Mechanics Say We Should All Avoid the Ford and Chevy Models
Not every Ford or Chevy is a smart pick. And some models give more trouble than they’re really worth. Just ask the mechanics who work on them. We’ve made a list of the 20 Ford and Chevy models that mechanics wish you’d avoid. Want to know more? Read on to find out which models to skip entirely.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze
The Cruze was supposed to be a smart, budget-friendly car. But it hides some headaches that drive mechanics insane. Regular complaints include coolant leaks and engine troubles. Add in expensive fixes, and suddenly it’s not the bargain it seems.
2000s Ford Explorer
Ford’s 2000s Explorer promised drivers adventure. Instead, owners found themselves stuck in the repair shop more often than they liked. The car had transmission breakdowns, suspension issues, and electrical gremlins that made it a pain to own and repair when things went wrong. And, boy, do they go wrong.
Chevrolet Aveo
Chevy’s Aveo was a budget-friendly commuter car on paper. In reality, though, it was a money pit. Mechanics had to deal with weak engines, poor build quality, and repairs that popped up way too often. It just wasn’t worth it in the long run.
2012 Ford Focus
The 2012 model of the Ford Focus is infamous for transmission problems. Add in shaky shifting, jerky drives, and pricey fixes, and you’ve got a car that’s a nightmare to own and maintain. Mechanics still groan when they hear the name “Focus.”
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer had size and comfort nailed, but it lacked dependability. It also had engine failures and electrical gremlins. Needless to say, these costly repairs kept mechanics busy. Too many people thought they were buying a trustworthy family SUV and ended up with a car that drained their wallet.
2011 Ford Fiesta
Ford’s Fiesta was cute and compact. And it should’ve been a winner. Instead, its transmission turned it into an absolute disaster. Sudden stalls and constant repairs gave owners plenty of regrets about buying the car in the first place. And mechanics? Well, they hated it.
2007 Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban is one of Chevy’s biggest cars. And yes, it’s super useful. But it comes with big problems. The 2007 models in particular had high oil consumption and transmission failures that were expensive to fix. Owning one was a headache nobody wanted.
Ford EcoSport
The name sounds fun, but the Ford EcoSport often disappoints owners and mechanics. They have underpowered engines and a clunky transmission. Owners expected a sporty, practical car and got a frustrating, wallet-draining disappointment instead. Mechanics usually say your money is better spent on a smaller, more reliable SUV.
Chevrolet Cobalt
The Cobalt made headlines for all the wrong reasons - ignition switch recalls. But beyond that, it also had electrical issues and safety concerns that left drivers worried. Mechanics, too, know that it’s one of those cars that just doesn’t age well.
2005 Ford Escape
The 2005 Ford Escape couldn’t escape its problems. It had transmission failures, engine stumbles, and a number of recalls. It felt like the car spent more time at the mechanic's than on the road. Thankfully, newer Escapes have improved since then.
2010 Chevrolet Malibu
The Malibu looked great. But, under the hood, it was all trouble. Mechanics still roll their eyes when they think of the electrical gremlins, stalling issues, and constant recalls that made it an expensive chore to own. It just wasn’t a great car.
2011 Ford Edge
Not even sleek styling could save the Edge from endless electrical issues. This car had so many issues, starting with the faulty sensors, power loss, and very expensive repairs. Mechanics quickly learned that this model was the one to avoid.
Chevrolet HHR
The HHR tried to look cool, but it had more quirks than charm. Poor reliability, brake problems, and electrical faults made it a regular visitor to the mechanics, and owners got frustrated at the amount of money they had to pay out for repairs.
2000s Ford Taurus
Ford’s Taurus was once a family favorite, but by the 2000s, it had lost its shine. Too many transmission issues hurt its reputation, and it became a money pit for owners who had to deal with costly repairs. Mechanics now warn buyers about the Ford Taurus.
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
You’d think a Chevy truck would be bulletproof. But not the 2014 model of the Silverado 1500. These trucks had transmission failures and electrical issues that made them way too costly to maintain. And mechanics saw plenty of unhappy owners rolling in.
2003 Ford Expedition
Only mechanics know that the 2003 model of the Ford Expedition eats up cash fast. Some of the common problems include transmission failures, electrical glitches, and rust issues. Buyers expected reliability, and got a vehicle that left them stranded instead.
2010 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox sold really well, but many owners now regret buying the 2010 model. The main culprit? Engines that guzzled oil and broke down too often. Add in expensive repairs, and mechanics advise against the Equinox. It’s just way more trouble than it’s worth.
Ford Windstar
The Windstar was supposed to be a family-friendly minivan. Instead, it became infamous for constant transmission failures. There were also rust problems and safety concerns that made it a van that mechanics hated. Families needed reliability, and the Windstar just wasn’t it.
2000s Chevrolet Impala
The 2000s models of the Chevy Impala were plagued by so many electrical issues and poor reliability. Mechanics had to deal with failing components left and right. Sure, the older versions are great, but these models missed the mark entirely.
Ford Freestar
The Freestar was meant to replace the Ford Winstar. But it didn’t fix the problems. It, too, had engine failures, transmission breakdowns, and electrical headaches that made it yet another minivan to avoid. Mechanics know they’re trouble and try to talk people out of buying the Freestar.
