Sometimes, the car that looks great on paper becomes a daily regret. Across Canada, drivers have spoken up about the vehicles they once trusted, only to be burned by poor reliability, steep repair bills, weak performance, or uncomfortable rides. Here are 24 cars Canadians swear they’ll never drive again:
Dodge Journey (2009–2020)
Once a favorite for its low price and family-friendly layout, the Dodge Journey quickly fell out of favor with Canadian drivers. The base 2.4L engine lacked power, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo. The aging interior and outdated tech felt years behind competitors, while frequent electrical and transmission issues drove up maintenance costs. Drivers report rattles, brake failures, and poor winter handling. The Journey’s bargain pricing didn’t compensate for its long list of frustrations.
Chevrolet Cruze (2011–2019)
The Cruze was marketed as a fuel-efficient, city-friendly compact, but it left many Canadians cold, especially during winter starts. Oil leaks, overheating, and head gasket issues plagued the 1.4L turbocharged engine. Transmission problems emerged early in some models, while tech glitches in infotainment systems added daily annoyance. Interior comfort was lacking, and road noise was excessive. Though it sold well initially, the long-term quality didn’t hold up. Canadian drivers learned never to compromise reliability for fuel economy alone.
Jeep Patriot (2007–2017)
Canadians were drawn to the Jeep Patriot for its rugged styling and accessible price, but the reality was a harsh ride and constant issues. The base 2.0L engine felt gutless, and the CVT transmission was prone to failure. Owners complained of water leaks, electrical gremlins, and premature rust in salty winter climates. Interior quality was basic at best, with poor insulation and limited tech; off-road ability didn’t live up to the Jeep name, and highway driving felt unstable.
Ford Focus (2012–2018)
Once a go-to compact for urban drivers, the Ford Focus became a nationwide headache thanks to its PowerShift dual-clutch transmission. The 2.0L engine wasn’t the issue, as the jerky shifting, grinding noises, and sudden stalls earned it scathing reviews. Thousands of Canadians reported multiple transmission replacements, poor resale value, and extended warranty disputes. Interior materials wore out fast, and infotainment systems lagged behind rivals. Despite its stylish design and solid handling, the ownership experience left a bitter taste.
Hyundai Tucson (2011–2015)
The Hyundai Tucson was marketed as a reliable, stylish crossover, but Canadian winters exposed its flaws. The base 2.0L engine lacked torque, especially when climbing hills or towing. The automatic transmission frequently hesitated or downshifted at the worst times. Interior comfort was decent, but early models saw heater core issues, poor windshield defrosting, and rust developing too soon. Drivers also cited frequent suspension problems and expensive out-of-warranty repairs.
Volkswagen Jetta (2011–2016)
While the Jetta once carried a reputation for German engineering, these model years disappointed many Canadian drivers. The 1.4L turbo engine offered solid fuel economy but suffered from turbo lag and oil leaks. DSG automatic transmissions were known to misfire or fail prematurely, especially in colder climates. Inside, the cabin materials felt cheap, and owners noted creaky doors and failing electronics. High parts and labor costs made even minor repairs painful. What seemed like an affordable way into a Euro-style sedan turned into a costly lesson.
Nissan Altima (2013–2018)
The Nissan Altima was once a top choice for midsize comfort, but Canadian drivers learned quickly to be wary, especially of the CVT transmission. The 2.5L engine provided decent power, but the CVT was prone to shuddering, overheating, and even total failure under usual driving conditions. Snowy performance was lackluster, and many found the front-wheel-drive setup ill-equipped for harsh winters. The interior trim felt flimsy, and infotainment updates lagged competitors. Repair bills for transmission issues often exceeded $4,000.
Fiat 500 (2012–2019)
The Fiat 500 brought quirky Italian flair to Canadian roads but also brought an avalanche of mechanical issues. The 1.4L engine was severely underpowered, making highway merging an anxious experience. Transmission failures were common, and the suspension struggled with pothole-filled urban roads. The tiny interior, though cute, lacked storage and comfort, and owners reported electrical failures, heating issues in winter, and low long-term reliability. With steep maintenance costs for a subcompact, most Canadians who tried the 500 have firmly decided it wasn’t worth the “fun-sized” gamble.
Chevrolet Spark (2013–2022)
The Spark was an entry-level hatchback aimed at urban commuters, but Canadians quickly realized “cheap” didn’t mean cheerful. The 1.4L engine barely had enough pep for city traffic, let alone highway travel. The ride was noisy, bumpy, and rough over anything but perfect pavement. Heating and defrost systems struggled in colder provinces, and tech felt dated even when new. Drivers noted premature brake wear, faulty sensors, and inconsistent fuel economy. Though inexpensive upfront, the Spark’s comfort and reliability issues pushed many to swear off the nameplate entirely.
Chrysler 200 (2015–2017)
The Chrysler 200 looked sleek on the outside, but Canadian drivers quickly learned looks weren’t everything. Its base 2.4L engine felt sluggish, while the optional 3.6L V6 was powerful but mated to a clunky 9-speed automatic transmission that frequently misfired and delayed shifts. The interior space was tight, the infotainment system was outdated, and visibility was poor. Winter performance suffered, especially with the front-wheel-drive models. Session and steering issues were commonly reported, and resale values plummeted.
Chevrolet Aveo (2004–2011)
The Chevy Aveo was marketed as a simple and affordable choice, but Canadian drivers quickly discovered it cut corners in all the wrong places. Its 1.6L engine was gutless, the 4-speed automatic felt ancient, and safety ratings were underwhelming. Interior materials were cheap, heating was inconsistent, and road handling was floaty at best. Frequent timing belt failures, brake issues, and undercarriage rust made it a mechanic’s and driver’s nightmare. For budget-conscious Canadians, the Aveo proved that saving money upfront often means paying more later.
Mitsubishi Mirage (2014–2022)
Marketed as Canada’s cheapest new car, the Mirage proved that you often get what you pay for. Its 1.2L 3-cylinder engine was painfully slow, with a 0–100 km/h time nearing 12 seconds, dangerously sluggish on busy highways. Cabin noise, even at city speeds, was relentless. Though fuel-efficient, the ride was jittery, interior plastics flimsy, and the CVT prone to stalling or slipping in colder weather. Drivers also cited braking issues and poor crash test scores.
Dodge Dart (2013–2016)
The Dodge Dart returned with big expectations but quickly fizzled. Powered by a 2.0L, 2.4L, or 1.4L turbo, none delivered particularly well. The turbo model, in particular, was plagued with transmission and turbocharger failures. The Dart also suffered from glitchy electronics, poor interior fit and finish, and uncomfortable seating. Cold-weather starting issues and an absence of AWD made it poorly suited for Canadian winters. Resale values tanked, and Dodge pulled the plug three years after launch.
Jeep Compass (2007–2017)
The first-generation Jeep Compass promised ruggedness in a compact package but delivered cheap plastics, underpowered engines, and unreliable performance. The 2.0L and 2.4L engines were paired with a CVT that frequently failed under stress, particularly in harsh Canadian winters. Handling was vague, and off-road capability was mainly marketing fluff. The interior materials felt like they came from a toy store, road noise was relentless, and suspension issues and premature rust further soured ownership. Many Canadian drivers spent more time in repair shops than on trails, making the Compass a frequent “never again” on used-car forums.
Ford EcoSport (2018–2022)
The Ford EcoSport entered the subcompact SUV market with high hopes but failed to meet expectations in Canada. Its standard 1.0L turbocharged engine was wildly underpowered, and the optional 2.0L engine paired with all-wheel drive still felt strained. The ride was bouncy, and the high center of gravity made cornering unnerving. Owners complained about frequent oil leaks, hard starts in winter, sync system crashes, and rear cargo access was made awkward by a side-swinging door.
Kia Rio (2012–2020)
Affordable and compact, the Kia Rio seemed like a competent urban commuter until the problems piled up. Its 1.6L engine struggled on hills and highways, and early models were plagued with transmission issues, especially in colder climates. Owners reported rough shifting, faulty sensors, and poor rustproofing that caused premature corrosion in salty Canadian winters. The suspension was stiff, making rough roads unbearable, and the cabin offered little sound insulation. Despite its fuel efficiency, many Canadians found themselves at the mechanic more than expected, leading them to swear off this subcompact for good.
Nissan Sentra (2013–2019)
What should’ve been a practical commuter car became a headache for thousands of Canadians. This generation of the Nissan Sentra used a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine paired with a CVT that frequently failed before 100,000 km. Acceleration was sluggish, handling felt loose, and cabin noise was excessive, even at moderate speeds. The interior lacked refinement, and winter traction was subpar, even with snow tires. Mechanics flagged premature brake wear, suspension issues, and expensive transmission replacements recurring problems.
Fiat 500L (2014–2020)
The Fiat 500L offered a quirky Italian design and plenty of headroom, but Canadian drivers quickly found out that charm doesn’t equal reliability. Its 1.4L turbocharged engine felt peppy but suffered from turbo lag and engine hesitation. The 6-speed automatic was rough and unrefined, and mechanical problems ranged from failing electronics to poor cold-weather starts. Interior plastics scratched easily, and infotainment issues were rampant. Parts availability also became problematic after Fiat’s declining presence in North America. What was supposed to be a fun alternative to cookie-cutter crossovers turned into a regretful experiment in poor dependability.
Mini Cooper Countryman (2011–2016)
While its quirky styling turned heads, the Countryman left many Canadians stuck with constant repairs and second thoughts. Its turbocharged 1.6L engine suffered from timing chain issues, carbon buildup, and high oil consumption. The interior, though stylish, was cramped and stiff to see out of, and the electronics were infamously unreliable. Winter drivability was hit-or-miss despite optional AWD. Repairs were expensive, and even minor issues could require specialist attention. Many owners loved the look but couldn’t justify the endless shop visits.
Chevrolet Equinox (2010–2017)
The second-generation Equinox looked good on paper, but owners quickly learned to brace for engine failure. The base 2.4L 4-cylinder suffered severe oil consumption problems, sometimes requiring new engines before 130,000 km. The V6 option had better power but couldn’t escape reliability issues, including faulty timing chains and carbon buildup. Cabin quality was inconsistent, and the infotainment system frequently glitched. Harsh winter conditions only highlighted its poor AWD calibration. What started as a popular crossover choice became a long-term repair nightmare, leaving thousands of Canadians vowing never to return to the badge.
Lincoln MKZ (2013–2020)
Marketed as Ford’s luxury alternative, the Lincoln MKZ disappointed many Canadians with style-over-substance execution. The base 2.0L turbo engine offered decent thrust, but the ride was stiff and unrefined for a premium vehicle. AWD versions handled poorly in icy conditions, and electronic glitches, from frozen touchscreens to faulty adaptive cruise, became common complaints. Leather seats wore faster than expected, and interior noise insulation was surprisingly poor. Transmission hesitation and occasional brake system issues added to the headache.
Mazda CX-7 (2007–2012)
The Mazda CX-7 was sporty in theory, with a turbocharged 2.3L engine, but reality hit hard. That turbo was prone to oil sludge buildup and premature failure, especially in colder climates. Many Canadian owners reported blown turbos, failed timing chains, and catastrophic engine damage before 150,000 km. The fuel economy was poor for a crossover, and winter performance didn’t match that of competitors with more advanced AWD systems. The interior aged poorly, with common issues like cracking dashboards and malfunctioning electronics. What started as an exciting crossover quickly became a cautionary tale about performance without reliability.
Kia Spectra (2000–2009)
The Kia Spectra may have been affordable, but many Canadian drivers ended up paying the price in frustration. Powered by a 2.0L inline-4 engine pushing a modest 138 hp, it lacked excitement and efficiency. Owners frequently reported suspension issues, poor build quality, and premature rust, especially in eastern provinces. The cabin felt outdated even for its time, with brittle plastics and weak climate control. Electrical gremlins plagued early models, and resale value was almost nonexistent.
Pontiac G6 (2005–2010)
Once marketed as GM’s stylish rebirth, the Pontiac G6 became one of the most disappointing midsize sedans for Canadians. With engines ranging from a 2.4L 4-cylinder to a 3.9L V6, the G6 had power but lacked refinement. The automatic transmission often hesitated or failed outright. Interior quality was subpar, dashboard materials cracked easily, and steering system failures were common. Even worse, electrical issues and brake malfunctions haunted many owners. Though it looked promising on the lot, the G6 quickly became one of those cars Canadians warn friends to avoid.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
