Owning a car in Canada is never cheap but some vehicles seem determined to punish their owners with endless and expensive repairs. Harsh winters, salted roads and long commutes only make matters worse. These are the models Canadian drivers complain about most when it comes to repair costs, cars that may look like bargains at first but end up draining bank accounts once the warranty expires.
BMW 7 Series (2002 to 2015)
The flagship BMW is one of the most luxurious sedans on the road but it is also one of the most costly to maintain. Air suspension failures, complex electronics, and transmission problems can each cost thousands to repair. Canadian owners often find themselves spending more per year on upkeep than on fuel.
Audi A8 (2003 to 2018)
The big Audi sedan looks sleek and sophisticated but the reality is expensive headaches. Its air suspension and Quattro drivetrain are complicated systems that fail often and require specialist attention. Electrical gremlins only add to the list of costly complaints from Canadian drivers.
Mercedes Benz S Class (2000 to 2016)
Mercedes builds the S Class to showcase its technology and comfort but all that innovation comes at a price when it starts to age. Suspension components, electronics and auxiliary systems frequently fail and repairs can easily run into the thousands. Canadian owners love the prestige but hate the bills.
Jaguar XF (2008 to 2015)
The Jaguar XF was meant to modernize the brand with sleek looks and sporty driving dynamics but reliability has never been its strong suit. Transmission problems, cooling system failures and electronic issues are well documented. For many Canadians the repair bill ended up being almost as much as the car was worth.
Land Rover Range Rover (2003 to 2016)
The Range Rover is a status symbol across Canada but it has a reputation for being one of the most unreliable SUVs on the road. Suspension faults, air ride failures and complex electrical problems are frequent. Owners often joke that you need a second car just to get to the dealer when your Range Rover is down.
Maserati Quattroporte (2005 to 2015)
The Italian luxury sedan oozes style and offers Ferrari sourced performance but it is infamous for astronomical repair costs. Every part is expensive and few Canadian shops are equipped to deal with its quirks. Even basic services can cost as much as annual running costs on a Toyota.
Volkswagen Touareg (2003 to 2016)
The Touareg was marketed as a premium SUV with German quality but Canadian owners discovered that it shared many of the expensive systems found in Audis and Porsches. Suspension repairs, fuel system issues and electrical problems make it one of the most expensive Volkswagens to own.
Porsche Cayenne (2003 to 2014)
The Cayenne was a game changer for Porsche but it came with equally high repair bills. Cooling system problems, transfer case failures and costly brake jobs are just some of the complaints. Canadian owners often discover that running a Porsche SUV costs the same as running a Porsche sports car.
Chrysler Sebring (2001 to 2010)
The Sebring was supposed to be a budget friendly family car but it turned into a nightmare for many Canadians. Constant electrical faults, failing transmissions and endless minor repairs made it one of the most frustrating cars to own. The low entry price was quickly overshadowed by high repair bills.
Dodge Journey (2009 to 2020)
The Dodge Journey was popular for its affordable price and family friendly design but Canadian owners often paid the price in repairs. Transmission failures, premature brake wear and nagging engine issues made it one of the most complained about SUVs in its class.
Cadillac CTS (2003 to 2014)
The CTS offered American luxury with sporty performance but the reality was less appealing. Timing chain failures in the V6 models were notorious and electrical issues were widespread. Canadians found themselves facing repair costs that rivalled those of German luxury brands.
Infiniti QX56 and QX80 (2004 to 2013)
These large Infiniti SUVs offered comfort and presence but under the surface they carried high running costs. Suspension wear, fuel system faults and transmission troubles were common complaints. Canadian owners learned that parts were much more expensive than expected for what was essentially a dressed up Nissan.
Acura TL (2004 to 2008)
Acura has a reputation for reliability but the TL of this era had a weak spot. Its automatic transmissions were prone to early failure, leaving Canadian drivers with bills running into the thousands. For a brand considered dependable, this generation was a disappointment.
BMW X5 (2000 to 2016)
The BMW X5 was one of the first luxury SUVs to catch on in Canada but it quickly developed a reputation for being costly to keep on the road. Oil leaks, cooling system failures and electrical faults were common. Add in pricey German parts and labor and it was easy to see why owners felt punished.
Mini Cooper S (2007 to 2014)
The Mini Cooper S won hearts with its quirky styling and fun handling but its turbocharged engines were a nightmare for many Canadians. Timing chain failures, carbon buildup and gearbox problems were frequent. Owners joke that Mini stands for massive investment needed immediately.
Nissan Pathfinder (2005 to 2010)
This generation of Pathfinder had one of the most notorious design flaws in recent memory. A radiator defect could allow coolant to leak into the transmission, causing catastrophic damage. Many Canadian owners faced repair bills higher than the car’s value.
Volvo XC90 (2003 to 2014)
, via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain
The first generation XC90 was a stylish family SUV with a focus on safety but it carried huge repair costs once out of warranty. Transmission failures, electrical issues and expensive suspension problems were common. Canadians found the upkeep surprisingly similar to German luxury brands.
Subaru Outback 3.0R and 3.6R (2005 to 2014)
While Subarus enjoy a strong reputation for durability in Canada, the six cylinder Outbacks were notorious for head gasket and timing chain problems. Repairs often ran into several thousand dollars. For Canadian families who thought they were buying a reliable wagon, the bills came as a shock.
Lexus LS 460 (2007 to 2015)
Even Lexus is not immune when technology becomes too complex. The LS 460 offered incredible comfort and refinement but its air suspension and electronic systems were expensive to repair. Canadian owners praised the luxury but admitted that maintenance costs were far higher than expected for a Lexus.
Why Repair Costs Hit Canadians Hard
Canada’s extreme climate makes these expensive repair prone vehicles even more difficult to live with. Cold starts, salted roads and long highway commutes amplify existing weaknesses. Luxury sedans with air suspension, SUVs with complex electronics and cars with fragile drivetrains often turn into money pits north of the border. For Canadians, the lesson is clear: sometimes it is not the sticker price that matters but the cost of keeping the car running once the snow flies.
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