SUVs That Owners Tell Others to Avoid
Are you an enthusiast of SUVs? Well, they might seem like a good and reliable option for off-road driving or even city driving, but not all of them are what they’ve been cracked up to be. Continue reading to uncover 35 popular SUVs that owners say they’d never buy again.
Jeep Compass
At first, many drivers appreciated the Jeep Compass's compact size and rugged appearance, but things soon took a turn for the worse. Drivers frequently complain that the engine seems sluggish and that the transmission performs poorly. The cabin's build quality is also lacking, with shoddy materials and antiquated technology.
Ford EcoSport
For many owners, what appeared to be a good choice for city driving ended up being a frustrating experience. While the engine lacks power and the ride isn't as smooth as it should be, the back door's poor design causes it to swing out sideways - doesn’t sound the safest, does it?
Dodge Journey
Despite its longer lifespan than many anticipated, this SUV didn't get many admirers. The standard engine of the Journey is notably poor, and the interior, which includes the entertainment system, is about ten years behind the times.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The affordability initially drew in buyers, but they soon became disappointed. Disgruntled owners claim that Mitsubishi's Outlander Sport is underpowered and poorly constructed. What’s more, the cabin noise is super annoying.
Chevrolet Trax
Despite being a sensible size for driving in cities, the Chevrolet Trax didn't gain many devoted followers. The engine's weakness makes interstate driving more difficult than it has to be, and the interior is super claustrophobic, particularly in the rear seat.
2021 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue has trouble winning over drivers. The continuously variable transmission, which is infamous for feeling strange and wearing out too soon, was the main source of criticism. There’s no doubt that this car looks good, but literally every other aspect of the car doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Fiat 500X
Due in part to the negative impression it made on early purchasers, this vehicle is now uncommon to see on American roads. Overall, they say the Fiat 500X is small, shaky, and unimpressive. Harsh!
2017 GMC Acadia
Many longtime fans of the GMC Acadia were put off by the 2017 redesign's reduction in size. In other words, customers weren’t a fan of its “glow up”. Many users complained that the overall experience fell short of their expectations and that the build quality was not up to par with the high price tag.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
This SUV demonstrates that having a luxury label does not automatically translate into happiness. The Land Rover Discovery Sport has an excellent appearance, but it quickly accrues repair expenditures for everything from the transmission to the electrical systems.
Jeep Renegade
Although small SUVs can be useful, the Jeep Renegade's usefulness all too frequently gave way to annoyance. Drivers complain about low fuel efficiency, excessive cabin noise, and jerky gear changes.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Owners of early Chevrolet Equinox models were forced to say "never again" due to a number of issues. The most common complaints are engine troubles, with oil consumption issues being the primary concern. Parking is more difficult than anticipated due to the poor rear visibility.
2020 Ford Explorer
A 2020 makeover had lofty goals but failed in a number of crucial areas. Owners who were eager expected more from a well-known SUV brand. Rather, they received a car with numerous flaws, such as fit-and-finish concerns, drivetrain troubles, and mind-boggling tech systems.
Buick Encore
The Buick Encore showed that sometimes less isn't more. Slow acceleration and a small cabin, particularly in the back seat, are among the complaints. Additionally, the ride seems bouncy on rough roads, and reliability evaluations haven't been great.
2022 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona's stiff seats and bumpy ride let it down, despite its eye-catching design. Road noise is another common concern, particularly at higher speeds, and several drivers report that lengthy drives become uncomfortable sooner than anticipated.
Toyota C-HR
In addition to its distinctive appearance, the Toyota C-HR was criticized for its slow engine and difficult-to-use infotainment controls. Additionally, for a car of its size, the cargo room is smaller than anticipated. People also reported having trouble seeing, particularly when backing up - not ideal!
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Performance, strong off-road prowess, and an abundance of first-rate comforts are all combined in the well-known Jeep Grand Cherokee luxury SUV. However, the SUV's Totally Integrated Power Module caused the engine to start to fail - not great!
Land Rover Range Rover
The Range Rover is one of the most sought-after full-size luxury SUVs available, but it is also one of the least dependable. Sure, this car doesn’t have any serious faults, but it does need frequent maintenance for small issues - which breaks your bank!
2017 Nissan Armada
Since its launch in 2003, the Nissan Armada full-size SUV has advanced significantly. With every iteration, Nissan has continued to improve it. Nevertheless, reports of brake and transmission failure were prevalent in certain model years (particularly the 2017 model!).
2022 Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator is a midsize, three-row luxury SUV that was manufactured until 2005. It took a break after 2005 and returned in 2020 as a big, high-end SUV. However, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator is reportedly less dependable than comparable SUVs.
Hummer H2
The Hummer H2 is a huge off-road SUV that many Americans desire, and it was inspired by the military-derived Hummer H1. This SUV has a small-block LS V8 engine from GM and enormous off-road wheels. Hummer H2 engines are, therefore, quite thirsty. A malfunctioning turn signal switch, a gas cap issue, and engine stalling are other issues.
2017 Infiniti QX60
Previously known as the Infiniti JX, the Infiniti QX60 is a three-row midsize luxury crossover SUV. The primary problem was a transmission breakdown that may be fixed for up to $5,500. Ouch! A cracked sunroof, erratic acceleration brought on by an ECU issue, and a backup camera blind spot are some additional typical Infiniti QX60 issues.
Pontiac Aztek
Despite being touted as fashionable and up-to-date and intended for active young adults, it is regarded as one of the worst automobile failures in history. In addition to having a lackluster exterior, the Aztek has a number of mechanical problems, including a leaking water pump.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
The brand's best-selling nameplate has been the Mitsubishi Outlander small crossover SUV. The models from 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 should be avoided, nevertheless. The worst offenders are the 2016 vehicles. Six recalls, many transmission failures, and rattling or whining sounds under the hood were all encountered by them.
Toyota 4Runner
You won't be disappointed with your purchase - the 4Runner is a great vehicle both inside and out. However, the majority of people do not use it off-road, which is a drawback. You are thereby paying for features that you will never use.
Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos is a small SUV with five seats, but customers say it needs costly and frequent repairs. The pricing is reasonable, but is it worth it? After the constant mechanic visits, its low price feels like a bit of a scam.
Jeep Wrangler Gladiator
The Gladiator doesn’t perform as well as its fierce name suggests, as it struggles with electrical problems, transmission issues, and excessive fuel consumption. On top of this, customers say that this SUV is massively overpriced and has awful value.
Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is a "ticking time bomb" due to major engine/transmission issues and a high engine failure rate. However, Hyundai has recently improved its reputation for dependability, so if you're interested in a Tucson, stay away from the 2011–2012 and 2015–2017 model years.
Ford EcoSport
Ford's EcoSport and Escape EcoBoost trims differ noticeably in size, both inside and out (the EcoSport is smaller), yet both SUVs have serious durability and repair problems. The EcoSport is just a dreadful drive, with major engine issues/failures and high repair costs.
Cadillac Escalade
The Escalade consumes gas like no other, is large, heavy, and lacks aerodynamics. This car struggles to carry more than four people, which is outrageous considering its SUV label. You're spending a lot of money on things that you don't actually need.
Lexus LX
There are SUVs that are tens of thousands of dollars less expensive and offer comparable amenities to the LX. Additionally, you avoid the trouble of locating a store that will actually fix it when it breaks. It is foolish to spend more than $100,000 on a car that breaks down every month!
2023 GMC Yukon
The Yukon's enormous immensity is the first thing that strikes you. This enormous size may conjure up ideas of grandeur and luxury, but it's not all that it seems. It's like trying to fit a whale into a fishbowl when you park this enormous machine in a regular parking space.
Chevy Trax
Although it appeared to be a promising small crossover, this car did not live up to the hype. Due to the small engine's limited power, acceleration feels sluggish. Another issue was its small interior.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability-wise, this high-end SUV has been a disappointment. The GLE has experienced problems with assembly quality despite its opulent appearance and cutting-edge technology. Problems are reported by owners as soon as they leave the dealership, suggesting a breakdown in quality control.
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
It's a little crossover that lacks dependability but promises comfort and flair. Although it's not the worst in its class, these problems raise the possibility that the Tiguan puts style above functionality, which is a dangerous move in the cutthroat SUV market.
Kia Sorento
The story of the 2023 Kia Sorento is a quintessential example of unrealized potential. Its dependability problems outweigh its stylish appearance and modern technological features. The lane departure and forward collision warning systems, in particular, have been troublesome.