Have you ever bought a car and later regretted it the day you made the deal? If so, get in line because there are plenty of cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans, crossovers, and other vehicles that give owners panic attacks.
Sometimes, it makes sense to learn from other people’s mistakes so you don’t suffer the same fate. We can become all the wiser just by taking the time to explore the ownership experiences of others. With that said, here are 13 cars that owners wish they never bought.
Jeep Compass
The Jeep name has taken a hit on account of the Jeep Compass. According to CarComplaints.com, the main issue for the SUV is its engine. It adds that the 2007 model has the most complaints and is the worst year for the vehicle due to the low average mileage when issues rear their ugly heads and incur hefty repair expenses.
Owners also complain about control arm issues, TIPM failure, and the CVT transmission overheating. These are hardly the kind of problems that encourage brand loyalty.
Kia Rio
Another vehicle that gives owners headaches is the Kia Rio. CarCompliants.com says the worst issue is the engine. While the 2013 model has more complaints than any other model year, CarCompliants.com says the 2004 model is the worst overall.
Other problems that will drain your bank account include engine seizure, engine failure, and engine knock. The average price to fix these issues is, respectively, $3,200, $5,800, and $6,000. That’s enough to convince many Kia Rio owners they made the wrong decision.
Dodge Dart
Ever been driving on the highway when all of a sudden, your vehicle dies? If you’re the “proud” owner of a 2014 Dodge Dart, you may have had this “exhilarating” experience.
CarComplaints.com says the 2013 model has received the most complaints, making it the worst model year overall. Top problems include the transmission conking out unexpectedly, the engine stalling or dying while the vehicle is on the road, and a fragile suspension system.
Correcting the latter problem commands an average expense of $7,000—enough for a downpayment on a better vehicle.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is a popular SUV with a mostly proud history. Unfortunately, many owners would disagree. CarParts.com says the vehicle develops problems like bad fuel level sensors, a worn-out timing chain guide, and AC complications. It adds that the SUV has a reliability rating of just 3.5/5.0—average at best—from J.D. Power and RepairPal.com.
Meanwhile, CarParts.com shows that the Nissan Pathfinder seems to have lost its way on the reliability front, noting that the worst problem overall is the transmission. CarComplaints.com says the 2005 model year has the most complaints overall, making it the worst year on record. Issues include coolant leaking into the tranny—a problem with the 2005, 2006, and 2007 models. Expect to pay roughly $4,000 to fix it.
Subaru Baja
The Subaru Baja is what you get when you take a Subaru Outback, make it a little bigger, and turn the rear into an open bed. It’s a compact truck—manufactured from 2003 to 2006—that truly drives like a car. That’s the good part. However, reliability is so-so at best.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the most common services for the 2005 Subaru Baja include oil changes, wheel alignments, engine diagnostics for check engine lights, and tire rotations.
Meanwhile, CarComplaints.com says the 2005 model has the most complaints overall. Problems such as power loss, a rough engine at idle, a hard-to-press clutch pedal, and stalling are commonly reported issues.
Dodge Grand Caravan
According to VehicleHistory.com, the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is the opposite of a keeper. It says the minivan can go for 200,000 miles or so. But you’ll have to deal with severe engine and computer problems. While you can get a used minivan from the 2009 model year for a good price, you’ll be throwing good money away because of reliability issues.
CarComplaints.com says the 2008 model year has the most complaints overall, but the 2011 model year takes the top spot for the worst overall. It says the most common problems center around electrical issues. For the 2011 model year, a faulty TIPM is a common issue, while the 2008 model year is prone to premature brake failure.
Nissan Sentra
CarComplaints.com says the transmission is the worst issue for the Nissan Sentra. While the 2013 model year has the most complaints overall, CarComplaints.con says the 2014 model year is even worse. It adds that the most reported issue is a blown head gasket with the 2005 Nissan Sentra.
Nissan Altima
RepairPal.com shows that the Nissan Altima has a trunk full of problems. It adds that top Nissan Altima issues include, but aren’t limited to, the crankshaft and camshaft sensor, catalytic converter, fuel pump, and engine.
CarComplaints.com says engine issues are the main concern for the Nissan Altima. The 2013 model year has the most complaints and is the worst model year overall.
Infiniti QX50
The Infiniti QX50 gets a 78/100 predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power, which means the vehicle is average. But if you want to hold onto a car for a long time, “average” might not cut it. CarComplaints.com says the 2019 model year has the most complaints and is the worst model year overall with issues including engine problems. It adds that premature rotor wear is an issue with the 2015 model year.
Nissan Kicks
Some owners say a Nissan Kicks can kick rocks for all they care. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2019 Nissan Kicks gets the most complaints overall. If you want to avoid transmission issues that cost a small fortune to fix, stay away…very far away. You can bet many owners wish they had.
Chevy Sonic
One source says the Chevy Sonic has serious transmission issues. However, cars from the 2012 to 2015 model years are the worst. In addition to tranny problems, the vehicle experiences hesitant shifting issues, radiator leaks, and more. Meanwhile, CarComplaints.com says the worst issue involves the engine. The 2012 model has the most complaints overall and is the worst model year.
Chrysler 200
It seems like owners have had nothing but complaints about the Chrysler 200. CarComplaints.com says engine problems are a common cause of concern.
As for the worst year for complaints and the worst model year period, the 2015 model year takes the cake. Owners report that the engine stalls or shuts off when they’re on the road or highway—and that’s just one of the issues reported.
Nissan Versa Note
Thinking about getting a Nissan Versa Note? If you value your sanity and financial well-being, give your head a shake. CarComplaints.com says the vehicle has a lot of transmission issues, stating that the 2014 model year is especially problematic.
Only Buy Lemons at the Supermarket
If you want a lemon, get it from a supermarket. You don’t want to bring home a lemon on four wheels. That’ll leave you with a sour taste in your mouth—but not the type you might enjoy from a glass of lemonade.
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