A vehicle’s reliability and durability are as important as its style, comfort, and performance. Mechanics have immense knowledge about cars that may look good on the surface but tell another story. Their hidden flaws and hefty repairs cause them to mature, earning a reputation for being money pits. From frequency transmission and electric issues to poor engineering, their reasons for failure are shocking. Here are 20 cars that mechanics say they’d never own:
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is a car that mechanics would never own, primarily due to its electrical failures. Numerous problems have been reported regarding the iDrive system, and fixing these malfunctions can cost up to $5,000. While it delivers exceptional performance and smoothness, the air suspension failure can cost up to $3,000 per axle.
Audi A8
The Audi A8 leads with the Quattro all-wheel drive, capable of tackling any terrain. However, the suspension system has not lived up to the mark after 100,000 miles, leading to costly repairs. Due to the complexities of the timing chain in the 4.2L V8 and W12 engines, mechanics avoid the A8, as even minor repairs are costly.
Range Rover
The older version of the Ranger Rover is a complete nightmare, and it is notorious for breakdowns. With a reputation for delivering a luxurious ride and rugged capabilities, it takes a hit with the cooling system. Electrical issues are rampant, too, including random warning lights and malfunctioning air suspension systems after 60,000 miles.
Nissan Altima
Mechanics usually avoid the Nissan Altima due to the nagging issues with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Usually found in the pre-2021 models, the transmissions fail even before reaching 100,000 miles. From delayed acceleration to complete transmission breakdowns, replacements cost up to $4,500.
Jeep Cherokee
Various Jeep Cherokee models suffer from bad transmission programming. The ZF 9-speed automatic is prone to failures and often leads to harsh shifts. Moreover, replacing any issue in the four-wheel drive due to faulty transfer cases requires over $4,000. Maintaining and refueling the 2.4L Tigershark engine is also quite expensive.
Nissan Rogue
The advanced driver assistance suite in the Nissan Rogue is allegedly quite unreliable. With reports of issues in the electrical system and failing power steering racks, the damage costs up to $2,500. Another issue that mechanics report is the unreliable transmission, accusing it of being jerky and slippery.
Ford Escape
Powered by a 1.5L EcoBoost engine, the Ford Escape is infamous for coolant intrusion issues. Mechanics advise against these vehicles, as many have shut down before surpassing even 50,000 miles. The new engine costs around $6,000 to replace, while the battery in the hybrid variant costs $7,000 in case of failure.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a vehicle that mechanics say they would never own. Transmission repairs are frequent, and the transmission costs around $6,000 to replace. The 3.6L V6 engine suffers from timing chain stretch and premature lifter failure, leading to costly repairs.
Jeep Wrangler
An outstanding off-road beast and adventure vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler can tackle any terrain. However, the steering system has issues, including loose steering and drifting, leading to safety concerns. The control arms and ball joints are also prone to damage, wearing out frequently and costing $1,500 to replace.
Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta has a low-reliability score and is not a vehicle that mechanics would ever own. One of the biggest issues with this vehicle is the infotainment system failures, including unresponsive touchscreens and software glitches. These can cost over $1,000 to repair, and faulty compressors and blower motors contribute to its problems.
Nissan Frontier
There are many concerns regarding the transmission and electrical accessories in the Nissan Frontier. It is not a reliable vehicle, and transmission issues can cost up to $3,500 and cause delayed engagement. Additionally, the power windows and infotainment systems are also prone to malfunction.
Volvo XC60 Plug in Hybrid
While the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid excels in terms of fuel economy, the same cannot be said for its reliability. The EV and battery recharging systems are prone to failure and degrade quickly. Replacing or fixing these systems can cost up to $8,000, draining wallets. Mechanics often advise against this model due to these high-cost issues.
Peugeot 207 cc
The Peugeot 207’s production ended in 2018, and mechanics advise against buying older models. The ones on the road have reported catastrophic engine failures, leading to a hefty repair bill. Moreover, issues with the ECU and wiring harnesses result in unpredictable performance and costly repairs.
Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 models with the 9-speed automatic transmission have been criticized for being unreliable. They can fail prematurely, costing hundreds and thousands of dollars to repair. Mechanics also report frequent electrical issues, such as malfunctioning infotainment systems and power window failures.
Fiat 500L
The 2014-2020 models of the Ford 500L are perhaps the least reliable the industry has ever seen. Mechanics avoid this due to its dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is prone to delayed engagement. The turbocharged engine is also prone to overheating, alongside faulty ignition coils, leading to repair bills of over $1,500.
Honda Civic
Hailed as a great city vehicle, the Honda Civic falls short in a few aspects. Some of them include jerky acceleration and failures with the air conditioning systems. A major problem in the 2016-2021 model is the 1.5L turbocharged engine, which has been plagued by oil dilution issues, resulting in mechanics avoiding it.
Dodge Grand Caravan
A popular and efficient minivan, the Dodge Grand Caravan pre-2020 model suffered many issues. For instance, the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which controls many of the van’s electrical functions, has often failed. Other issues include harsh shifts and total transmission failure, which can cost up to $3,500 for repairs.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is praised for its symmetrical all-wheel drive and off-road capabilities. However, the 2.5L Boxer engine is infamous for excessive oil consumption and does not offer good fuel economy. There have also been reports of CVT failures, which can cost up to $6,000 to replace.
Kia Sorento
A 2.4L GDI engine powers the Kia Sorento and is to be avoided due to engine failures. Mechanics would advise against them as they lead to sudden engine seizure and, in some extreme cases, fire. Despite the vehicle being recalled, the engine issues and faulty piston rings are still prevalent.
Mercedes Benz C Class
The older Mercedes Benz C Class variants do not have a good reputation. The pre-2021 models have suffered from premature timing chain wear, which can lead to engine failures. Electrical repairs and faulty tech are also common, requiring specialized mechanics to replace or fix them.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
Electric vehicles are no longer a luxury for the elite—they’re a smart investment for the everyday driver. With manufacturers stepping up to the plate, affordable EVs now deliver on reliability, range, and modern comforts. Here’s a look at 18 economical electric cars engineered to outlast their payment plans.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
