Most used car salespeople hope you never read this article. The automotive industry profits from your lack of information about specific models. Certain vehicles enter the used market with hidden defects known to insiders. Major manufacturers continue selling models with documented safety concerns.
Your next car purchase deserves better research. Experts like J.D. Power, Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book agree that these 19 models consistently rank as mechanics’ top warnings.
19. 2016 Jeep Wrangler
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler exhibits widespread reliability issues despite its iconic status. Premature brake wear occurs frequently, with owners reporting ABS failures and unexpected seizing. Water leaks cause interior damage, while electrical gremlins manifest as phantom headlight and horn activations.
Though problematic, it maintains strong resale value due to its exceptional off-road capabilities with high ground clearance. Consider a Toyota 4Runner instead for a more dependable off-road experience. You might also consider exploring some insanely cool off-road vehicles that offer better dependability.
18. 2018-2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Family-oriented minivan shoppers should be cautious of the 2018-2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid‘s alarming issues. Engine shutdowns occur from electrical shorts, while high-voltage battery fires pose serious safety risks. Despite these concerns, the vehicle includes innovative features like hands-free sliding doors and versatile seating arrangements. Toyota’s Sienna provides substantially better reliability for families seeking a hybrid minivan alternative.
17. 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Mechanics widely recognize the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder‘s transmission failures, with over 70% identifying these potential problems. Warning signs include hesitation and jerking during acceleration. Leaking transfer cases create ongoing maintenance headaches, compounded by a brake fluid leak recall.
Its comfortable seating and strong V6 engine with decent towing capacity remain positive attributes. The 2017 Honda Pilot delivers similar utility with fewer mechanical concerns.
16. 2020 Ford Explorer
Ford’s redesigned 2020 Explorer struggles with early transmission failures manifesting as stuck shifting and engine stalls. Multiple recalls for structural issues reveal quality control problems, including loose bolts, bad welds, and poorly secured components.
Advanced safety features and a new infotainment system can’t compensate for these fundamental flaws. For comparable space without the reliability concerns, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 stands as a superior alternative.
15. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Many potential buyers overlook that the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, particularly in plug-in hybrid form, faces a critical fire risk recall. Steering problems create handling difficulties, while suspension component detachment concerns have been documented. Its off-road capabilities and luxurious interior can’t outweigh these significant safety issues. Consider the Kia Telluride for similar space and capability with better reliability ratings.
14. 2019-2022 Chevrolet Cruze
Compact car shoppers should note the 2019-2022 Chevrolet Cruze‘s significant transmission problems, including hesitation and jerking during shifts. Electrical issues affect the infotainment systems, while recalls for faulty airbags and potential fuel leaks raise safety concerns. Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic deliver better reliability records and lower long-term ownership costs for similar pricing.
13. 2024 BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid
Luxury doesn’t guarantee reliability, as demonstrated by the 2024 BMW X5 plug-in hybrid‘s concerning recalls. Issues include starter motor overheating and water pump short circuits. Battery and charging system problems further compromise this premium vehicle’s value proposition.
The Volvo XC90 offers comparable prestige with superior reliability ratings for discerning luxury SUV shoppers.
12. 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Excessive steering wheel vibrations plague the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, significantly impacting the driving experience. Damage-prone sunroofs lead to expensive repairs, while fueling issues from faulty charcoal canisters create additional frustration. The 2018 Lexus IS provides comparable luxury with significantly fewer issues and lower long-term maintenance costs.
11. 2016 Hyundai Sonata
Unusual oil consumption haunts the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, requiring frequent top-offs between service intervals. Transmission failures lead to slipping and harsh shifting, while premature paint peeling detracts from appearance and resale value.
Daily drivers deserve better reliability than this problematic sedan. The exceptionally dependable 2016 Toyota Camry or Honda Accord represent superior alternatives for similar pricing.
10. 2023 Tesla Model 3
Innovation can’t mask the 2023 Tesla Model 3‘s fundamental build quality issues. Panel gaps, loose trim, and paint defects frequently frustrate owners. A particularly stiff suspension negatively impacts ride comfort, while faster-than-expected battery degradation reduces practical lifespan. Electric vehicle shoppers should consider the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 6 for better overall quality and ownership experiences.
9. 2018 Land Rover Range Rover
Luxury often comes with maintenance headaches, exemplified by the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover‘s reliability challenges. Electrical failures plague the infotainment system, while air suspension issues cause inconsistent ride height and handling problems. Maintenance costs frequently exceed reasonable expectations, even for a premium vehicle. The 2018 Lexus GX delivers comparable luxury with substantially lower ownership costs.
8. 2023 Lucid Air
Early adopters report the 2023 Lucid Air struggles with persistent software glitches requiring repeated system resets. Build quality problems include misaligned panels and interior rattling noises. Uncertain resale value creates financial risk for this emerging brand. Consider the more established 2023 Tesla Model S for similar performance with more predictable ownership experience.
7. 2020 Lincoln Aviator
Transmission problems plague the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, including harsh shifting and delayed responses. Electronic issues result in frozen infotainment systems, while suspension problems undermine expected ride quality. These combined issues make it a risky purchase despite attractive styling. The 2020 Volvo XC90 provides similar luxury and technology with far fewer reliability concerns.
6. 2016-2017 Kia Optima
A serious engine failure recall affects the 2016-2017 Kia Optima, raising significant safety concerns. Transmission issues cause jerky shifts and delayed acceleration, while electrical problems further compromise the ownership experience. Despite its attractive initial price point, these substantive issues make it a poor used car value. The Mazda 6 offers comparable features with substantially better reliability records.
5. 2021 GMC Yukon
Full-size SUV shoppers should be wary of the 2021 GMC Yukon‘s 10-speed automatic transmission issues. Problems include harsh shifting, delayed response, and in some cases, complete failures. Electrical system problems affect everything from infotainment to driver assistance features. The Toyota Sequoia offers legendary durability for buyers seeking a large, capable family vehicle without these reliability concerns.
4. 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
Despite its newness, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has developed notable problems. Transmission failures represent a prevalent concern, while engine reliability issues include oil leaks that compromise off-road credibility. Interior electronics problems further diminish the ownership experience. For dependable compact SUV capability, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 delivers similar functionality without the mechanical concerns.
3. 2020 Dodge Journey
Among segment competitors, the 2020 Dodge Journey stands out for its outdated design. Its underpowered engine struggles with basic acceleration and highway passing. Frequent transmission failures create expensive repair bills, while cheap interior materials show premature wear. The 2020 Honda CR-V provides better performance, quality, and reliability for similar pricing.
2. 2019 Toyota CHR
Toyota’s reputation for reliability can’t compensate for the 2019 Toyota CHR‘s significant shortcomings. A weak engine proves inadequate on hills or when fully loaded. The CVT transmission delivers suboptimal performance, while the lack of all-wheel drive limits adverse weather capability. Consider the 2019 Honda HR-V for better space utilization and available all-wheel drive.
1. 2020 Fiat 500X
Persistent electrical issues plague the 2020 Fiat 500X, creating unpredictable functionality for owners. Weak transmissions often require expensive repairs shortly after warranty expiration. Performance suffers from a general lack of power, particularly during highway merging and passing. Despite stylish Italian design, these fundamental flaws make ownership risky. The Honda HR-V delivers substantially better reliability with similar utility.
