People love sports utility vehicles for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s their massive size, generous horsepower under the hood, or AWD or 4WD functionality, Americans simply love SUVs.
CarProUSA.com says SUV sales in the U.S. were north of 8 million last year, eclipsing the over 6.8 million sold the previous year. It adds that the global chip crisis was the reason for the lower 2022 total.
They Ain’t All Great
But while the SUV segment is white-hot, it doesn’t mean all SUVs rolling off the assembly lines are worth the hype. Like vehicles in other categories, some SUVs should have perished in the planning stage.
If you’re considering getting an SUV, you’ll want something that lasts. No one has the time or money for a giant lemon on four wheels that spends as much time at the repair shop as on the road.
Some Model Years Are Better Than Others
The following list contains 14 of the worst SUVs ever made. Keep in mind that we’re not condemning entire brands; even the sketchiest brands have good model years. It’s up to you to focus on the good and avoid the bad.
Dodge Journey
If you’re okay with a ” decent ” vehicle, check out the Dodge Journey. CoPilot for Car Shopping says, “Overall, the Dodge Journey is a decent vehicle in reliability. Although there are a few faults with the model, it’s a decent ride if you invest in one of the best years.”
Dodge Journeys experience engine overheating, faulty transmissions, premature brake wear, and other problems. Even if you avoid the especially problematic 2009-2012 models, remember that a good model for the Dodge Journey is just “decent.”
Pontiac Aztek
It’s not often that a car is almost universally dubbed ‘ugly.’ From owners to car reviewers, you won’t find many calling the Pontiac Aztek anything other than an ugly duckling. And, no, there is no dramatic transformation where the ugly duckling becomes a beautiful swan.
While the SUV’s camping package—including a tent—makes it versatile and functional for those who love the great outdoors, the Azteck’s “customer-repelling appearance” is one reason General Motors discontinued the SUV. GM discontinued the Pontiac brand as a whole in 2010.
Hummer H2
The Hummer H2, produced from 2002 to 2009, looks like a giant toy for adults. In addition to offering dismal fuel economy, it’s way too big and unmanageable for most drivers. That’s especially true if you live in the city or suburbs. Have fun trying to navigate the busy streets in a Hummer H2. It’ll be a stressful ordeal for you and other drivers.
Jeep Compass
Jeep Compass SUVs from the 2007 to 2010 model years are worth avoiding at all costs. RepairPal.com, discussing the 2007 model year, says the top problems include the engine failing to start because of a wireless control module error, leaking front struts, and checking engine lights. It’s the sort of SUV that’s hit-and-miss in terms of quality.
Ford Explorer
While the Ford Explorer is a pioneer in the SUV space, it’s had some troublesome model years. In 2005, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety issued a report showing that Ford Explorers manufactured between 1999 and 2002, specifically those with two doors and two-wheel drive, were number four out of 47 SUVs in driver fatalities.
The report adds that the SUVs made nationwide news in 2000 because of 200+ deaths and 700 injuries in the U.S. Apparently, they were rolling over after the treading on their Firestone tires separated. Beware of these model years if you want one.
Dodge Nitro
Some people enjoy their Dodge Nitro SUVs. One 2008 model year owner comments on Edmunds: “I bought my Nitro used and am absolutely in love with it. I’ve owned it for a month now and still can’t wait to get in it and drive.”
But those positive comments are dwarfed by the negative ones. Consumer Reports, for example, says the SUV “has little going for it.” It calls the vehicle’s fit and finish mediocre. And a Reddit commenter says, “Nitros are abysmally poor as far as reliability and build quality. Think Dodge Neon with more hard plastic.”
Land Rover Freelander
If looks were all that mattered, the Land Rover Freelander would be a keeper. But aesthetics alone don’t make for a good car. Unfortunately, the Land Rover Freelander features an unreliable engine under its hood. Owners must dig deep into their wallets because of the high rate of mechanical problems requiring costly repairs.
Suzuki Samurai
If you enjoy life and limb, you might want to avoid the Suzuki Samurai. These small SUVs are capable vehicles, have a distinctive look, and are small enough to be at home in environments ranging from the city to the country. But they’re also unsafe, with above-average rollover risks that have contributed to hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.
Mercury Mountaineer
If you believe the Mercury Mountaineer looks an awful lot like the Ford Explorer, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Think of the Mercury as a rebadged Explorer.
You won’t have trouble finding owners online writing about the benefits of owning and driving an SUV. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues. There are rollover risks to be mindful of, and high maintenance expenses are another thing. Some owners complain about driveability, suspension systems, and braking system issues.
Nissan Rogue
Another SUV you should give a wide berth to is the Nissan Rogue. In 2021, CoPilot for Car Shopping said that the 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021 models were the only recent model years with few complaints. Meanwhile, it advised avoiding the 2008 to 2016 and 2018 model years.
DriveAndReview says the SUV isn’t the most reliable “in its price range.” However, it adds that the vehicle is “reliable enough.” If “reliable enough” is good enough for you, a Roque may be worth buying.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
While the Ford Mustang Mach-E has the aesthetics, it lacks the reliability. MotorPickers says Consumer Reports ranks the vehicle 23 out of 26 EVs for reliability. Meanwhile, CoPilot for Car Shopping says the vehicle gets a 60/100 reliability rating from J.D. Power. So, looks can be deceiving.
Ford Expedition
Early models of the Ford Expedition are worth avoiding. While they offer the size, interior space, and towing and hauling specs you might want, they can also drain your wallet, thanks to a host of problems.
CarComplaints.com says the worst issue is transmission failure with the 2004 model. The 2006 model’s engine has a habit of shutting off when the fail-safe engine light comes on. Unless you get one checked over by a mechanic, you might be better off looking for another full-size SUV.
Volkswagen Touareg
You can add the Volkswagen Touareg as another SUV to be wary about. One source says withclutch.com gives “high-quality used Volkswagen Touaregs have a reliability rating of about 56.05.” It adds that you should avoid the 2007, 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2017 model years.
Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke is another lousy SUV. While noting the quality has improved over recent model years, Lindleys Autocentres adds that “some of the older and higher mileage models can experience more reliability problems, particularly related to the gearbox and engine components.” There are much better SUVs out there.
Beware of These SUVs
If you are in the market for a used SUV, be mindful of the vehicles listed above. Remember, some model years are better than others. Focusing on model years with the fewest problems and getting a mechanic to check out any vehicle before buying it can save you a ton of grief.
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