Not every car is celebrated for its reliable engine. These 17 models were plagued with issues, and some had to be recalled due to safety concerns, so it’s best to avoid them when looking for a used vehicle.
Ford Focus (2012–2018)
The Ford Focus is a popular family car known for its practicality and low used prices, but the 2012 to 2018 models have some engine problems. What Car? notes that 2012 and early 2013 models “with the 1.0-litre Ecoboost have been known to leak coolant, which can ultimately lead to engine failure.”
Fiat 500 (2012–2019)
The Fiat 500 is a popular city car known for its charming style but has some reliability issues. It has a notoriously weak acceleration and poor throttle response and usually ranks low on reliability in small cars class surveys.
Jeep Cherokee (2014–2017)
Jeep Cherokee’s fifth generation is known for its transmission problems, which lead to “shuddering and bumping” when coming to a stop. The 2018 model updated the transmission to 850RE, but earlier models struggled with this jerky operation, which led to costly repairs.
Audi A4 (2009–2016)
This range of luxury compact executive cars suffered from excessive oil consumption in models produced between 2009 and 2016. Customers often complained of turbocharger failures that impacted engine efficiency and tensioner problems that led to costly repairs.
Mini Cooper (2007–2012)
The Mini Cooper hatchback is a popular small car that’s great for cities, with a surprising amount of legroom in the front seats. However, owners often complain about the stop-start system failing and stalling the car at junctions. The system has also sometimes been reported to have stopped altogether, forcing owners to pay for costly dealer repairs.
Chevrolet Cruze (2011–2015)
Cruze models produced between 2011 and 2015 are known for their engine problems, particularly the frequent engine light warnings due to sensor failings. Samarins explains that owners note that most of the problems with the Cruze “are related to the engine and include multiple check engine light issues, coolant leaks, as well as oil leaks.”
Hyundai Tucson (2011–2015)
This compact crossover SUV famously appeared in The Walking Dead and is known for its stylish design. However, drivers have reported serious problems with the SUV, as high-mileage units with over 150K miles are susceptible to engine knocking and sudden engine failure.
Volkswagen Jetta (2006–2014)
Jetta models produced between 2006 and 2014 are known for their high oil consumption, which can often be caused by a clogged PCV valve, which is a fairly cheap part to replace. The models are also known for their frequent ignition coil failures that cause misfires.
Subaru Forester (2011–2015)
The 2014 Subaru Forester is known for its significant issues. CoPilot argues that it’s “one of the worst model years” that was “riddled with engine failure, excessive oil consumption, suspension breakdowns, and gearbox problems.”
Chrysler 200 (2014)
The 2014 Chrysler 200 is known for its significant engine problems. Owners have reported that the engine occasionally loses power and shuts off when driving and will loudly vibrate when driving at highway speeds, so it’s best avoided.
BMW 3 Series (2006–2011)
BMW 3 Series coupe models produced from 2006 to 2011 are known for a timing chain problem in their 2.0-litre diesel engines. It was designed to be maintenance-free but frequently snapped unpredictably, which caused catastrophic engine damage to the car.
Dodge Dart (2013–2016)
The rebooted Dodge Dart was an unremarkable sedan that upset fans of the original models. HotCars notes that the failed car suffered from battery failure, which forced some owners “to get a new battery every two years,” engine stalling, excessive oil consumption, and transmission malfunction.
Cadillac ATS (2013–2016)
This compact executive car has several problems, notably premature timing chain wear that forced drivers to pay for costly dealership repairs. Drivers also often complained of its lack of legroom in the back seats, which made it impractical for taller passengers.
Nissan Pathfinder (2013–2016)
The fourth generation of Pathfinder is known for its recurring CVT transmission issues that affect engine performance. HotCars recommends avoiding the midsize SUV, arguing that “Nissan’s early iteration of the CVT transmission is arguably the worst transmission ever built” and that replacing it costs between $3,000 and $8,000.
GMC Acadia (2007–2012)
The 2012 model of this crossover SUV had a power-steering pump that tended to fail, usually when making tight turns. Its engine was also prone to failure, and owners reported shuddering and vibrating after it reached 100,000 miles.
Honda Civic (2001–2005)
The seventh-generation Honda Civic suffers from transmission problems that affect its engine output. Some owners have also experienced frequent radiator failures, leading to engine overheating, so it is best to avoid this generation.
Toyota RAV4 (2001–2005)
The second-generation RAV4 is known for its poor transmission, often leading to sluggish engine response. The engine control module which instructs the transmission is often to blame, and will quickly worsen without repair.
Up Next: 17 Things Most People Forget After Someone Dies
When a person dies, it’s easy for their partner or family members to overlook things while they process shock and grief. Despite the pain of losing a loved family member, it’s important to remember to organize these 17 things to prevent problems later on.
17 Things Most People Forget After Someone Dies
17 Phrases Confident People Use to Stand Up For Themselves
Confidence is a healthy and attractive trait that helps us stand firm in our values and set healthy boundaries. We can always become more confident, and learning the right ways to stand up for yourself is a great way to start. Here are 17 phrases you can use to do so.
17 Phrases Confident People Use to Stand Up For Themselves
20 Signs Someone Is Only Pretending to Care
Whether it’s to avoid hurting your feelings or if it’s part of a more elaborate plan to deceive you for benefits, people pretend for many reasons. The main theme with them, though, is that their actions never match the sugar-coated words that come out of their mouths. So that you don’t fall for someone like this, we’ve compiled 20 signs for you to look out for.