the Suburban’s position as a flagship SUV in Chevrolet’s lineup.
6. Kia Sorento – Exterior
Inside the 2024 Sorento, owners face persistent technology issues that significantly impact the daily driving experience. The wireless CarPlay system is particularly problematic, with frequent disconnections that disrupt navigation and entertainment. Cold weather conditions exacerbate comfort issues, bringing out an annoying squeaky steering wheel that detracts from the cabin’s refinement. The blend door actuator problems create inconsistent climate control functionality, making it difficult to maintain comfortable temperatures. While Kia has used high-quality materials throughout the cabin, there are noticeable fit and finish inconsistencies that suggest rushed assembly or quality control oversights.
Kia Sorento – Interior
The exterior of the 2024 Sorento reveals several concerning quality control issues that affect both aesthetics and functionality. Paint imperfections are evident across different body panels, with some owners reporting inconsistent color matching and surface finish problems. Door panel misalignment issues not only create unsightly gaps but also contribute to wind noise at highway speeds. The problematic window gaskets have been a particular point of concern, leading to potential water leaks and wind noise issues. These exterior problems are especially disappointing given Kia’s recent push toward premium market positioning and higher price points.
5. Subaru Ascent – Exterior
The 2024 Ascent’s interior is plagued by a variety of technology and comfort issues that significantly impact the ownership experience. At the heart of these problems is an unreliable infotainment system that suffers from persistent bugs and glitches, frequently disrupting navigation and entertainment functions. Comfort is compromised by numerous noise-related issues, including a headliner that produces disturbing sounds, particularly noticeable during hot weather conditions. The cabin’s refinement is further diminished by buzzing door panels that create an unsettling atmosphere. Adding to these concerns, the panoramic roof cover has a tendency to loosen over time, and the climate control system demonstrates poor accuracy in maintaining desired temperatures.
Subaru Ascent – Interior
The exterior of the 2024 Ascent reveals concerning build quality issues that affect both appearance and functionality. Panel gap inconsistencies are particularly noticeable, with the second-row doors showing the most prominent alignment problems. The driver’s side mirror suffers from persistent vibration issues that not only create visibility problems but also generate additional wind noise at highway speeds. Paint quality varies noticeably across different body panels, suggesting inconsistent application processes or quality control standards. These exterior problems are particularly disappointing for a vehicle in this price range and indicate potential long-term durability concerns.
4. GMC Yukon – Exterior
The 2024 Yukon’s interior is marred by significant technology and electrical issues that compromise its luxury aspirations. The infotainment system is particularly troublesome, experiencing frequent malfunctions that affect basic functions like navigation and audio controls. Climate control reliability is a persistent concern, with owners reporting inconsistent temperature regulation and airflow distribution. The power-sliding center console, meant to be a premium feature, has become a source of frustration due to operational problems and mechanical failures. Various electrical system issues throughout the cabin have led to multiple warning lights, non-functioning accessories, and unexpected system shutdowns that significantly impact the overall driving experience.
GMC Yukon – Interior
The exterior of the 2024 Yukon exhibits numerous quality control issues that affect both appearance and structural integrity. Paint quality is a major concern, with reports of premature chipping and peeling, particularly around high-stress areas and panel edges. Panel alignment problems are evident throughout the vehicle, creating unsightly gaps and potential entry points for water infiltration. Water leaks around doors and windows have been frequently reported, leading to interior damage and potential long-term durability issues. The vehicle’s trim pieces show signs of premature deterioration, with chrome elements dulling and plastic components fading or warping well before expected, detracting from the Yukon’s premium positioning in the market.
3. Audi Q5 – Exterior
The 2024 Q5’s interior problems primarily center around its advanced technology systems, creating a frustrating experience in what should be a refined luxury vehicle. The auto start-stop system has drawn significant criticism for its aggressive power-cutting behavior, often engaging at inappropriate times and creating hesitation during crucial driving moments. Wireless CarPlay connectivity proves unreliable, with frequent disconnections disrupting navigation and entertainment functions. The climate control system struggles with maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the cabin, while the oversensitive blind spot detection system generates numerous false alerts, particularly annoying during routine highway driving. These issues collectively detract from the premium experience expected from an Audi.
Audi Q5 – Interior
The exterior of the 2024 Q5 faces several quality and engineering concerns that affect both functionality and long-term durability. The sunroof drainage system has proven particularly problematic, with drains prone to clogging that can lead to water intrusion and potential interior damage. Paint quality issues have been reported across different body panels, with some owners noting inconsistent finish and premature wear. The LED lighting system, while stylish, experiences occasional failures that affect both safety and appearance. These exterior problems are especially concerning given Audi’s reputation for precision engineering and the Q5’s positioning in the luxury SUV segment.
2. Ford Explorer – Exterior
The 2024 Ford Explorer’s cabin reveals concerning quality control deficiencies that impact the daily driving experience. Door panels exhibit notable construction issues, while the overall assembly quality falls short of expectations for a vehicle in this price segment. The interior’s functionality is further compromised by an unreliable climate control system that shows intermittent performance issues. Adding to these concerns, the infotainment system demonstrates recurring glitches that affect the user experience.
Ford Explorer – Interior
The exterior build quality of the 2024 Explorer presents multiple areas of concern that affect both aesthetics and functionality. Paint application shows inconsistencies across various body panels, while window gaskets demonstrate durability and fitment issues. The vehicle’s overall presentation is compromised by noticeable panel gaps and alignment problems, particularly evident in the door fitment. These exterior quality control issues not only impact the vehicle’s appearance but also potentially affect its long-term durability and weather sealing capabilities.
1. Chevrolet Tahoe – Exterior
The 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe’s cabin presents several notable concerns that impact the overall user experience. The vehicle’s sophisticated technology suite has become a source of frustration, with drivers reporting recurring malfunctions in the driver assistance features and unpredictable behavior from the climate control system. The infotainment system’s stability issues manifest through occasional freezing and unresponsive touchscreen behavior, detracting from the otherwise modern interface. Additionally, while the seats initially appear comfortable, passengers have noted increasing discomfort during long-distance travel, particularly in terms of lumbar support and cushion firmness.
Chevrolet Tahoe – Interior
The exterior build quality of the 2024 Tahoe reveals multiple areas of concern that affect both aesthetics and durability. The paint coating has shown susceptibility to premature wear and chipping, particularly on high-impact areas such as the hood and door edges. Chrome trim elements have exhibited signs of early deterioration, losing their luster and, in some cases, showing signs of peeling. The LED lighting system’s reliability has been questioned due to occasional malfunctioning of both headlights and taillights. Perhaps most noticeably, inconsistent panel gaps and alignment issues are evident across various body sections, compromising the vehicle’s premium appearance and build quality standards.
