Canadians may love a good road trip, but no one enjoys the repair bills afterward, especially when your car is secretly bleeding you dry. While some models look like a bargain up front, they hide a mountain of service headaches caused by blown turbos, failing transmissions, or glitchy electronics. Mechanics nationwide see these repeat offenders far too often and warn that they are the worst for long-term costs. Here are 22 cars that cost Canadians the most in repairs:
BMW X5 (2014–2018)
Luxury has its price, and with the BMW X5, it’s your repair budget. The 3.0L turbocharged inline-six, with 300 hp, and the 4.4L V8, with 445 hp, deliver thrilling performance but bring chronic oil leaks, failing air suspensions, and electronics nightmares. In Canada’s cold climate, the control modules and sensors regularly fail. Each repair typically costs thousands, and parts are not cheap. Owners often face turbo replacements before 100,000 km.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2013–2019)
The Range Rover Sport screams status until you see the repair shop bill. With powerful V6 and V8 engines that deliver 340–518 hp, it is luxurious but infamously unreliable. Canadian drivers battle air suspension failures, infotainment glitches, and coolant leaks. Cold weather wreaks havoc on the electronics, while timing chain issues and transmission failures can cost five figures to fix. Parts must often be ordered from abroad, inflating costs and repair time.
Audi A6 (2012–2018)
The Audi A6 offers a sleek design and strong engines like the 3.0L supercharged V6 and 310 hp, but the repair costs are brutal. Canadians often face carbon buildup, oil leaks, and transmission control module failures, especially in harsh climates. Quattro AWD is a winter asset, but suspension components wear out fast and repairs demand specialist knowledge. Infotainment glitches and electrical gremlins are common. Add the high labor costs, and ownership becomes a financial burden fast.
Dodge Journey (2009–2020)
One of Canada’s most infamous “budget” vehicles, the Dodge Journey comes with a nasty surprise in the form of expensive and frequent repairs. Whether you have the sluggish 2.4L or thirsty 3.6L V6, expect brake jobs every 30,000 km, suspension issues, and constant electrical bugs. The interior electronics often fail in winter, and premature rust is common. Transmission problems start early, and replacement costs can rival the vehicle’s value. Though cheap to buy used, the Journey’s long-term cost turns it into a money pit, and mechanics strongly warn against it.
Ford Explorer (2011–2017)
With available 3.5L V6 and 290 hp and EcoBoost turbocharged engines, the Ford Explorer promises power but often delivers pain. Canadian mechanics routinely see water pump failures buried inside the engine, requiring labor-intensive repairs costing $2,000+. Owners also complain of transmission jerking, exhaust fumes leaking into the cabin, and touchscreen malfunctions in colder temperatures. Even the luxurious trims don’t shield you from hefty repair bills. It’s a family hauler that frequently hauls itself back to the shop, and once it’s out of warranty, the Explorer becomes a financial risk.
Mini Cooper Countryman (2011–2016)
It may look cute, but the Mini Cooper Countryman brings big trouble. The 1.6L turbocharged engine delivers 121–181 hp but suffers from timing chain issues, carbon buildup, and coolant leaks, especially in colder Canadian climates. Repairing oil leaks often means removing the engine, with labor costs spiraling well into the thousands. Add fragile electronics and AWD systems that falter in winter, and it’s a car mechanics dread seeing in the bay. Despite its premium branding, the Countryman frequently flies on roadside assistance calls across Canada.
Chevrolet Equinox (2010–2017)
The Equinox was a Canadian favorite thanks to its price and comfort, but it’s notorious in mechanic circles. The 2.4L four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 hp suffers from excessive oil consumption, leading to engine damage or total failure. Timing chain and PCV system issues are typical. The AWD system is failure-prone in harsh winters, and interior electronics often malfunction. Once out of warranty, the cost of addressing these problems adds up quickly.
Chrysler 200 (2011–2016)
The Chrysler 200 tried to be a sleek mid-size sedan but was infamous for poor reliability. It is powered by a 2.4L four-cylinder that delivers 173 hp or a 3.6L Pentastar V6 that delivers 295 hp, but both versions are plagued with issues, from faulty transmissions to electrical failures. The 9-speed automatic gearbox, in particular, is a frequent and expensive headache. Canadian winters worsen the car’s reliability, as electronics struggle in cold starts. Interior materials wear prematurely, and suspension issues are common.
Nissan Rogue (2013–2018)
One of Canada’s best-selling crossovers also ranks among the worst for long-term costs. The 2.5L engine and 170 hp may be modest, but the Rogue’s Achilles’ heel is its CVT transmission. Owners routinely face complete transmission replacements before 150,000 km, often costing $4,000+. Cold starts and snow-packed commutes don’t help, as overheating issues and software glitches become more frequent. Suspension components wear out early, and interior build quality hasn’t kept up with the competition.
Jeep Cherokee (2014–2019)
Despite its rugged image, the Jeep Cherokee, especially models with the 2.4L Tigershark that delivers 180 hp or the 3.2L V6 that delivers 271 hp, has been a mechanic’s goldmine. The 9-speed automatic transmission is infamous for rough shifting, stalling, and outright failure. Add in persistent electronic gremlins, touchscreen malfunctions, and frequent 4WD system breakdowns in Canadian winters, and it’s easy to see why repair costs escalate quickly. Even oil changes are pricier due to awkward engine layouts.
Ford F-150 (2015–2020)
Canada’s best‑selling truck delivers power from its 2.7L or 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engines that produce 310–375 hp, but that performance comes with hefty repair bills. Mechanics frequently replace turbo systems, fuel pumps, and particulate filters, especially in diesel or 3.5L models. Crew cabs add electrical gremlins, like failing door modules and clogged sensors. Rust around wheel wells and door seams appears quickly in salt‑belt regions. Even simple oil changes are pricier due to complex underbody panels.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011–2016)
A stylish and comfortable SUV, the Grand Cherokee is notorious for transmission and air suspension issues. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8 deliver strong acceleration, but the Quadra-Drive II system often suffers from electrical failures in winter. Solenoids, pumps, or suspension module replacement can cost over $3,000. Add cracked dashboards, cold-weather sensor malfunctions, and differential leaks; you’ve got a giant repair bill. It is prime for highway cruising but terrible for shop budgets.
Dodge Challenger (2008–2020)
The Challenger’s bold muscle image comes at a premium in more ways than fuel costs. With several engine options, from a 5.7L HEMI V8 that delivers 375 hp to the Hellcat supercharged unit that delivers 707 hp, maintenance is expensive. Mechanics often replace ignition coils, spark plugs, and engines with blown seals. Cold starts in Canada wreak havoc on plug wires and exhaust manifold bolts. High-performance brakes and suspension wear quickly, and parts are not cheap. Even cosmetic fixes like widebody components fetch high prices.
Volkswagen Passat (2012–2019)
Once a solid European contender, this Passat generation is infamous in Canadian shops. Drivers deal with DSG transmission mechatronic failures, carbon buildup on direct-injection engines, and failing water pumps. The 1.8T and 2.0T engines deliver 170–210 hp but require costly walnut-blast maintenance and software updates—interior features like power seats and displays often glitch. Rust from winter salt creeps in early on wheel arches. The cost-benefit ratio skews worse than what to pay for luxury comfort when that comfort often means invoice time.
BMW 3 Series (2012–2019)
The 3 Series may drive like a dream, but it is a repair nightmare. Engines range from 2.0L turbo inline-4 with 180 hp to 3.0L inline-6 with 300 hp, yet both suffer oil filter housing leaks, high-pressure fuel pump failures, and carbon buildup. The N20/N55 engines also have timing chain problems. Even the suspension electronics cost more than many cars. Interior keeps its prestige, but parts, especially electronics and aluminum components, dig deep into your account. Mechanics often remind clients that leasing a new model is cheaper than maintaining one past 130,000 km.
Tesla Model S (2012–2022)
The Model S redefined EV luxury and costs to match. While electric motors don’t require oil, mechanics still deal with touchscreen failures, door handles, and air suspension problems, especially in freezing provinces. Battery replacements cost $20,000+, and electronics can glitch mid-winter. Body panels are aluminum and expensive to repair, and even tire wear can grow aggressive due to instant torque. While service intervals are fewer, the big-ticket repairs are still backend bank-breakers.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2014–2019)
Another top-selling truck that eats money in the shop is the Silverado. Its 5.3L V8, which delivers 355 hp, is reliable but can throw lifters and spark plug tube seals. The 6.2L V8 with advanced cylinder shutdown requires expensive repairs when lifters falter. Suspension parts wear fast in rural Canada and infotainment modules glitch. Diesel Duramax models risk injector and turbo failures, and body rust is common. Mechanics say Silverado doesn’t break often, but when it does, it hits hard, often nearing engine overhaul bills of over $6,000.
Acura MDX (2014–2018)
Well-appointed and AWD, the third-gen MDX often clocks big repair bills by 200,000 km. Its 3.5L V6 that produces 290 hp rarely fails, but transmissions need new solenoids, and early models have steering rack leaks. Cabin rattles and electrical failures, like nav system glitches, are standard, and the cold can kill sensors and window regulators. A full-timing belt and water pump service costs north of $2,500. Despite sharp safety and comfort, it isn’t immune to age. Many mechanics recommend skipping older MDXs in favor of Japanese SUVs that age more gracefully.
Subaru WRX (2015–2021)
Subaru’s 2.0L turbo-boxer, which produces 268 hp, often needs engine rebuilds due to ring lands and piston scoring, especially in Canadian winters. The drivetrain eats clutches, rear diffs, and turbochargers. Suspension bushings and steering racks wear early from potholed roads. Cabin fuses, sensors, and CVT software glitches add to the bill. Mechanics advise that frequent repair shop visits excitedly power WRX ownership unless you budget thoroughly.
Honda Civic Si (2012–2015)
The Si brought a sporty attraction, but under the hood, the K-series engine and 205 hp often failed timing chain tensioners, water pumps, and exhaust valves early. Manual gearboxes ignore shift feel but struggle under cold starts. Clutch replacements and dual-mass flywheel services are common at nearly $2,000. Suspension bows wear from icy roads, and brake rotors often warp before 50,000 km. Interior surfaces resist wear, but parts like infotainment head units cost much more than base models.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2014–2019)
The E-Class offers luxury with a side of headaches. Turbocharged engines, 2.0L I4 to 3.0L V6, produce smooth power, but issues like balance shaft failures, cracked plastic intake manifolds, and coil pack failures aren’t uncommon. Air suspension is plush, but repairs can surpass $6,000. Even minor leaks from valve cover gaskets or fuel pressure sensors add up fast. Interior components rust with age, and specialized software resets aren’t cheap. Older models may look pristine, but underneath lies repair costs many Canadians wish they never took on.
Land Rover LR4 (2014–2016)
The LR4 delivers true off-road capability, but Canadian mechanics agree it bleeds money. The 5.0L V8, which delivers 375 hp, is thirsty and prone to leaking gaskets, while air suspension bags crack in cold weather. Transfer cases and differentials fail, needing rebuilds that run into the thousands. Complex electronics mean expensive diagnostics, and part scarcity in Canada delays fixes. Interior trim rattles and HVAC module failures aren’t uncommon.
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
