SUVs have become the preferred means of transportation for many Americans. Their popularity has increased tenfold over the last decade. With that increased demand, car manufacturers have taken it upon themselves to flood the market with SUVs of varying sizes and capabilities. However, only some of the SUVs on the market are worth your money. An SUV may offer value in a particular aspect, e.g., luxury, but may be so poor in other essential elements that it becomes an unwise purchase. This article explores some of the SUVs you might end up regretting buying.
2007-2010 Jeep Compass
Jeep has done well with the Wrangler over the years, but developing a family-friendly mall crawler like the Compass proved a different ball game. The first years of the Jeep Compass saw the most complaints, especially in 2007, with three recalls and countless reports relating to suspension, electrical, engine and fuel system, transmission, and body/paint problems.
2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The famous Jeep Grand Cherokee luxury SUV combines performance, solid off-road capability, and a wealth of premium amenities. However, this SUV has garnered mixed reviews, with some models receiving more complaints than others, specifically 2011 to 2014 models. Owners complained about the SUV’s Totally Integrated Power Module, resulting in failed engine starts. Other problem areas with these models include electrical wiring, engine, and interior accessory issues.
Land Rover Range Rover
Although the Range Rover is among the most desirable full-size luxury SUVs on the market, it’s also ranked among the least reliable. RepairPal has given it a reliability rating of 2.0 out of 5.0 and ranks the Land Rover 31 out of 32 in its car brand reliability survey. The average annual maintenance and repairs cost is $1,258, above the average cost of maintaining a full-size luxury SUV.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a pacesetter in the compact luxury SUV segment in terms of luxury and refinement. Still, like the Range Rover, it is known for its subpar reliability. WhatCar ranks the Discovery Sport close to the bottom of its segment in its reliability survey. The Land Rover Discovery Sport models you should avoid most are the 2015, 2016, and 2017 models.
2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2017 Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada full-size SUV has come a long way since its introduction in 2003. Nissan has kept improving it with each generation. However, specific model years were plagued with complaints of brake and transmission failure, i.e., the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2017 model years.
2020, 2021, and 2022 Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator midsize, three-row luxury SUV was first introduced in 2002 for the 2003 model year and was produced until 2005. After 2005, it went on a hiatus until 2020, when it was reintroduced as a large, premium SUV that shares its platform with the 6th-generation Ford Explorer. Consumer Reports say the 2020 Lincoln Aviator is less reliable than similar SUVs. The same is also true for the 2021 and 2022 models.
2008-2018 Nissan Rogue
With its low starting price of less than $30,000, the Nissan Rogue is an attractive option for people looking for an affordable, practical compact SUV. However, the 2008-2018 models should be avoided as they have had numerous reports of transmission failure. Other problems associated with these models include body/paint problems, engine malfunctioning, seat belt/ airbag problems, fuel system issues, and steering problems.
Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500X offers a fun-to-drive experience topped with European flair for an affordable price. However, according to Endurance Warranty, it is an unreliable vehicle that should be avoided. It has had six recalls related to issues like brake caliper cracks and failure, passive safety feature errors, engine stall, failure to start, and transmission problems.
Hummer H2
Inspired by the military-derived Hummer H1, the Hummer H2 is a massive off-road SUV many Americans covet. Everything about this SUV is excessive: a curb weight of over 6,000 pounds, a GM-sourced small-block LS V8 engine, huge off-road wheels, and more. As a result, Hummer H2 engines are pretty thirsty. Other problems include challenging rearward visibility, a gas cap problem, engine stalling, and a faulty turn signal switch.
2014, 2015, and 2017 Infiniti QX60
The Infiniti QX60 is a 3-row midsize luxury crossover SUV previously known as the Infiniti JX. According to CarComplaints.com, owners of the QX60 complained most about their 2014, 2015, and 2017 models. The main issue was transmission failure, which could cost up to $5,500 to fix. Other common Infiniti QX60 problems include a cracking sunroof, random acceleration due to an ECU malfunction, and a backup camera blind spot.
Pontiac Aztek
The Pontiac Aztek midsize crossover SUV was produced from 2001 to 2005. Although General Motors marketed it as stylish and trendy, designed for young adults with an active lifestyle, it’s considered one of the biggest flops in automotive history. The Aztek’s exterior styling is underwhelming, and it’s plagued with numerous mechanical issues, such as the fracturing of its fuel-tank inlet check valve (ICV), ignition relay contacts contamination, erratic transmission shifting, leaking intake manifold gaskets, a leaking water pump, and more.
2014 – 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander compact crossover SUV has been the brand’s top-selling nameplate. However, the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 models should be avoided. According to Carcomplaints.com, the 2016 models are the worst offenders. They experienced six recalls, numerous incidents of transmission failure, rattling or whining noises under the hood, and body paint problems.
2015-2018 Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade subcompact crossover is a small, retro-style, off-road-ready vehicle that doubles as a great daily driver. However, model years 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 have been riddled with reliability woes. According to Carcomplaints.com, the 2015 models had four recalls and numerous complaints of transmission, electrical, engine, and interior accessory problems.
Always Do Your Research
Before you purchase a new or used SUV, do some research. Use trusted resources like Edmunds, US News & World Report, KBB, and Car and Driver to gain insight. If you’re considering buying an older SUV, thorough research is necessary to ensure the seller has comprehensive service history reports before purchasing. It’s the only way to protect yourself from purchasing a lemon.
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Mark Muhoro is a car enthusiast and writer who loves everything about automobiles. With over 11 years of experience in the automotive industry, Mark has become an expert in how cars work and what makes them special. He writes clear and interesting articles about cars for magazines and websites, making valuable contributions to renowned platforms like Vroom Magazine, Internet Brands, and Contentmotive.
