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. Here are 11 such models:
Volvo XC60
Although Volvo is known for its rugged build quality and sturdy cars, they have missed it with this model. The main issue was not engine failure but the gear transmission system. And the issue was not just faced by 10 or 20 customers who bought it. Reports say 85% of those who bought XC90 faced it. They had to change their gear transmission system at least three times since the purchase. The other major issue was the brake systems of this car.
Lincoln Aviator
Even though Aviator provides an upgraded driving experience with a luxurious design and sophisticated cabins, they come at the cost of technical reliability and high performance. Unlike the Volvo XC60, its gear transmission system works well, but other features like climate control, steering, suspension, electronics, paint, trim, and infotainment systems don’t. All of these had to be replaced many times. There have been five recalls on it for seats and seat belt-related issues.
Early 2000s Mercedes Benz S Class
The brand, which is one of the most reputed ones in the luxury category, is also on this list. The early generations of this brand’s W220 generation are known to have faced many reliability issues. The issues range from common problems like dashboard malfunctions, electronic trunk and door locks, and cockpit management, data system failure, to serious issues like compressor failure.
Jaguar XJ
Known for its luxury, elegance, and bold performance with looks, the ‘XJ’ model of Jaguar encountered some real issues. Like the Mercedes, it kept experiencing air suspension failures and added electrical system failure. Plus, the overheating issues of the engine didn’t help its case. While it offered a plush interior with a spirit driving experience, it failed to give real value to customers’ money and forgot about a pleasant after-driving experience.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Cherokee experienced gear transmission system failures, disappointing customers with better expectations from this brand. Most of the complaints were about the constant jerking and hesitation of the car’s gear transmission. There are many more issues in this as per the consumers’ complaints.
Chrysler 200
Chrysler released their Chrysler 200 model in 2010. They wanted to be the talk of the town and leave a mark on peoples’ minds. They managed to do that, but not how they wanted to. Imagine being in a car at high speed, and suddenly the engine goes down. If listening to it sounds horrifying, think about those who experienced it.
Dodge Journey
With its sleek, premium exterior, the Dodge Journey initially lured many with high hopes for top-notch performance. Yet, reality hit hard, leaving disappointed drivers stranded in the middle of the road. Frequent breakdowns, mechanical hiccups, and a lackluster reliability track record tarnished its once-promising image. Despite boasting an affordable price tag and spacious interiors, the Journey’s stalling engines and transmission failures left a sour taste in the mouths of many.
Fiat 500L
Its vibrant, bold, and funky exterior deceived a lot of people. It faced many issues ranging from electrical system failures to the overheating of engines. All the sudden and frequent breakdowns became the nightmares of Fiat 500L’s owners, tarnishing its reputation in the market. Frequent repairs added a dent to customers’ wallets and caused a massive loss in the reputation of Fiat.
Cadillac ATS
Cadillac ATS was a great example of how one lousy car can ruin decades of good reputation. The ATS’s debut was a thunderstorm, with customers flooding in with complaints. The ATS had issues, from transmission failures to electrical glitches and engine woes. These unexpected breakdowns left a stain on Cadillac’s once-shining reputation. Consumers were not just disappointed; they were left questioning whether Cadillac had forgotten how to make quality cars.
Ford Focus
Ford succeeded in catching the attention of car enthusiasts through this model’s exotic interior and minimalist exterior. However, customers were disappointed as it was filled with reliability issues. These included electrical malfunctions and dual-clutch automatic transmission system failures, which led to breakdowns and difficulty moving evenly. Another one was the continuous failure of the gasket.
Jeep Compass
Having another Jeep on the list is quite sad, but let’s accept that just like Grand Cherokee, its fate was also not as good as it expected it to be. Marketed as a symbol of a rugged and versatile aesthetic, Jeep failed to give it an aesthetic of reliability and quality. Even though it produced 158 horsepower, its problems list remained long. In the 2007 model, there were suspension complaints. Other problems included frequent bushing failure, the poor control arm, and regular transmission problems. The ownership experience for Compass owners was terrible.
18 Most Disappointing Cars of the Decade – And Why They Failed
The last decade has seen many novel inventions in the auto industry, including technologies in both the gasoline-powered and electric vehicle spaces. Each has had its triumphs and tribulations, contributing to the industry’s evolution. Some have had the most ambitious beginnings but have been out-maneuvered, whereas others have stopped production for strategic reasons to mobilize other models. Here is a list of the 18 most disappointing cars of the decade. 18 Most Disappointing Cars of the Decade – And Why They Failed
