Let’s face it. Sometimes, our cars let us down. Vehicle manufacturers roll out cars that look promising but often don’t live up to the hype. It can suck after spending tens of thousands of dollars or entering a multi-year car loan to develop a case of buyer’s remorse. But it happens all too often.
You Pay Too Much to Choose Too Poorly
Considering how much new and used cars go for these days, you need to know what you’re getting into. Making a buying decision based only on the exterior aesthetics and specs might get you into trouble. Learning from other vehicle owners’ mistakes is one way to make better choices.
Here are 15 vehicles that owners wish they had never purchased.
Chevrolet Bolt
While General Motors’ Chevrolet Bolt gets praise for its affordability and respectable range, it is plagued with problems. The most infamous issue is the Bolt’s battery-related fires — leading to big recalls in 2020 and 2021. The problem stems from lithium-ion batteries made by LG that could short-circuit, overheat, and ignite into flames. In addition to the battery problem, the ride quality, space for rear passengers, and handling are so-so.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai has been on quite a roll with some interesting, well-received electric vehicles. But it has some clunkers, too. Exhibit A is the Hyundai Kona Electric. Unfortunately, battery fires and recalls are part of the EV’s history. The carmaker issued a worldwide recall in 2020 and 2021 to nip the fire risks in the bud by replacing battery packs in affected EVs. However, the battery issues are just the tip of the iceberg. Buyer beware!
Jeep Compass
A compact SUV, the Jeep Compass has some serious issues over various model years. So, if you want to avoid a migraine headache on wheels, steer clear of this SUV. One common issue owners complain about is the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and 9-speed automatic transmissions that can experience herky-jerky shifting and catastrophic failure. Poor engine performance, excessive oil consumption, and electrical system issues are other problems.
Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart is a compact sedan with full-size car problems. Where do we begin? From the transmission to the engine and from the suspension to the brakes, the Dodge Dart is a car many owners wish they had never bought. According to Consumer Reports, around six in 10 buyers say they are not satisfied with the vehicle.
Dodge Grand Caravan
While many families have memories — some fond and some not — of traveling in Dodge Grand Caravans, the minivans are anything but smooth driving. It’s hard to rely on a Dodge Grand Caravan as a family, pet, and thing hauler when transmission failure is a common complaint from owners. But before the transmissions go kaput, they often experience issues like delayed gear engagement, rough shifting, and slipping.
Many owners also complain about electrical system problems and heavy oil consumption. If they could rewind time and have a do-over, they would gladly choose something else.
Nissan Sentra
While there are some good Nissan Sentra model years — that’s the case with most vehicles — some model years were horrific. Stay away from the ones made from 2013 to 2019. They have the infamous CVT that has been a thorn in the side of many Sentra owners.
CVT problems include overheating, jerky acceleration, and shuddering. Among the laundry list of issues is engine stalling. And there have been many recalls related to the vehicle’s airbags, seatbelts, brakes, and more.
Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200, manufactured from 2011 to 2017, has many reliability issues. Owners of the 2015, 2016, and 2017 models find the 9-speed automatic tranny to be especially problematic. That was just for starters since transmission failure was a thing, too. The vehicle also suffers from engine performance problems.
Nissan Altima
Another car that owners wish they had never purchased is the Nissan Altima. The CVT is a problematic transmission with the worst issues raising their ugly heads in the 2013 to 2019 model years. Other problems include the steering, excessive oil consumption, and oil leaks.
Nissan Versa Note
While the Nissan Versa Note is a super-cheap small hatchback, that low price mirrors the quality level. The transmission — a CVT — frustrated Nissan Versa Note owners to no end. So, too, did the anemic acceleration from the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Hyundai Veloster
While the Hyundai Veloster is a cool-looking car with distinctive styling, three doors, and responsive handling, the problems are hard to ignore. Engine issues can lead to catastrophic failure, and the dual-clutch transmission has issues like delayed acceleration, slipping, and jerky shifts. As if that isn’t enough, the Hyundai Veloster also has suspension and steering problems.
Kia Rio
Owners of the Kia Rio also have their fair share of buyer’s remorse. While known for its affordability and efficiency, the vehicle is just as well known for its engine issues. Those include rough idling and misfires — usually because of problems with the spark plugs or ignition coils. Owners complain about the cheap interior quality and comfort issues.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Where do we begin with the Chrysler PT Cruiser? The compact car has a retro style that people love or hate — or is that love to hate? But the looks aren’t the only things wrong with the vehicle.
It also has engine issues galore, ranging from stalling to rough idling, overheating, and head gasket failure. Transmission and electrical problems, among other things, leave owners regretting their buying decision.
Nissan Pathfinder
While the Nissan Pathfinder is a popular SUV, it’s known for having problems that leave owners regretting their buying decisions.
One issue of contention is the CVT — yes, that transmission again. Owners experience things like rough shifting, shuddering, and even overheating. And, to the chagrin of some Nissan Pathfinder owners, sometimes they have to replace the transmission. Engine issues and fuel system problems are other things that frustrate owners.
Nissan Frontier
A mid-size pickup truck, the Nissan Frontier has plenty of problems that leave owners shaking their heads and pounding the dashboard with their fists. The 2005 to 2010 model years are notorious for transmission issues since the radiator leaks coolant into the transmissions. The result of this? Slipping gears, herky-jerky shifting, and transmission failure. Engine and timing chain issues are also things that frustrate owners.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
While the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a popular minivan, it’s also problematic. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain offers fuel efficiency, but is that enough to offset the battery and electrical problems? “No,” according to many owners. Issues include battery drain, inconsistent all-electric range, and battery failure. Other problems include the electric continuous variable transmission. And the list goes on.
Avoid These 15 Vehicles If You Don’t Want a Case of Buyer’s Remorse
Sometimes life is about learning from other people’s mistakes so you don’t have to repeat them. That’s certainly the case with car ownership. The 15 mentioned above are worth skipping unless you want to roll the dice and hope your experience is the opposite of many current owners.
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