We’ve all been there: Excitedly driving a shiny new car off the lot with that new car smell filling our nostrils, the feel of the steering wheel bringing a sense of invincibility. But just like that, the car breaks down, leaving you stranded on the side of the road, feeling betrayed by a metal box you thought was your new best friend. Over the past decade, some of the most trusted car brands have had significant hiccups, some even worthy of a Netflix drama.
Volkswagen Dieselgate Scandal (2015)
The software was designed to detect when the car was being tested for emissions and would magically reduce the emissions output. But in the real world, these cars were spewing pollutants like they were trying to recreate a scene from Mad Max. The fallout was massive recalls, billions in fines, and many red faces at VW. The takeaway: If something sounds too good to be true, like a diesel engine that’s cleaner than a choirboy, it probably is.
Takata Airbag Recall (Ongoing)
Next is the Takata airbag recall, which is less of a failure and more of an ongoing horror show. The gist of it: Airbags that were supposed to save lives were more dangerous than a squirrel on caffeine. These airbags tended to explode upon deployment, turning into a shrapnel bomb in the driver’s face. Talk about backfiring.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Fires (2020-2021)
Reports started that some Bolts were spontaneously combusting, which is just about the most minor spontaneous thing you want to happen to your car. The culprit is Defective battery cells supplied by LG Chem. What’s surprising and frankly a little disappointing is that the Bolt was one of the pioneers of affordable long-range electric vehicles. GM issued a recall and even recommended owners park their cars outside and away from their homes. Because nothing says peace of mind like worrying your car might torch your house.
Ford PowerShift Transmission Issues (2010s)
Have you ever been in a car that felt like it couldn’t decide whether to accelerate or throw in the towel? That’s the Ford PowerShift transmission experience in a nutshell. It was supposed to be a high-tech marvel combining the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission with the ease of an automatic. It was about as reliable as a paper umbrella in a hurricane.
Tesla Model S and X Suspension Failures (2019-2021)
Owners started noticing that their Teslas were playing a dangerous game of teeter-totter with suspension components failing and even causing wheels to detach in extreme cases. Tesla’s initial response? They suggested it was due to driver error or poor road conditions. However, when the problem persisted, the company had to face the music and issue a recall. The surprise here isn’t just the failure itself but the fact that it happened to a brand so closely associated with cutting-edge technology and safety. It turns out that even the future sometimes has a bumpy ride.
Hyundai and Kia Engine Fires (2015-2020)
The cause of the fires was manufacturing defects that led to oil leaks, which caused engines to catch fire faster than you can say Gangnam Style. What’s surprising here is the sheer duration over which these issues occurred, suggesting that the problems were more deeply rooted in the manufacturing process than anyone wanted to admit. In the end, millions of vehicles were recalled, and the company’s reputation took a hit that even the best PR dance moves couldn’t fully recover from.
BMW EGR Valve Fire Risk (2018-2019)
The EGR valve could cause coolant to leak, leading to engine fires. This was the automotive equivalent of your fancy dinner party ending in flames because the caterer decided to nap. The recall affected over a million BMWs globally, proving that even the big names aren’t immune to component failures. The takeaway: Sometimes, it’s the little things that can turn your high-performance dream car into a four-wheeled bonfire.
Nissan CVT Transmission Failures (2010s)
This issue was particularly common in popular models like the Altima, Sentra, and Rogue, which meant that many people were dealing with a lot of transmission trouble. Nissan’s response included extended warranties and recalls, but the damage was done. The surprise here is that a technology meant to be an improvement over traditional transmissions ended up being a consistent source of headaches.
Jaguar Land Rover Infotainment System Glitches (2010s-2020s)
Jaguar Land Rover is a brand for those who want to combine luxury with a sense of adventure. Unfortunately, their InControl Touch Pro infotainment system was about as reliable as a GPS with a mind of its own. Users reported frequent glitches, unresponsive screens, and systems that would go dark, leaving drivers wondering if they had accidentally triggered some automotive blackout.
Honda CR-V Oil Dilution Problem (2017-2019)
The Honda CR V is the automobile equivalent of that dependable friend who always shows up on time and never forgets your birthday. But even the best of friends can slip up, and for the CR V, that slip-up came in the form of an oil dilution problem that left owners scratching their heads and engines.
11 Cars that are Known for Breaking Down Regularly
No car company wants to deliver a dud. However, even though companies try their best to deliver excellent cars, some cars turn out to be lemons, breaking down frequently. This creates problems for both the consumer and the manufacturer.
11 Cars that are Known for Breaking Down Regularly
