The most captivating or visually appealing car may be the one that frustrates you the most: engine issues, dissatisfying driving experience, high maintenance costs, etc. That said, cheap or affordable cars can cost you more to maintain, so focusing on economy cars is not necessarily the solution. Here is a list of some vehicles you should avoid and why.
2010-2013 Chevrolet Cruze
Introduced in 2008, the Chevrolet Cruze is a handsomely designed compact car that has become popular among people seeking an affordable yet practical small sedan. However, specific models should be avoided, specifically the 2010-2015 ones equipped with turbocharged 1.4-liter engines. This engine is reported to be prone to turbocharger failure. The above-specified models have also had several recalls for issues like steering wheel column detachment, engine misfires, brake power loss, and more.
2007, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
For the most part, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has performed well as a full-size, light-duty truck for domestic or commercial purposes. However, specific model years ought to be avoided. The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model had the most problems, with up to 20 recalls and over 1,400 complaints. This was due to defective air-conditioning systems and infotainment screens, engine cut-off with no fault codes, and steering wheel lock-up.
Mazda RX-8
The Mazda RX-8 is a fun, affordable sports car that costs between $5,000 and $10,000. However, it’s known for its problematic rotary Wankel engine, which starts having problems after 60,000 miles. In addition to delivering lousy fuel economy, it’s known to have start-up problems and is prone to engine failure.
2007-2015 Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue compact crossover SUV is affordable, offers a roomy cabin, and, depending on the model, seats up to seven passengers. However, you should avoid some model years, specifically the 2007-2015 models. These are equipped with a JATCO CVT transmission that tends to fail between 80,000 to 100,000 miles. This transmission is known for problems like stuttering while accelerating, poor shifting response, overheating, and loud whining noises.
2009-2016 Dodge Journey
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles marketed the Dodge Journey as the most affordable midsize crossover SUV. However, over its 12-year production cycle, this crossover has had several issues, especially regarding its 2009-2016 models. These include brake problems that resulted in a class action lawsuit and transmission problems that sparked a massive recall. Other issues reported on carcomplaints.com include engine problems, poor interior accessory quality, and interior water leaks.
2004 to 2010 Ford F150
Ford F-Series trucks remain the best-selling vehicles in the US. They are powerful, capable, and versatile. However, not all models are worth your money. You should avoid the 2004-2010 models as they tend to have cam-phaser or timing-chain-related problems, causing costly engine damage.
2001-2008 BMW 7 Series (E65)
From the start, BMW designed the 7 Series to merge flagship-car-level opulence with considerable performance potential. However, not all came out right. For example, the 4th-generation 7 Series (E65) models were plagued with recurrent jerky gear shifts, downshifting problems, steering wheel vibrations, iDrive system crashes, and rough idling and were prone to engine stalling and failure.
2013-2017 Cadillac XTS
Although the Cadillac XTS full-size luxury sedan is as refined as its established European counterparts, not all models are worth investing in. The years that have seen the most complaints are 2013 -2017. According to Carcomplaints.com, complaints involving CUE system screen delamination and the collapse of the front or rear suspension systems were most prominent. The 2016 models are also reported to have transmission problems.
Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee SUV is renowned for its off-road capability and resilient nature. However, according to Consumer Reports, it doesn’t do so well in the reliability department. Up to 2020, it was recalled a record 75 times. In its 5th-generation models (2014-present), the main problem is its transmission. The 9-speed automatic gearbox has been known to shift roughly into neutral without warning, execute false shifts, or experience total failure.
Dodge Caliber
The Dodge Caliber is a four-door compact hatchback produced between 2007 and 2012. According to Consumer Reports, it features a noisy engine, poor-quality interior materials, and lackluster handling capabilities. Even more concerning is that its owners have complained numerous times about suspension problems. Main complaints include blown suspension struts and poor-quality ball joints and control arms.
2012-2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is a classy luxury crossover SUV with a plush interior and many desirable amenities. However, the Range Rover Evoque doesn’t do well in the reliability department. According to a WhatCar Reliability survey, there have been several recalls for issues like steering, brake, and suspension problems. Also, it may cost up to $17,015 to do maintenance and repairs on this SUV over the first ten years of ownership, which is way more than the industry average.
Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is a British subcompact car with a fun driving experience due to its low center of gravity, petite dimensions, and punchy engine. However, the Mini Cooper’s reliability reputation leaves much to be desired, ranking last on RepairPal’s reliability ratings for subcompact cars. Common Mini Cooper problems include clutch and power steering pump failure.
Chrysler Sebring
The Chrysler Sebring midsize sedan, coupe, or convertible is a car you can get for less than $10,000 today. It is handsomely styled and has plenty of space for you and your family. However, ChryslerProblems.com reported that Sebring owners have recorded 1,536 complaints over this car’s 16-year production cycle.
Chevrolet Cavalier
The Chevrolet Cavalier compact car replaced the Chevrolet Monza in 1982 and was in production until 2005. Owners have complained several times of a dangerous brake wobble when stopping hard. It also received a poor safety rating during its IIHS frontal offset crash tests, meaning passengers risk head, neck, or leg injuries in head-on collisions. According to chevroletproblems.com, owners of this car have made 1,144 complaints over its production cycle.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few vehicles you should avoid when shopping for your next car. Before committing, check the reliability ratings and customer reviews of the vehicles you’re interested in. Lastly, make a point to schedule a test drive; it helps you understand how the car functions so you know what to expect.
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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.
